Apparatus and method for manufacturing a locking ring on a container closure

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a locking ring on a container closure, comprising a stationary cutting knife with a cutting blade extending along a cutting path, the cutting profile of which corresponds to the geometry of a slot to be formed in a side surface of a closure blank between a main part of the closure and the locking ring. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a transport device for transporting the closure blank along the cutting path, wherein the transport device has a support spindle for supporting the side surface of the closure blank such that the side surface rolls on the cutting blade during the cutting operation, wherein the support spindle has a rotatable mounting which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation which is oriented perpendicular to the cutting path. The invention is characterized in that a groove geometry is formed in the support portion of the support spindle opposite the cutting blade during the cutting operation, which corresponds at least to the slot geometry to be formed, wherein the apparatus comprises a synchronization device by means of which the forward feed of the transport device along the cutting path can be synchronized with the rotational movement of the support spindle about the axis of rotation. The invention also relates to a device comprising such an apparatus and a method performed on such a device.

Description

Invention Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing locking rings on the caps of containers, particularly beverage bottles. The invention also relates to an assembly for manufacturing container caps including the apparatus, and a method for manufacturing container caps. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure that when a user purchases a container such as a beverage bottle, the container is still in its original state and has not been opened intentionally or unintentionally before, the cap of such a container is usually equipped with a locking ring. This locking ring is connected to the main part of the cap, which performs the sealing function, via a predetermined break point, such that the predetermined break point is inevitably damaged when the container is opened, and the initial opening of the container can be reliably identified from the outside. To guarantee this securing function, the locking ring is held on the container when the cap is pulled out or unscrewed, at least until the predetermined break point breaks. For this purpose, the container typically has an undercut, for example, in the form of a rolled edge, on the neck where the cap is located in the direction of pull-out, and the locking ring engages from below (i.e., opposite to the opening direction) behind the undercut. As a result, when the cap is removed, the locking ring resists pull-out on the rolled edge of the container, causing the predetermined break point to tear open. For this purpose, an inwardly folded, circumferential, occasionally interrupted rolled edge is usually provided on the locking ring, through which the locking ring engages from behind on the rolled edge of the container. It is also known to provide a thickened portion on the locking ring instead of a rolled edge.

[0003] To prevent the main component from separating during removal from the container, a predetermined break point can be configured to maintain the connection between the main component and the locking ring during removal. In this case, the container opening should be freely accessible during the removal of the main component, which is easily achieved, for example, by appropriately designing the predetermined break point and locking ring. Thus, under intended use, the main component is securely attached to the container by the locking ring. This is beneficial for ecological sustainability, particularly for reducing, for example, plastic waste disposed of in an uncontrolled manner.

[0004] For example, this type of cap is described in US 2016 / 0288961 A1 (MJMaguire). Here, multiple cuts are introduced into the cap blank, which form predetermined fracture points, such that the main part of the cap remains connected to the locking ring by multiple webs when the predetermined fracture points are broken.

[0005] This type of locking ring is typically produced by cutting into the cap blank at a predetermined break point. However, this method is often imprecise, for example, because the folded edges of the locking ring create an inaccurate cut support surface. Furthermore, in cases where the cap blank has deviations, such as damage to the folded edges of the locking ring or other components during cutting, there is a risk that this could potentially compromise the reliability of the resulting cap. Other methods (such as laser cutting) are complex and costly.

[0006] Therefore, in terms of simplicity and reliability, there is a need to manufacture caps with predetermined break points that overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, particularly allowing the manufacture of complex slot geometries with predetermined break points in a reliable and simple manner. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to realize an apparatus and method related to the technical field mentioned at the beginning, which can reliably and cost-effectively manufacture caps having locking rings for containers.

[0008] The achievement of this objective is determined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, an apparatus for manufacturing a locking ring on a cap, particularly a beverage bottle, includes a fixed cutting blade with a cutting edge extending along a cutting section, the cutting edge profile of which corresponds to a slot geometry to be produced in the outer shell of the cap blank, such that the slot geometry is located between the main portion of the cap and the locking ring. The apparatus also includes a conveying device for conveying the cap blank along the cutting section, wherein the conveying device includes a support mandrel for supporting the outer shell of the cap blank, particularly for directly supporting the inner side of the outer shell, so that the outer shell rolls on the cutting blade during the cutting process, wherein the support mandrel has a rotatable mounting via which it is mounted to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the orientation of the cutting section. The invention is characterized in that a groove geometry corresponding at least to the slot geometry to be produced is disposed in a support portion of the support mandrel, which is opposite the cutting blade during the cutting process, wherein the apparatus includes a synchronization device by which the movement of the conveying device along the cutting section is synchronized with the rotational movement of the support mandrel about the rotation axis.

[0009] In this context, a "cutting section" describes a portion of the capping preform's transport path during the cutting process, the transport path being determined by the transport device. This cutting section is situated in a transport plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the supporting mandrel. The transport planes are typically arranged horizontally.

[0010] The term "cutting knife" currently describes an assembly of one or more cutting blades. These blades are typically configured to be elongated. The cutting blade usually has a plate supporting its cutting edge. The cutting edge, when viewed in projection onto the transport plane along the axis of rotation parallel to the supporting spindle, can be straight or curved, and in particular, concave when viewed from the plate.

[0011] "Slot geometry" describes the outline of one or more slot portions. These slot portions will be formed on the cap blank or will exist on the finished cap. The slot geometry has interruptions, thus preserving a connection point between the main portion and the locking ring. This connection point is provided, for example, as a support web or retaining web for separation in the case of complete or partial separation of the main portion from the locking ring at a predetermined break point, and / or as a retaining connection portion for partial separation, i.e., once the main portion has been partially separated, the main portion in the connection portion remains connected to the locking ring.

[0012] In this application, the "cutting edge profile" of the cutting blade generally describes the profile of the cutting edge that typically overlaps with the following two parts: a longitudinal profile describing the cutting edge profile along the cutting section, and a height profile describing the cutting edge profile in a direction perpendicular to the cutting section and parallel to the rotation axis of the support mandrel. For example, in order to create interruptions between the various slot portions of the slot geometry, the longitudinal profile of the cutting blade may be interrupted accordingly. For example, if a serrated profile of the slot geometry is to be created in the outer shell of the cap, the cutting blade has a corresponding serrated height profile. If only a weakened area, i.e., an area in the outer shell of the cap that is not cut through but is not slotted, needs to be created in addition to the slot geometry in the outer shell of the cap blank, a depth profile describing the cutting edge profile in a direction perpendicular to the cutting section and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel may also exist.

