Apparatus and method for producing a closure system for a container

Abstract

The present invention describes an apparatus (10) and method for producing a closure system (100) for a container, comprising: an anti-slip strip (101) configured to be attached to an opening of a container; and a reclosable closure body (102) configured to hermetically seal the container. The apparatus (10) includes a welding and deformation station (11) configured to weld a barrier element (108) to the reclosable closure body (102), and to fold a flexible annular portion (109) of the anti-slip strip (101) toward the interior of the closure system (100) while the closure system is stationary in the same predetermined position in the welding and deformation station (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing an airtight sealing system (preferably reclosable) for containers (preferably made of laminated multilayer materials), the containers being capable of containing (by way of non-limiting example) liquid, semi-liquid, or paste-like substances, preferably having food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical properties.

[0002] The apparatus and method of the present invention can form a closed system, which is provided with a barrier element and an anti-tampering ring. The barrier element is arranged on the inside of the mouth of the system facing the container, and the anti-tampering ring detects the first opening of the container. Background Technology

[0003] Machines for producing closure systems for containers are known in the prior art. The closure system is typically configured as a reclosable lid that engages with a neck surrounding an opening of the container, from which the product contained in the container can be discharged.

[0004] In the case of screw caps, the engagement between the cap and the container neck can be achieved by threads, or in the case of caps with pressure closure, by mechanical interference.

[0005] In general, the method provided is to produce the cap by means of a molding operation of a plastic or metal material, which can correspondingly deform a certain amount of resin or metal blank by compression in order to give the cap the desired shape and characteristics.

[0006] Machines suitable for manufacturing these products with very low economic unit values ​​operate at high or very high speeds in order to produce them economically and conveniently.

[0007] The lids discussed include barrier elements, also known as “linings,” configured to keep the container airtight to prevent oxygen from entering the container interior and causing induced degradation of the product and damage to its sensory characteristics. Examples of this type of lid are described in U.S. patent documents US2008 / 0035600 and US10556403.

[0008] Typically, the barrier element can consist of a thin layer of aluminum, especially shaped like a disc; or it can consist of an element made of plastic material. In both cases, the barrier element is usually adhered to the inside of the lid, which faces the opening of the container when the container is closed in order to provide an airtight seal.

[0009] The adhesion of the barrier element to the cap is typically achieved through the action of heat. Heating the barrier element allows the layer of adhesive material disposed thereon to be activated so that it adheres to the surface of the cap below. This operation is particularly delicate because, on the one hand, the heat must be sufficient to ensure that the barrier element adheres firmly to the cap, and on the other hand, excessive heat must be prevented, which could damage the barrier element and / or the cap itself.

[0010] Another feature of lids known in the prior art is that they include an anti-tampering strip, which characterizes the integrity of the container. Typically, the anti-tampering strip is configured as a ring-shaped element attached around the neck of the container and connected to the reclosable lid via multiple breakable connectors (referred to by the term "bridge"). When the container is first opened, the breakable element breaks, the lid separates from the anti-tampering strip, and the anti-tampering strip remains anchored to the neck of the container to allow for immediate visual confirmation that the container has been opened for the first time.

[0011] The production of anti-slip strips and the connection between the barrier element and the cover require specialized processing steps corresponding to the respective processing stations.

[0012] Clearly, the creation of these closed systems increases the complexity of the system, its overall size, and the total cost of producing it, ultimately increasing its unit cost.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need to improve an apparatus and method for manufacturing a closed system for containers, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In particular, one object of the present invention is to obtain an apparatus for producing closed systems, which has a limited overall size and can be easily integrated into equipment to produce such systems when necessary.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for producing a closed system for containers, capable of achieving high or very high productivity, producing at least several hundred units per minute, or even more.

[0016] Another objective is to obtain apparatus and methods for manufacturing closure systems for containers that can ensure optimal adhesion between barrier elements and the closure system.

[0017] Another objective is to provide an apparatus and a method for refining it, which allows for effective intervention in the anti-tampering strips of a closed system in order to prepare the closed system in an optimal manner for subsequent attachment to the neck of a container.

[0018] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages.

[0019] The independent claims set forth and list the features of the invention. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0020] In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a closed system for containers.