[0013] The term "transport installation" describes an apparatus configured such that a capping preform can be conveyed through a cutting edge by a cutting blade for the cutting process, i.e., scoring, of the capping preform's outer shell by a fixed cutting blade. A support mandrel of the transport device typically engages with the interior of the capping preform via a support portion, such that the outer shell of the capping preform is guided from the inside by the support portion against the cutting blade in the instantaneous cutting zone. Here, the support portion of the support mandrel supports the outer shell, particularly in the instantaneous cutting zone, by directly bearing against the inner side of the outer shell. "Bearing directly" here describes that there is direct contact between the support portion of the support mandrel and the inner surface of the outer shell portion, at least in the instantaneous cutting zone (i.e., in the outer shell portion where the cutting process is currently taking place).

[0014] The conveying of the capping preform by the conveying device includes translational motion (forward motion) along the conveying path and rotational motion about a rotational axis that is parallel or coaxial with and partially overlaps with the rotational axis of the support mandrel during this forward motion. The rotational motion of the capping preform is supported or achieved by rotating the support mandrel about a rotational axis defined by a rotatable mounting component. In this way, the shell of the capping preform can roll on the cutting blade while being conveyed along the cutting section.

[0015] The groove geometry according to the invention in the support region of the supporting mandrel corresponds at least to the slot geometry to be produced, i.e., the groove geometry is configured such that it encompasses at least the entire profile of the cutting blade during the complete cutting process. This does not preclude the groove geometry from including additional groove portions beyond the slot geometry defined by the cutting blade or the cutting blade itself, for manufacturing reasons, for example. It should be understood that during the cutting process, the same groove portion may encompass different portions of the cutting blade profile as the supporting mandrel rotates more than one revolution.

[0016] The groove geometry is preferably disposed on the outer shell surface within the support portion of the support mandrel. During the cutting process, particularly in the instantaneous cutting region, the support portion is preferably directly supported on the inner surface of the cap blank's shell, especially via the outer shell surface. Here, the maximum radial outer diameter of the support portion is preferably smaller than the minimum radial inner diameter of the cap blank, so that the cap blank can be easily placed on the support mandrel in the direction of the rotation axis (i.e., also along the longitudinal axis of the support mandrel) and easily removed from the support mandrel again. In this case, due to the smaller diameter, the support portion rolls on the inner surface of the cap blank's shell during the cutting process via its outer shell surface. In this case, the support mandrel rotates more than one revolution about its rotation axis to complete one revolution of the cap blank. In principle, it is also conceivable that the maximum radial outer diameter of the support portion largely corresponds to the minimum radial inner diameter of the cap blank, so that the cap blank can be firmly seated on the support portion of the support mandrel. In this case, one revolution of the support mandrel corresponds to one revolution of the cap blank. The outer shell surface of the support portion can adapt to the contour of the inner surface of the cap blank's shell. Typically, except for the groove geometry which may be configured to be non-rotationally symmetric on the support portion, the outer shell surface of the support portion is configured to be substantially rotationally symmetric about the axis of rotation of the support mandrel.

[0017] According to the invention, the device includes a synchronization mechanism by which the movement of the conveying device along the cutting section is synchronized with the rotational movement of the support mandrel about a rotation axis. In this way, the forward movement of the conveying device and the rotational movement of the support mandrel, particularly in the region of the cutting section, can be coupled to each other, such that the groove geometry of the support mandrel moves past the cutting blade in the instantaneous cutting region to align with the cutting edge profile of the cutting blade; that is, at any given time, a portion of the groove geometry is positioned opposite the cutting edge of the cutting blade in the instantaneous cutting region. The capping blank here is particularly carried by the support region of the support mandrel and also rolls synchronously on the cutting blade; that is, the capping blank is given a corresponding forward movement with corresponding overlapping synchronous rotational movements.

[0018] For example, the synchronization device may include mechanical or electronic coupling. Mechanically, for example, the synchronous coupling of the forward motion of the conveyor and the rotational motion of the supporting spindle can be achieved via a gearbox. Electronically, for example, corresponding synchronous control can be provided for separate drives for the forward motion of the conveyor and the rotational motion of the supporting spindle. For example, open-loop control or closed-loop control, which obtains data about the current position and / or rotational position via sensors and controls the corresponding drives accordingly via open-loop or closed-loop control, is conceivable here.

[0019] The groove geometry configured in the support region offers the advantage that the outer shell of the cap preform is provided with substantially complete support in the instantaneous cutting region during the cutting process. This support only needs to be interrupted in the region of the slot geometry to be produced (i.e., on the circumference of the groove geometry). Simultaneously, the cutting blade or its cutting edge can penetrate the outer shell and engage with the groove geometry in a non-contact manner, i.e., introduced into the groove along a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the support mandrel. In this way, a reliable and well-defined cut is achieved for producing the slot geometry. In particular, there is no risk that areas or components not designed for cutting, such as the cutting blade, the conveying device, especially the support mandrel, or the cap preform, may be damaged despite the presence of a fully penetrating cut.

[0020] Because the housing is directly supported in the cutting area, slot geometry with high cutting accuracy can be produced in a particularly reliable manner. In contrast to existing solutions where the folded portion of the housing used to form the locking ring must also provide support when producing the slot geometry, the cap blank can also be machined without a folded housing.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the resulting slot geometry includes a portion extending at an angle of less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the support mandrel. In other words, this means the slot geometry can include a portion inclined relative to the feed plane or, if desired, perpendicular to the feed plane (i.e., configured parallel to the axis of rotation of the support mandrel). Therefore, the cutting edge of the cutting blade can have a height profile. This height profile includes portions that can rise or fall in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. In this way, complex slot geometries capable of enabling a variety of applications of the device according to the invention can be produced. The angular features of this type of slot geometry have the advantage that, particularly at the ends of the slot portions, tearing or cracking of the slot into other areas of the cap can be prevented or stopped, respectively. Furthermore, due to this type of angular feature, the slot geometry can be guided such that, for example, convex surfaces or widenings for improved support can be implemented in areas with greater stress (e.g., in wide breaks in the slot geometry provided as hinge points).

[0022] However, it is also conceivable that the slot geometry has a simple configuration and only includes a portion set at a 90° angle relative to the axis of rotation, i.e., a straight slot portion parallel to the transport plane.

[0023] The cutting blade is preferably configured relative to the support mandrel such that the cutting edge of the cutting blade engages with the groove geometry of the support mandrel during the cutting process. This ensures that the outer shell of the cap blank is completely cut through without damage to areas or portions of the cutting blade, conveying device, especially the support mandrel, or the cap blank that are not designed for cutting. Alternatively, however, the cutting blade may also be radially held outside the groove during the cutting process, where the groove ensures that minor radial deviations do not cause damage.

[0024] At least in the portion arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the support mandrel, the axial dimension of the groove geometry of the support mandrel advantageously ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 mm, particularly 0.3 to 0.5 mm, in the direction of the axis of rotation. The particularly preferred quality of the groove geometry depends, for example, on the width of the slot geometry in the housing to be configured or the cutting width produced by the cutting blade. Certain tolerances regarding the relative movement of the support mandrel relative to the fixed cutting blade must also be considered. It has been shown that the range of 0.2 to 0.8 mm provides sufficient support for the housing and adequate space for engaging the cutting edge in most applications. However, a smaller range of groove geometry, from 0.3 to 0.5 mm, is preferred, thereby achieving better housing support and thus ultimately a smoother cut. Larger ranges of groove geometry may typically be required in portions extending at an angle of less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the support mandrel, because additional space for engaging the cutting edge of the cutting blade must be achieved through the rotational movement of the support mandrel.

[0025] The cutting blade can be configured to be modular and includes one or more replaceable cutting elements. These one or more replaceable cutting elements complement each other to form a cutting blade. For example, the more worn parts of the cutting blade, such as those that dull faster, can be replaced individually in this way. Similarly, for example, the complex cutting edge profile of the cutting blade can be easily constructed in a modular manner by assembling multiple straight but relatively angled sections of different cutting elements.

[0026] Specifically, the portions having a 90° angle relative to the rotation axis of the supporting spindle and the portions having an angle less than 90° can be provided by different cutting elements. The cutting element preferably also includes all portions of the cutting blade with an inclination angle less than 90°, while the remaining portions are provided by one or more additional cutting elements. In this way, the inclination portions that typically wear out faster can be replaced together. In the case of multiple cutting blades of the cutting blade, the cutting blade can also be provided by different cutting elements or, in each case, include multiple replaceable cutting elements. However, it is also conceivable that the cutting blades(multiple) of the cutting blade are integrally configured, for example, as an integral stamping and bending component on which the cutting edge is disposed.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting blade may have multiple cutting blades. These multiple cutting blades are arranged vertically to each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the supporting mandrel, and particularly at least partially overlap each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the supporting mandrel. Therefore, for example, a multi-layered slot geometry can be easily produced only during one full revolution of the capping blank. In this document, "multi-layered" describes a slot geometry having slot portions disposed at different heights in the direction of the rotation axis of the supporting mandrel.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the slot geometry is determined by rotating the support mandrel at least 1.25 times, and the slot geometry of the support mandrel corresponds to the partial overlap of the slot geometry during the at least 1.25 rotations. Here, the support area of ​​the support mandrel rolls on the inner side of the outer shell during the cutting process, such that the support mandrel of the cap blank preferably completes exactly one full rotation during the 1.25 rotations. In this way, the support portion can have an outer circumference smaller than the inner circumference of the outer shell of the cap blank, thereby allowing the support mandrel to be introduced into or pulled out of the thus simplified closure. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to produce different portions of the slot geometry during more than one rotation, particularly in complex slot geometries, for example, including intersecting slot portions.

[0029] Similarly, it is conceivable that the capping preform itself undergoes more than one full turn for the complete cutting process. It should be understood that the cutting section in the case of multiple turns required for a complete cutting process typically includes a longer transport path portion than in the case of a cutting process requiring only one turn.

[0030] The synchronizing device preferably includes a synchronizing mechanism. This synchronizing mechanism mechanically synchronizes the rotatable mounted shaft supporting the mandrel with the movement of the conveyor along the cutting section. The mechanical synchronizing mechanism typically includes a gearbox. This gearbox couples the shaft (i.e., shaft member or shaft) supporting the mandrel to the forward movement of the conveyor. The gearbox here may, for example, include components that interact in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, such as gears, friction rollers, annular internal teeth, or traction drive mechanisms, such as V-belts / timing belts or chains, etc. A typical design of the gearbox is that there is a positive coupling between the rotational movement of the shaft and the forward movement of the conveyor. The synchronizing mechanism preferably includes a ring fixed relative to the conveyor and having internal teeth. As the conveyor moves, the gear rolls on these internal teeth, at least in the region of the cutting section, interacting with and particularly being fixedly connected to the shaft of the rotatable mounted member supporting the mandrel.

[0031] Of course, the gearbox can also have a coupling device. This coupling device allows the two moving parts to be separated when needed (e.g., during maintenance).

[0032] Similarly, it is conceivable that the synchronization device is electrically implemented, for example, by separate drives correspondingly controlling the forward movement of the conveyor and the rotational movement of the support spindle. For this purpose, the synchronization device preferably includes a first motor for driving the shaft of a rotatable mounting of the support spindle, a second motor for moving the conveyor along the cutting section, i.e., for the forward movement of the conveyor, and a control device for synchronizing the movements of the first and second motors. For example, servo motors, stepper motors, or linear motors, or combinations thereof, through which the desired movement can be achieved, can be used here as motors. The synchronization device may include, for example, separately driven timing belts. The timing belts synchronize the rotational movement of the support spindle with the forward movement of the conveyor via sprockets located on the shaft of the support spindle. Alternatively, for example, each support spindle may also have a separate drive.

[0033] As needed, the synchronization device preferably also includes one or more sensors. These sensors can, for example, monitor or measure the rotational position of the shaft supporting the mandrel and / or the position of the conveying device. The corresponding measurements can be evaluated by the control device, thereby allowing for continuous adjustment of the synchronization. It is also understood that the control device can be designed as a closed-loop control.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device is configured as a turntable, wherein a plurality of support mandrels are preferably arranged along the circumference of the turntable. Here, the cutting blade of the cutting knife preferably extends along the circumference of the turntable. The rotation axis of the turntable is preferably arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the support mandrels, wherein the support mandrels move past the cutting blades when the turntable rotates. The turntable may have two support structures, which are arranged, for example, in a generally parallel manner and perpendicular to the rotation axis and spaced apart from each other, and the support mandrels may be mounted directly or indirectly thereon. For example, the shaft of the support mandrel is rotatably mounted on one of the support structures through one of its end regions. However, the turntable may also be advantageously configured such that the shaft of the support mandrel is mounted on only one side of the turntable. It should be understood that supports or guides for supporting or guiding the capping blanks along the conveying path may exist as part of the turntable itself or as separate, for example, fixed parts. The support surface here is preferably arranged parallel to the conveying plane, at least in the region of the cutting section.