[0021] The closed system under discussion includes an anti-tampering strip configured to attach to the opening of a container and a closure body configured to hermetically close the container. Preferably, the closure body is hinged to the anti-tampering strip such that the closure body can rotate between an open container position and a closed container position, in which the closure body is away from the anti-tampering strip and in the closed position, the closure body is adjacent to the anti-tampering strip.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the device includes:

[0023] - A forming station configured to form barrier elements from a slab, wherein the barrier elements are layered and have shapes and dimensions related to the shape and size of the enclosure;

[0024] - A transport system comprising at least one gripping unit configured to hold one of the closed systems as described above and move along a feed path extending between an inlet station and an outlet station;

[0025] - Welding and deformation stations are arranged along the feed path between the inlet station and the outlet station.

[0026] The welding and deformation station is configured to weld the barrier element to the enclosure and to form at least one flexible annular portion of the anti-slip strip.

[0027] By using the term "barrier element," we mean that the element is characterized in a functional way because its presence allows the closed system to seal the container in an airtight manner, thereby acting as a barrier against oxygen entering its interior, which would degrade the sensory characteristics of the product contained therein and significantly damage it.

[0028] According to feasible embodiments, the barrier element can be configured as a flat or layered element, for example having a circular shape, and formed as an aluminum disc. However, barrier elements with different shapes and / or made of other suitable materials (even different from aluminum) should not be excluded.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the device includes an actuating element and a deforming element. The actuating element is configured to pick up a blocking element in a forming station and introduce it into a welding and deforming station, subsequently attaching the blocking element to an enclosure. The deforming element is configured to be actuated between an inactive position and a working position away from the enclosure system. In the working position, the deforming element presses against a flexible annular portion of a contact anti-slip strip to fold the flexible annular portion of the anti-slip strip back into the enclosure system.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the device includes a control unit connected to the actuating element and the deforming element, which is programmed to command the operation of the actuating element and the deforming element in a coordinated manner, such that while the gripping unit is stationary in the same predetermined position that holds the closure system, these elements accordingly attach the blocking element to the closure in the welding and deformation station and apply pressure to the flexible annular portion.

[0031] The advantage of the device according to the invention is that it is more compact and has a reduced overall size compared to known solutions, due to the fact that it integrates the barrier element welded to the enclosure and the forming operation performed on the anti-slip strip into a single station.

[0032] The device according to the invention therefore advantageously allows for the production of closed systems equipped with desired airtightness and safety features.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the device, when the barrier element is positioned to contact the enclosure and held against the enclosure by a manipulating element, the barrier element is attached to the enclosure by induction welding.

[0034] Therefore, according to the feasible embodiments described herein, the welding and deformation station includes a support plane for enclosing the system, with electromagnetic induction welding devices arranged in the vicinity of the support plane.

[0035] This configuration of the device is advantageous because it allows activation of the adhesive layer that allows the barrier element to attach to the enclosure.

[0036] In some embodiments of the closure system, an additional layer of adhesive is also disposed on the exposed side of the barrier element, which faces the mouth of the container during use. In these embodiments, the mouth can then be closed by another barrier element, for example, one structurally similar to a barrier element attached to the closure.

[0037] When the container is first opened, the other barrier element usually must be manually removed by the user. To prevent the other barrier element from falling into the environment, some containers offer automatic removal of this other barrier element upon initial opening of the closure. This is achieved by allowing the barrier element attached to the closure to adhere to the other barrier element positioned at the closure opening, due to the presence of the aforementioned adhesive layer.

[0038] The apparatus according to the invention is also suitable for manufacturing these embodiments of closed systems.

[0039] In fact, the advantage of attaching barrier elements to a closure via electromagnetic induction welding is that it prevents the activation of another layer of adhesive material, which could subsequently adhere to another barrier element placed at the mouth of the closed container.

[0040] It is quite clear that if the welding step of attaching the barrier element to the enclosure also activates another layer of adhesive (which enables the two barrier elements to adhere to each other), then that other layer of adhesive will lose all or part of its adhesive properties, thereby effectively making subsequent adhesion of the two barrier elements to each other impossible.

[0041] According to another scheme, the forming station can be configured to simultaneously form multiple barrier elements, which are arranged obliquely relative to the feeding direction of the material slab.

[0042] This embodiment of the forming station is advantageous because it allows for minimizing processing waste, thereby optimizing the consumption of slab material and reducing its cost.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a closed system for a container is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0044] - A barrier element is formed from a slab in a forming station, the barrier element having a shape and dimensions related to the shape and dimensions of the enclosure;

[0045] - Multiple closed systems are transported along the feed path, which extends between the inlet and outlet stations;

[0046] -The blocking element is picked up from the forming station by means of the manipulating element.