[0035] The present invention also relates to an assembly for manufacturing a container cap. This assembly includes apparatus for manufacturing the locking ring described herein and apparatus for producing an inwardly folded portion of the cap's outer shell. Here, "inwardly folded" describes a folding of the outer shell portion, particularly a portion of the locking ring, in a direction pointing inwards towards the cap.

[0036] Preferably, the device for producing the inwardly folded portion is positioned downstream of the device for manufacturing the locking ring in the processing direction. The cap with the slot geometry produced in the device according to the invention can therefore be supplied to the downstream device for producing the folded portion via, for example, the conveying device of the aforementioned device or via an additional conveying system. In this case, the locking ring, already formed by the slot geometry, is at least partially folded inward, allowing the manufacture of the cap to be completed by folding. Alternatively, the device for producing the inwardly folded portion can also be positioned upstream of the device for manufacturing the locking ring in the processing direction. In this case, the outer shell portion located in the region of the locking ring after the slot geometry is formed can be pre-folded inward. According to the invention, the already folded portion does not affect the cutting process because, in this case, the support mandrel is also directly supported on the inner surface of the outer shell in every case, particularly by its support area in the instantaneous cutting region.

[0037] In both cases, the inwardly folded portion of the locking ring ultimately forms a protrusion surrounding the inner side of the housing and is configured as a ring and optionally interrupted crimp. When placed on a container (e.g., on a bottle neck), the crimp engages from behind the crimp configured on the container and, in the sense of a barb, thus prevents the locking ring from being pulled out. This ensures that the locking ring remains on the container when the main part of the cap is completely or partially separated from it, i.e., the predetermined break point provided by the slot geometry is broken.

[0038] In addition to being formed by the inward folding portion of the locking ring, the protrusion can also be formed by a thickened outer shell portion. In this case, the folding of the outer shell portion can be omitted. However, the slot geometry can be produced in the same way as the variant with rolled edges.

[0039] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a container cap using components as described herein, the method comprising the steps of:

[0040] a) Provide capping blanks;

[0041] b) A locking ring is created by rolling the shell of the capping blank along a fixed cutting blade to create a slot geometry in the shell during the cutting process, wherein the cutting blade extends along the cutting section and the cutting edge profile of the cutting blade corresponds to the slot geometry to be created.

[0042] The outer shell is supported by a support spindle when it rolls, and the support spindle is mounted so that it can rotate about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the orientation of the cut section;

[0043] The groove geometry corresponding to the geometry of the slot to be produced is configured in the support portion of the support mandrel, which is opposite to the cutting blade during the cutting process, and the support mandrel is directly supported on the inner surface of the housing via the support portion in the instantaneous cutting region; and

[0044] The supporting mandrel rotates in sync with the forward movement of the outer shell along the cut section; and

[0045] Before or after creating the locking ring by generating the slot geometry in step b), an inward folding portion of the housing is generated.

[0046] If the inward folding portion is produced before the locking ring is manufactured, post-processing of the already cut cap can be eliminated. If the inward folding portion is produced only after the locking ring is manufactured, the cap blank is in an open state. In the apparatus according to the invention, after the locking ring is manufactured by producing a slot geometry, the cap having the introduced slot geometry is supplied to an apparatus for producing the folding portion. Starting from the cap shell, the locking ring, produced by the generated slot geometry, folds inward in the apparatus to produce the folding portion.

[0047] The non-folding outer shell of the cover is understood here as a shell configured as a single layer in the radial direction, that is, no part of the shell is configured to overlap in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the supporting mandrel.

[0048] Since the support mandrel is directly supported on the inner surface of the housing in the instantaneous cutting zone by the support region according to the invention, the housing is supported by the support mandrel during the cutting process. The support region thus forms a well-defined cutting support surface for producing the slot geometry. The cutting blade can penetrate the housing completely and engage, for example, with the groove geometry without damaging the cap or other components of the support mandrel. Here, the synchronization of the rotational motion with the forward movement of the housing along the cutting section preferably ensures that, in the instantaneous cutting zone at the cutting edge, a portion of the groove geometry is positioned opposite the cutting blade at every moment during the cutting process.

[0049] When the method is performed, the cutting blade, particularly its cutting edge, preferably engages with the groove geometry in the support portion of the support mandrel during the cutting process.

[0050] Other advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention will be derived from the following detailed description and the entire patent claims.

[0051] Brief description of the attached diagram

[0052] In the diagrams used to explain exemplary embodiments:

[0053] Figures 1a-1cA cap with a locking ring for closing the container is shown;

[0054] Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of a support mandrel of a device according to the invention is shown, the support mandrel having a cap blank having a non-folding outer shell;

[0055] Figure 2b A fragment of a cross-sectional view of a support mandrel of a device according to the invention is shown, the support mandrel having a cap blank with a folded outer shell;

[0056] Figure 3 A view showing the geometry of a cutting blade with two cutting blades and a groove supporting the mandrel is shown;

[0057] Figure 4 A partial exterior view of the device according to the invention in the cutting section region is shown, without the cap blank;

[0058] Figure 5 The diagram shows a combined external view and a partial sectional view of the device according to the invention in the cutting section region, without the capping blank;

[0059] Figure 6 A top view is shown, taken along the axis of rotation of the supporting spindle, looking at the circular curved conveying path in the cutting section of the curved cutter.

[0060] Figure 7 An apparatus according to the invention is shown, comprising a conveying device including a turntable and a fixed synchronizing ring; and

[0061] Figure 8 An apparatus according to the invention is shown, which has a conveyor including a turntable and a separately driven synchronous belt.

[0062] In principle, the same parts have the same reference numerals in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figures 1a to 1c A cap 1 for sealing a container is shown. Figure 1a A side view is shown. Figure 1b An oblique view is shown. Figure 1c A cross-section through the main axis A of the cap 1 is shown. Without limiting generality, and for the sake of simplicity, the following reference is made to a bottle with a bottleneck instead of a general container, which can be closed by the cap 1. The corresponding applications in containers of different shapes can then be directly derived.

[0064] The cover 1 includes a circular end side 2 and a housing 3. The housing 3 is generally in the shape of a tubular connector and extends away from the end side 2 to be concentric with the main axis A of the cover 1. The tubular connector-shaped housing 3 terminates at the end side 2 at its longitudinal end in the direction of the main axis A. The end side 2 is configured to be concentric with the housing 3. Except for the slot geometry 6 (see below) present in the housing 3 and the internal threads (not shown) that may be present in the housing 3, the cover 1 is configured to be substantially rotationally symmetric about the main axis A.

[0065] The outer casing 3 can be subdivided into three longitudinal sections 3.1 to 3.3. The outer casing section 3.1, together with the end side 2, forms the main section 4 of the cap 1, which closes the opening of the bottle neck. The main section 4, located inside the outer casing 3, typically has a connecting device, such as an internal thread or a snap-fit ​​device (not shown). This connecting device allows the main section to be secured to the bottle neck by tightening or snapping it in. A longitudinal slot exists on the outer side of the outer casing section 3.1. This longitudinal slot facilitates manual removal of the main section 4 from the bottle neck (e.g., by twisting).

[0066] The outer shell portion 3.3 forms a locking ring 5. When the main portion 4 is removed from the bottle, the locking ring 5 remains on the bottle neck. The outer shell portion 3.3 has a sub-portion 3.3a facing the open end of the outer shell 3. The sub-portion 3.3a is configured to fold into the interior 1.1 of the cap 1. The sub-portion 3.3a in Figure 1a and 1b The image shows the locking ring 5 in its folded state. According to... Figure 1c The cross-section shows that after sub-part 3.3a has been folded inward and formed an inwardly protruding rolled edge. Figure 1a and 1b The cap 1 has an inwardly projecting crimp to engage from the rear with a crimp or notch-shaped undercut configured on the neck of the bottle. A locking ring 5 can be hooked onto the undercut of the neck via the crimp and secured to prevent pull-out.

[0067] Currently, a slot geometry 6 comprising two discontinuous sections, 6.1 and 6.2, is configured between the main portion 4 and the locking ring 5. Slots 6.1 and 6.2 are configured on the housing 3 to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction A. Because the slot geometry 6 is thus configured as two layers, this creates an additional housing portion 5.2. Housing portion 5.2 forms an intermediate ring between the main portion 4 and the locking ring 5. It should be understood that in the case of a single-layer slot geometry 6, housing portion 5.2 and therefore the intermediate ring are omitted, i.e., only slot 6.1 should exist. The slot geometry 6 is generated by the device according to the invention and at least partially serves as a predetermined break point. This predetermined break point is used to completely or partially separate the main portion 4 from the locking ring 5 when the main portion 4 is initially removed from the bottleneck.

[0068] Figure 1aThe developed slot geometry 6 is shown in an overlay manner to better visualize its outline. Figure 1b The slot geometry 6 is shown because the slot geometry 6 is configured on the cap 1.

[0069] The slot 6.1 defines the main portion 4 in the longitudinal direction A and is configured to completely surround it, except for the wide interruption 6.1a. The wide interruption 6.1a forms a connection point between the intermediate ring formed by the outer shell portion 3.2 and the main portion 4. This connection point does not provide for separation when the main portion 4 is removed. Another profile of the slot 6.1 has a plurality of narrow interruptions 6.1b, which respectively provide retaining webs or supporting webs between the main portion 4 and the intermediate ring formed by the outer shell portion 3.2. The retaining webs or supporting webs respectively form predetermined break points. These break points are provided for separation, i.e., breakage, when the main portion 4 is initially removed from the bottleneck. The slot 6.1 is inclined toward the end side 2 at the end pointing toward the interruption 6.1a, i.e., having an end 6.1c with an angle of less than 90° relative to direction A.

[0070] The slot 6.2 only partially surrounds the outer casing 3 and has a wide interruption 6.2a. The wide interruption 6.2a is in Figure 1a The part is positioned opposite the interruption portion 6.1a of the cover 1 (i.e., relative to the longitudinal axis A, opposite to the interruption portion 6.1a). Figure 1c The term "6.2a" indicates the side behind the outer casing portion 3.3a. A wide interruption 6.2a forms a connection point between the intermediate ring and the locking ring 5 formed by the outer casing portion 3.2. This connection point is not used for separation when the main portion 4 is removed. Another profile of the slot 6.2 has a plurality of narrow interruptions 6.2b, which respectively provide retaining or supporting webs that act as predetermined break points between the intermediate ring and the locking ring 5 formed by the outer casing portion 3.2. The slot 6.2 in the region of the interruption 6.1a of the first slot 6.1 has a convex surface 6.2c. The convex surface 6.2c faces away from the main portion 4 and consists of a portion offset to be parallel to the main profile of the slot 6.2 in the direction A, and two connecting portions inclined relative to A. Except for the interruptions 6.2b, the slot 6.2 including the convex surface 6.2c is configured to be continuous.

[0071] After the initial removal of the main part 4, i.e., when the retaining or supporting webs 6.1b and 6.2b have been separated or broken, the main part 4, passing through the intermediate ring formed by the outer shell part 3.2, is thus held connected to the locking ring 5 by the connection point formed by the wide interruption 6.1a of slot 6.1 and the wide interruption 6.2a of slot 6.2. The main part 4, the intermediate ring, and the locking ring 5 can therefore be pulled apart in a zigzag manner after the initial removal, with the connection point formed by the wide interruptions 6.1a and 6.2a serving as a hinged connection between the components. This makes the main part 4 of the cap 1 easy to disassemble and replace, and maintains a captured connection with the locking ring 5 anchored to the bottleneck via the intermediate ring. Furthermore, it ensures that the initial opening of the container (i.e., the initial removal of the main part 4) can be directly identifiable by the consumer.

[0072] Figure 2a The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the supporting mandrel 12 of the conveying device 11 of the apparatus 10 according to the invention during the cutting process. The cap blank 1A, which is manufactured from the cap 1, is introduced by the apparatus 10 through a slot geometry 6 having slots 6.1 and 6.2. Figure 2a The diagram shows the cutting section S of the device 10, supported by a mandrel 12 (see, for example, see...). Figure 3 The fixed cutting blade 13 is conveyed along the conveying path in the region of the ) and the support mandrel 12 is engaged in the interior 1.1 of the cap blank 1A through the support region 12.1.