[0047] - The barrier element picked up in the forming station is introduced toward the welding and deformation stations, which are arranged along the feed path between the inlet and outlet stations.

[0048] - In a welding and deformation station, a barrier element is welded to a reclosable enclosure using manipulators, wherein the welding step is configured to attach the barrier element to the wall of the enclosure in a stable manner.

[0049] - At least a portion of the anti-slip strip is formed in the welding and deformation station by means of a deformation element.

[0050] According to one aspect of the method of the present invention, the above forming step provides that: the deformation element applies pressure to the flexible annular portion of the anti-slip strip, the flexible annular portion of the anti-slip strip being configured to attach to the container so as to fold the annular flexible portion back into the interior of the enclosure system toward the wall of the enclosure while the enclosure system remains stationary in the same predetermined position in the welding and deformation stations.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the method, the barrier element is attached to the wall of the enclosure via electromagnetic induction welding.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the method, while folding the flexible annular portion back into the closed system via a deformable element, the blocking element is attached to the closed body via a manipulating element. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Referring to the accompanying drawings, these and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of an apparatus for producing a closure system for containers, according to some embodiments described herein;

[0055] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the device;

[0056] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic cross-sectional view of the forming station included in the device;

[0057] Figures 4A-4D It is along Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the tracking plane IV-IV shown in the figure illustrates the sequence of operations of the continuous processing steps included in the method for producing a closed system according to the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The method taught according to the present invention is by Figure 1 A schematic top perspective view of a closure system for a container that can be obtained from the device, wherein the closure system is shown in the closed position before and after the operation of forming a portion of the anti-tampering strip included in the closure system.

[0059] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic cross-sectional view of a closed system, where the closed system is shown in the open position.

[0060] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0061] We will now refer in detail to feasible embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting illustration. The wording and terminology used herein are also for the purpose of providing non-limiting examples.

[0062] Here is a reference. Figure 1 The described embodiments relate to an apparatus for manufacturing a closed system for containers, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0063] To better understand the inventive concept of the present invention, before describing the apparatus 10 and the corresponding method in detail, we will now describe an example of a closed system that can be manufactured using the apparatus 10. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to this example, and the present invention can be used to deal with many other types of closed systems, both known and developed in the future.

[0064] Reference Figures 5A-5C By way of non-limiting example, we describe below a closed system that can be manufactured by means of device 10. In these figures, the closed system is also referred to as a “lid” for the sake of brevity, and is generally indicated by reference numeral 100.

[0065] Each cap 100 includes an anti-slip strip 101 and a closure 102 or cap connected to the anti-slip strip 101 by a plurality of fragile elements 103 capable of breaking when the container is first opened. Preferably, the closure 102 is hinged to the anti-slip strip 101 along a hinge area 111, such that it can be in the open position ( Figure 5C ) and closing position ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B The closure 102 rotates between the two positions. In the open position, the closure 102 moves away from the anti-tampering strip. In the closed position, the closure 102 is attached to the anti-tampering strip 101. In this way, the closure 102 never completely detaches from the anti-tampering strip, thus preventing these components from being undesirably scattered in the environment.

[0066] Each fragile element 103 is situated between two slits 104, which are positioned between the anti-slip strip 101 and the closure 102. The alternating sequence of fragile elements 103 and slits 104 extends substantially along the entire periphery of the cover 100, except for the hinge area 111.

[0067] The closure 102 includes a side wall 105 and a bottom wall 106, the bottom wall of which can be directly placed above the mouth of the container during use.

[0068] A sealing lip 107 with a circular shape is created on the bottom wall 106. During use, the sealing lip 107 protrudes from the bottom wall 106 toward the mouth of the container so as to airtightly close the container by engaging with a corresponding top annular edge (not shown) manufactured on the neck of the container.

[0069] The cover 100 includes a barrier element 108, which is made of, for example, aluminum and has a circular shape. The barrier element 108 is surrounded by a sealing lip 107.

[0070] Set the first adhesive layer S1 ( Figure 3 The barrier element 108 is configured to allow the barrier element 108 to be attached to the enclosure 102, particularly to its bottom wall 106.