[0073] The maximum radial diameter d of the support mandrel 12 in support region 12.1 is smaller than the maximum radial diameter D of the axial end opening of the cap blank 1A. Currently, the end opening is defined by the non-folded sub-section 3.3a of the outer shell section 3.3. In this way, it is ensured that the support mandrel 12 in the loading area (not shown) of the device 10 can be easily introduced into the interior 1.1. In the loading area, the cap blank 1A is obtained by the conveying device 11. Similarly, the support mandrel 12 can again be easily removed from the interior 1.1 to remove the completed cap 1 in the removal area (not shown). Due to the smaller diameter d, the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12 and the main axis A of the cap blank 1A are offset from each other, i.e., not set to be coaxial.

[0074] The support region 12.1 has a cylindrical portion 12.2. The support mandrel 12, located in the instantaneous cutting region at the cutting blade 13, is directly supported by the cylindrical portion 12.2 on the inner side of the outer shell 3 of the cap blank 1A, specifically within the outer shell portion 3.2. The support mandrel 12 is mounted on the turntable 14 of the device 10 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis B (see, for example, see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7The turntable 14 ensures forward movement along the conveying path T, while the rotation of the support spindle 12 or the support portion 12.1 about the rotation axis B facilitates the superimposed rotation of the cap blank 1A. As the support spindle 12 rotates about the rotation axis B, the support portion 12.1 rolls on the inside of the housing 3. The instantaneous conveying path T, at least in the region of the cutting section S, is arranged substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis B and... Figure 2a The diagram shows the cap blank 1A perpendicular to the drawing plane. The longitudinal axis A of the cap blank 1A is set parallel to the rotation axis B of the support spindle 12. The support surface 16 supports the cap blank 1A at the end side 2 and prevents the cap blank 1A from sliding in direction B. The locking ring 5 of the cap blank 1A is not folded during the cutting process, that is, the sub-part 3.3a of the outer shell part 3.3 is not folded into the interior 1.1 of the cap blank 1A, but extends from the end side 2 pointing towards direction A.

[0075] A fixed cutting blade 13 is mounted on a retaining structure 15 of the device 10. The retaining structure 15 is fixed relative to the turntable 14, such that the cutting blade 13.2 of the cutting blade 13 in the housing 3 region extends into the conveying path of the capping blank 1A. The contact surface 15.1 of the retaining structure 15 is used to support the capping blank 1A on the outside of the housing portion 3.1 (see also...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The support is oriented laterally, that is, perpendicular to the rotation direction B.

[0076] Currently, the groove geometry 7, comprising two groove portions 7.1 and 7.2, is configured in the support region 12.1 on the cylindrical portion 12.2. The groove geometry 7 (i.e., the groove portions 7.1 and 7.2) is configured and arranged such that the cutting edge portion of the cutting blade 13.1 or 13.2 located in the instantaneous cutting area in each case (see also...) Figure 4 or Figure 5 The cutting blade 13.1 or 13.2 in the instantaneous cutting area penetrates the housing 3, particularly the housing area 3.2, and respectively creates partial portions of slots 6.1 and 6.2 of the slot geometry 6 of the cover 1.

[0077] Figure 2b A partial view of device 10', which substantially corresponds to device 10, is shown. However, unlike device 10, device 10' is provided for cutting cap blank 1A'. Cap blank 1A' has a sub-part 3.3a' of the outer shell portion 3.3' of the outer shell 3' which has been folded inward before the cutting process. The cylindrical portion 12.2' of the support mandrel 12' directly supports the inner side of the outer shell 3' of the cap blank 1A'. Here, the support region 12.1' of the support mandrel 12' of device 10' is configured such that there is space to accommodate the folded sub-part 3.3a'. Furthermore, Figure 2bThe device 10' in the diagram is located in the region of the cutting section S, wherein, in the instantaneous cutting region, portions of the two cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 simultaneously protrude into the groove portions 7.1' and 7.2' of the supporting mandrel 12' in each case. The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 simultaneously penetrate this instantaneous cutting region along with the outer shell portion 3.2' of the outer shell 3' of the capping blank 1A'.

[0078] Figure 3 The upper region shows a schematic diagram of a cutting blade 13 with two cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2, and the lower region shows a schematic diagram of the corresponding groove geometry 7 of a support mandrel 12 with groove portions 7.1 and 7.2. Here, the height profiles of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 correspond to... Figure 1a The diagram shows the superimposed arrangement of slots 6.1 and 6.2. The main directions of cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 are arranged along the direction of the conveying path T, and their total length defines the cutting section S. The main directions of cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 are arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis B of the support spindle 12. Cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 are stacked on top of each other in the B direction and partially overlap in their projection along the rotation axis B.

[0079] The lower cutting blade 13.1 comprises two parts separated by a wide interruption 13.1a. Each of these parts has a plurality of narrow interruptions 13.1b. The portion 13.1c1, which is angled at the end and inclined relative to direction B (i.e., having an angle β < 90°), is configured to face the wide interruption 13.1. The length dimension of the cutting blade 13.1 in the main direction along the conveying path T is determined such that the length corresponds at least to the length of the outer circumference of the outer shell 3 of the cap blank 1A. The slot 6.1 is created by the cutting blade 13.1, wherein after one revolution of the cap blank 1A, the slot regions created by the end regions 13.1d and 13.1e are adjacent to or slightly overlap each other. The cut 6.1 created by the cutting blade 13.1 is thus configured to be continuous at the outer end opposite to the wide interruption 6.1a. The wide interruption 13.1a of the cutting blade 13.1 creates the interruption 6.1a of the slot 6.1, while the narrow interruption 13.1b creates the narrow interruption 6.1b.

[0080] The cutting blade 13.2 in the conveying direction T is positioned centered above the cutting blade 13.1. The cutting blade 13.2 in the region of the wide interruption 13.1a has a convex surface 13.2c in the direction of the rotation axis B. The convex surface 13.2c is assembled from three cutting edge portions 13.2c1 and 13.2c2. The cutting edge portion 13.2c1 is inclined relative to direction B, i.e., has an angle α < 90°. The cutting edge portion 13.2c2, extending perpendicularly to direction B, is disposed between the inclined cutting edge portions 13.2c1. The convex surface 13.2c creates the convex surface 6.2a of the slot 6.2. The cutting blade 13.2 outside the convex surface 13.2c has multiple narrow interruptions 13.2b. These narrow interruptions 13.2b create interruptions 6.2b in the slot 6.2.