[0071] In some embodiments, a second adhesive layer S2 is also provided, which can also be obtained by means of the apparatus 10 and method described herein. Figure 3 , 5A 5B), which is configured to allow barrier element 108 to subsequently adhere to another barrier element (not shown), the other barrier element being arranged on the mouth of the container to airtightly seal the container.

[0072] The anti-tampering strip 101 includes a flexible annular portion 109, which is configured to fold back into the cover 100, i.e., fold towards the inside of the closure 102, such as... Figure 5A Arrow F is shown schematically in the diagram. To allow the flexible annular portion 109 to fold back inward, a pre-formed intended fold line 110 is provided, which separates it from the remainder of the anti-tampering strip 101.

[0073] Due to the folding configuration of the flexible annular portion 109, the tamper-evident strip 101 remains anchored to the neck of the container, even after the initial opening, eliminating the risk of the tamper-evident strip dispersing into the environment and causing contamination. Furthermore, the fact that the tamper-evident strip 101 remains associated with the container even during use allows it to be sent along with the container and the closure system to the correct disposal site, facilitating user-performed disposal procedures.

[0074] The device 10 includes a conveying system for the cover 100, indicated by reference numeral 30, configured to convey the cover 100 along a feed path P extending between an inlet station S' and an outlet station S'". Figure 1The inlet station S' is configured to receive covers 100 from the feed element 31 supplying covers 100, the covers being arranged in batches or aligned in an orderly manner. On the other hand, the outlet station S'" is configured to release the covers 100 to a suitable outlet element 32, which removes the covers 100 from the device 10. Figure 1 In the example shown, elements 31 and 32 are configured, for example, as horizontal or slightly inclined planes, equipped with suitable devices, such as vibration or similar devices, to determine the feeding of cover 100 in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0075] In the example provided here, the conveying system 30 is configured as a conveyor 33, such as a belt or chain type, for holding multiple gripping units 34 of the cover 100. Figure 1 Attached to the conveyor. By way of non-limiting example, the gripping unit 34 is configured as a selectively openable and reclosable clamp or jaw, such that each can release or retain the corresponding cover 100.

[0076] Device 10 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 This includes a welding and deformation station 11, corresponding to which the welding of the barrier element 108 to the enclosure 102 takes place, and the flexible annular portion 109 is folded back toward the inward, as particularly seen below. Figures 4A-4D The sequence of operations shown in the diagram is described in more detail. The welding and deformation station 11 is arranged along the feed path of the cover 100 at a location such as between the inlet station S' and the outlet station S'".

[0077] The apparatus 10 also includes a forming station 12, which is configured as will be described below. Figure 3 The material slab A is cut in a more detailed manner to produce the barrier element 108. The forming station 12 is specifically configured to produce the aluminum layered barrier element 108, having a shape and dimensions related to the shape and dimensions of the enclosure 102.

[0078] The device 10 includes an actuating element 13 for the blocking element 108 and a deforming element 14 configured to act on the flexible annular portion 109 of the anti-slip strip 101. As will be described in more detail below regarding the method according to the invention, the actuating element 13 attaches the blocking element 108 to the enclosure 102, and the deforming element 14 folds back the flexible annular portion 109 at the same predetermined position in the welding and deformation station 11.

[0079] The control element 13 includes a head 15, which is provided with one or more channels 16 connected to the suction system, such that the head 15 can temporarily hold the corresponding blocking element 108 by suction.

[0080] The deformable element 14 is formed as an annular deformable element and is provided with a folding edge 17, which is also annular and configured to contact the flexible annular portion 109 so as to fold it back into the interior of the cover 100.

[0081] As in Figure 3 and Figures 4A to 4D As can be seen more clearly, the deformable element 14 is arranged around the actuating element 13.

[0082] Specifically, the deformable element 14 and the actuating element 13 extend coaxially relative to each other about a common longitudinal axis X, and they are movable relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0083] The deformation element 14 and the actuation element 13 are mounted on a common support arm 18, which is movable to allow the deformation element 14 and the actuation element 13 to be alternately introduced into the welding and deformation station 11 and into the forming station 12.

[0084] Device 10 includes actuator element 19, which is of a type known in the prior art or to be developed in the future, such as, for example, an electric motor, which is associated with movable arm 18 to determine the movement of movable arm.

[0085] In particular, the movable arm 18 performs a rotational motion about the actuation axis Z, such as Figure 1 As indicated by arrow R in the diagram. Furthermore, the movable arm 18 also performs a translational motion T in the vertical direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X, as shown by... Figure 2 The corresponding arrow in the diagram indicates this.

[0086] The device 10 also includes a support plane 20 configured to receive a cover 100 placed thereon.

[0087] In particular, the support plane 20 corresponds to a segment of the feed path of the extension cover 100 of the welding and deformation station 11.

[0088] One or more electromagnetic induction coils 21 ( Figures 4A-4D Arranged adjacent to the support plane 20, the barrier element 108 is configured to be attached to the enclosure 102 by induction welding when the barrier element 108 is placed in contact with the enclosure 102 and held against the enclosure by the actuating element 13.

[0089] Preferably, the electromagnetic induction coil 21 is arranged directly below the support plane 20, for example at an indicated distance of a few millimeters, especially about 2 or 3 millimeters, from this plane.

[0090] In this way, the force lines of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 21 strike the barrier element 108 with high intensity, especially the first adhesive layer S1 that must be activated, so as to allow the barrier element 108 to be firmly attached to the enclosure 102 by induction welding in a very short welding time.

[0091] The support plane 20 is made of heat-resistant, non-magnetic plastic or metal material, such as PEEK, Teflon, or titanium coated with a non-stick coating (such as Teflon or the like).

[0092] Preferably, the head 15 for holding the barrier element 108 is also made of the same type of material as the support plane 20, such as those listed above.

[0093] This allows the support plane 20 and head 15 to be prevented from overheating due to convection or radiation during operation of the device 10 due to heat generated in relation to the magnetic field originating from the electromagnetic induction coil 21.

[0094] The device also includes one or more centering elements, in Figure 1 As schematically shown by reference numeral 22 in the accompanying drawings, centering elements are arranged corresponding to welding and deformation stations 11. Each centering element is configured to laterally clamp the corresponding cover 100 at least when it is at rest in the same predetermined position described above, such that the cover 100 is centered relative to the longitudinal axis X. In the example provided here, ten centering elements 22 are arranged in two groups of five acting from opposite sides of the cover 100. See also... Figure 1 The plan view. In particular, five centering elements 22 are arranged on one side relative to the longitudinal axis X, and another five centering elements 22 are arranged on the other side relative to these axes.

[0095] In the example discussed, a group of five centering elements 22 are movable toward and away from the longitudinal axis X, for example, a group arranged above the longitudinal axis X, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by arrow Y, this allows for selective clamping or releasing of cover 100. In other variations not shown, it may be provided that all centering elements are movable relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0096] In the example provided here, the welding and deformation station 11 includes five actuating elements 13 and five deformation elements 14, all supported by the same support arm 18, wherein the five actuating elements are configured to actuate the same number of blocking elements 108. In this way, the welding and deformation station 11 is able to process five caps 100 simultaneously. Since the number of centering elements 22 is related to the number of parts 13, 14, in this case, two rows are arranged, one row with five centering elements 22, such that the two rows act on the caps 100 from opposite sides.

[0097] It is quite clear that in other embodiments not shown, the welding and deformation station 11 is configured to include different numbers of manipulating elements 13 and deformation elements 14, and therefore also different numbers of centering elements 22.

[0098] The forming station 12 is also configured to simultaneously shear multiple barrier elements 108. Preferably, the forming station 12 is configured to simultaneously shear multiple barrier elements 108 equal in number to the caps 100 processed simultaneously in the welding and deformation station 11, i.e., five barrier elements 108 in the example shown in the figures.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the barrier element 108, which is simultaneously sheared in the forming station 12, is arranged along an oblique line, that is, it is inclined relative to the feeding direction of the material blank A. The barrier element 108 is sheared from the material blank.

[0100] Reference Figure 3 The forming station 12 includes a plate 23 having one or more through holes 24, each configured to be through which a corresponding blocking element 108 passes. The diameter of the circular holes 24 is substantially equal to the diameter of the blocking element 108, and preferably slightly flared upwards, i.e., flared in the exit direction of the sheared blocking element 108.

[0101] The forming station 12 also includes a shearing punch 25 that moves vertically in a bidirectional manner to shear the corresponding blocking element 108.

[0102] The shearing punch 25 includes at least one suction conduit 26 adapted to connect the effective surface of the shearing punch 25 of the shearing blocking element 108 to the suction system.