[0081] The cutting blade 13.2 is configured to be shorter than the cutting blade 13.1, thus covering only a portion of the outer periphery of the cap blank 1A. The wide interruption 6.2a of the slot 6.2 is therefore created due to the portion 13.2a along S without a cutting edge.

[0082] Figure 3 The lower half shows the corresponding recessed portions 7.1 and 7.2 of the support mandrel 12. The recessed portions 7.1 and 7.2 are configured in the support region 12.1, and in particular in the cylindrical housing portion 12.2. Figure 3 The view shown here depicts the cylindrical outer shell portion 12.2 rolling on an imaginary plane. The length of the circumference U of the cylindrical outer shell portion 12.2 is shorter than the cutting section S. The cutting section S now substantially corresponds to the length of the outer circumference of the outer shell 3 of the cap blank 1A. During one complete rotation of the cap blank 1A, the support mandrel 12 therefore performs more than one rotation around the rotation axis B of the cap blank 1A. During the complete rotation of the support mandrel 12, the cutting blade 13.1 is therefore only partially covered by the groove portion 7.1. Therefore, during the previous or subsequent rotation of the support mandrel 12, the end regions 13.1d and 13.1e of the cutting blade 13.1, which are arranged perpendicular to the rotation direction B, are therefore also covered by the groove portion 7.1, which is also arranged perpendicular to the rotation direction B (by...). Figure 3 The end regions 7.1e and 7.1d (represented by the dashed lines in the text) are covered.

[0083] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows an external view of the device 10 according to the invention in the region of the cutting section S. Figure 4 ) and partial sectional views ( Figure 5The combined external view of the conveying device 10 shows the blank 1A without the cap. The support spindle 12 of the conveying device 10 moves in a translational manner (forward movement V) along the conveying direction T. Simultaneously, the support spindle 12 rotates about its axis of rotation B via the support region 12.1, causing the groove geometry 7 in the cylindrical outer shell surface 12.2 of the support region 12.1 to roll through the groove portions 7.1 and 7.2 to align with the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 of the cutting blade 13. The groove geometry 7 here has a profile that covers the cutting edge profile on the circumference of the support region 12.1 during more than one rotation of the support spindle 12 (see also, for example, the profile of the cutting edge on the circumference of the support region 12.1). Figure 3 The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 in the instantaneous cutting area engage in the groove portions 7.1 and 7.2, respectively (see also, for example, the...). Figure 5 ).

[0084] The contact surface 15.1 has teeth. These teeth interact with the longitudinal slots on the outer side of the outer casing portion 3.1, causing the cap blank 1A to rotate together with the support mandrel 12 in the forward motion V along the conveying direction. The teeth of the contact surface 15.1 thus function as internal teeth. The longitudinal slots mesh with these internal teeth in a gear-like manner. The spacing between the support mandrel 12 and the contact surface 15.1, as well as with the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2, is determined such that the cap blank 1A can be positioned or engaged between the support region 12.1 and the contact surface 15.1 and the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2. Figure 5 As can be seen, the conveying path T is curved, at least in the region of the cutting section S, preferably curved in a circular manner. The cutting blades 13 (i.e., in particular the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2) are correspondingly curved and follow the contour of the conveying path T.

[0085] The cutting blade 13 can be a modular structure and particularly features an easily replaceable cutting edge module 13.3. Inclined portions 13.1c1 and 13.2c1 are located within the cutting edge module 13.3. Because these portions experience greater wear, it is advantageous that at least this area is designed to be individually replaceable.

[0086] Figure 6 A schematic top view of the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12 along a conveying path T that is curved in a circular manner is shown. The cutter 13, or its cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2, are respectively curved to correspond to the conveying path T, such that the support mandrel 12 moves along the conveying device 10 along its path of motion at a constant distance from the cutter 13 during the forward movement V of the conveying device 10. Simultaneously, the support mandrel 12 rotates about its rotation axis B with a rotational movement R. The conveying path T in the region of the cutter 13 defines the cutting section S.

[0087] Figure 7A schematic diagram of a device 10 according to the present invention is shown. Device 10 has a conveying device 11 including a turntable 14 and a supporting spindle 12. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the support spindle 12 is mounted on the turntable 14 (shown by dashed lines). The turntable 14 shown here is only schematic and may include one or more support structures. The support spindle 12 is mounted on one or more counter-bearings 14.1 on the one or more support structures, thereby allowing it to rotate relative to the turntable 14 about the rotation axis B. However, the support spindle 12 may also have, for example, a housing. A rotatable mounting is disposed in the housing, and the housing is fixedly anchored to the turntable 14.

[0088] A turntable 14 is mounted on a fixed retaining structure (not shown) of device 10 so that it can rotate about a rotation axis C. The rotational motion r of the turntable 14 about the rotation axis C determines the forward movement V of the support spindle 12 of the conveying device 11 along the conveying path T. In an embodiment of device 10 with a turntable 14, the conveying path T is therefore circular. It is understood that multiple support spindles 12 can be arranged circumferentially and thus rotatably mounted on the turntable 14, the support spindles 12 simultaneously moving along the conveying path T and sequentially passing through the cutting section S.

[0089] Gear 12.4 is fixedly mounted coaxially with the rotating shaft B on the shaft member 12.3 supporting the spindle 12. The shaft member 12.3 is configured to be coaxial with the rotating shaft B. Gear 12.4 rolls on the internal teeth 17.1 of a ring 17 fixed relative to the turntable 14. In this way, the rotational motion R of the supporting spindle 12 can be synchronized with the forward motion V determined by the rotational motion of the turntable 14. Here, the rotational motions R and r have opposite directions of rotation. In a suitable configuration of the teeth, the synchronization can be selected such that the outer shell surface 12.2 of the supporting spindle 12, including the groove geometry 7, rolls accurately on the cutting blade 13, such that the cutting edges of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 in the instantaneous cutting area can be respectively positioned in the groove portions 7.1 and 7.2. Gear 12.4, together with ring 17, forms a component of the synchronization device of the easily configurable device 10. In the case of multiple support spindles 12, the gears 12.4 of all support spindles 12 can roll on the same ring 17, such that the ring 17 couples the rotational motion R of the support spindles 12 about their respective rotation axes B.

[0090] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of device 10 is shown, wherein the support spindle 12 or turntable 14 ( Figure 8The synchronization of the rotational movements R and r (not shown) is achieved by separate drives 18. Drives 18 drive a timing belt 19. The timing belt 19 extends through sprockets 12.5 of a plurality of support spindles 12. These support spindles 12 are mounted on a turntable 14 and are rotatable about a local axis of rotation B. The timing belt 19 extends externally through the sprockets 12.5 in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the rotational movement r of the turntable 14, causing the support spindles 12 to rotate about their respective axes of rotation B in a direction opposite to r. Thus, the timing belt 19 couples the rotational movements of all support spindles 12 about their respective axes of rotation B and rotates them together with the turntable 14. The independent synchronization of the rotational movements R of the support spindles 12 with the forward movement V of the conveyor 11 can be achieved by controlling the drives 18.

[0091] In summary, it can be seen that the device according to the invention enables the manufacture of caps with locking rings for containers in a particularly reliable and cost-effective manner, wherein complex slot geometry is produced to create a predetermined break point between the main part and the locking ring.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a locking ring on a container cap, comprising: a) A fixed cutting blade having a cutting blade extending along a cutting section, and the profile of the cutting edge of the cutting blade corresponding to a slot geometry to be produced in the outer shell of the cap blank, such that the slot geometry is located between the main part of the cap and the locking ring; b) A conveying device for conveying the capping blank along the cutting section, wherein the conveying device includes the housing for supporting the capping blank, and in particular a support mandrel for directly supporting the inner side of the housing so that the housing rolls on the cutting blade during the cutting process, wherein the support mandrel has a rotatable mounting, the support mandrel being mounted by the rotatable mounting to rotate about a rotation axis perpendicular to the orientation of the cutting section; Wherein, c) the equipment further includes a synchronization device, through which the forward movement of the conveying device along the cutting section can be synchronized with the rotational movement of the support mandrel around the rotating axis; d) The slot geometry includes multiple portions extending at an angle of less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the supporting mandrel; e) The slot geometry has an interruption and includes a plurality of straight sections that are inclined relative to each other; f) The support portion of the support mandrel is interrupted only in the region of the slot geometry to be produced by forming a groove geometry corresponding to the slot geometry to be produced. The support portion is opposite to the cutting blade during the cutting process, such that the groove geometry of the support mandrel moves through the cutting blade in the instantaneous cutting region to conform to the profile of the cutting edge of the cutting blade. The groove geometry includes a plurality of straight sections inclined relative to each other, the straight sections including portions extending at an angle of less than 90° relative to the rotation axis of the support mandrel, such that at any given time during the cutting process, portions of the groove geometry are opposite to the cutting blade in the instantaneous cutting region of the cutting edge. At least in the portion arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel, the axial dimension of the groove geometry of the support mandrel in the direction of the rotation axis ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 mm; The axial dimension of the groove geometry is greater in the portion extending at an angle of less than 90° relative to the rotation axis of the support mandrel than in the portion perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting blade is configured relative to the support mandrel such that the cutting blade engages with the groove geometry of the support mandrel during the cutting process.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least in the portion arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel, the axial dimension of the groove geometry of the support mandrel in the direction of the rotation axis ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 mm.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting blade is configured to be modular and includes multiple replaceable cutting elements that complement each other to form the cutting blade.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting blade has a plurality of cutting blades arranged vertically to each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the support mandrel, and particularly at least partially overlapping each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the support mandrel.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot geometry is determined by rotating the support mandrel at least 1.25 times around the axis of rotation of the support mandrel, and the groove geometry of the support mandrel corresponds to a partial overlap of the slot geometry during the period of the at least 1.25 rotations.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The synchronization device includes a synchronization mechanism that mechanically synchronizes the axis of the rotatable mounting of the supporting mandrel with the movement of the conveying device along the cutting section.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The synchronization device includes a first motor for driving the shaft of the rotatable mounting of the support mandrel, a second motor for moving the conveying device along the cutting section, and a control device for synchronizing the movement of the first motor and the second motor.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying device is configured as a turntable, wherein a plurality of support spindles are arranged along the circumference of the turntable, and the cutting blade of the cutting knife extends along the circumference of the turntable.

10. An assembly for manufacturing a container cap, comprising: a) The apparatus for manufacturing a lock ring according to claim 1; b) A device for producing the inwardly folded portion of the outer casing of the cover.

11. The component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device for producing the inwardly folded portion of the outer shell of the cap is positioned downstream of the device for manufacturing the locking ring in the processing direction.

12. A method for manufacturing a container cap, comprising the following steps: a) Provide capping blanks; b) A locking ring is manufactured by rolling the outer shell of the cap blank along a fixed cutting blade to create a slot geometry in the shell during the cutting process, the cutting blade extending along the cutting section and the profile of the cutting edge of the cutting blade corresponding to the slot geometry to be created. The outer shell is supported by a support spindle when it rolls, and the support spindle is mounted to rotate about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the orientation of the cut section; The slot geometry includes multiple portions that extend at an angle of less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the supporting mandrel; The slot geometry has an interruption and includes multiple straight sections that are inclined relative to each other; The support portion of the support mandrel is interrupted only in the region of the slot geometry to be produced by forming a groove geometry corresponding to the slot geometry to be produced. The support portion is opposite to the cutting blade during the cutting process, and the support mandrel is supported, in particular, directly on the inner surface of the housing by the support portion in the instantaneous cutting region. The groove geometry includes a plurality of straight portions inclined relative to each other, including portions extending at an angle of less than 90° relative to the rotation axis of the support mandrel, and at least in portions arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel. The axial dimension of the groove geometry of the support mandrel in the direction of the rotation axis ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 mm. The axial dimension of the groove geometry is greater in the portion extending at an angle of less than 90° relative to the rotation axis of the support mandrel than in the portion perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel; and The support mandrel rotates in sync with the forward movement of the housing along the cutting section, such that the groove geometry of the support mandrel moves through the cutting blade in the instantaneous cutting region to conform to the profile of the cutting edge of the cutting blade, and such that at any given time during the cutting process, a portion of the groove geometry is opposite the cutting blade in the instantaneous cutting region of the cutting edge.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Before or after the locking ring is manufactured by creating the slot geometry in step b), the inward fold portion of the housing is created.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cap blank is provided with a non-folding outer shell, and after the locking ring is manufactured, the locking ring, manufactured by means of the resulting slot geometry, is folded inward from the outer shell of the cap to produce the inwardly folded portion of the outer shell.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, During the cutting process, the cutting blade engages with the groove geometry in the support portion of the support mandrel.

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