[0103] The forming station 12 also includes a clamping element 27 configured to selectively clamp the material blank A against the blank 24 at least when the shearing punch 25 performs shearing. To do this, the clamping element 27 is also vertically movable in both directions parallel to the direction of movement of the punch 25.

[0104] Device 10 also includes Figure 1 The programmable control unit 28, schematically shown, is configured to command the operation of at least the manipulating element 13 and the shaping element 14 in a coordinated manner. More specifically, the control unit 28 is programmed to also control the operation of the actuator element 19 and the shaping station 12 in a mutually coordinated manner, wherein the actuator element 19 commands the movement of the support arm 18.

[0105] The following is especially relevant Figure 3 and Figures 4A-4D A method for producing a closed system 100 according to the teachings of the present invention is described.

[0106] First, the support arm 18 guides the manipulator 13 above the forming station 12.

[0107] Here, the support arm 18 is lowered to allow the manipulator 13 to receive the barrier element 108 cut from the material slab A.

[0108] To shear the blocking element 108, the clamping element 27 first moves upward to temporarily abut against the plate 23 to clamp the material blank A. While the material blank A remains clamped, the punch 25 also moves upward and penetrates the corresponding hole 24 to shear the blocking element 108. It should be noted that the latter is held on the punch 25 by suction, and due to the suction flow through the suction conduit 26, they move toward the corresponding actuating element 13.

[0109] When the blocking element 108 is released by the punch press 25 to the head 15 of the operating element 13, the suction action that holds the blocking element on the punch press 25 is stopped, and due to the presence of the suction channel 16, the suction action that allows the head 15 to hold the blocking element 108 is activated.

[0110] Subsequently, the support arm 18 guides the manipulator 13 above the welding and deformation station 11, the head 15 of which holds the corresponding blocking element 108. Figure 4A ).

[0111] Subsequently, the support arm 18 is lowered until the head 15 allows the blocking element 108 to rest on the bottom wall 106, pressing the blocking element against the enclosure 102 to attach it to the enclosure. Figure 4B ).

[0112] Subsequently, the support arm 18 continues its downward movement to lower the deformable element 14 until it contacts the flexible annular portion 109 and folds the flexible annular portion back toward the inside of the cover 100. Figure 4C Note that in this case, the manipulator 13 is retracted, such that the head 15 is at least partially located inside the deformable element 14.

[0113] Furthermore, at least in Figure 4B and Figure 4C In the illustrated state, the electromagnetic induction coil 21 is activated to determine that the barrier element 108 is welded to the closure 102 due to the activation of the first layer of adhesive material S1. As described above, this type of welding advantageously allows for the prevention of activation of the second layer of adhesive material S2 so as not to impair its subsequent adhesive effect when connected to another barrier element placed in the mouth of the closed container.

[0114] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the electromagnetic induction coils 21 are activated according to pulse patterns known in the prior art, which makes their use compatible with the very short cycle time and high operating speed of the device 10.

[0115] Finally, after the barrier element 108 has been attached to the enclosure by means of induction welding and the flexible annular portion 109 has been folded back, the support arm 18 and the actuating element 13 and deforming element 14 together therewith move upward. Figure 4D The deformable element 14 retracts upward while the actuating element 13 remains in contact with the blocking element 108, so as to prevent the deformable element 14 from being pulled out of the enclosed body 102 from the gripping unit 34. Subsequently, the actuating element 13 also moves upward by relative movement with respect to the deformable element 14, effectively sliding inside the deformable element. One or more elastic elements, such as springs (not shown), may be provided to cushion the upward movement of the actuating element 13.

[0116] After that, cover 100 leaves welding and deformation station 11 and continues along their feed path.

[0117] Then, the above processing steps are repeated cyclically.

[0118] It is clear that modifications and / or additions to parts or steps of the apparatus 10 and method described above may be made without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0119] In the appended claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only and should not be considered as limiting factors regarding the scope of protection claimed in any particular claim.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for producing a closure system (100) for containers, said closure system comprising an anti-slip strip (101) and a reclosable closure body (102), characterized in that, The device (10) includes: - A forming station (12) configured to form a barrier element (108) from a slab (A), wherein the barrier element (108) is layered and has a shape and size related to the shape and size of the enclosure (102); - A transport system (30) including at least one gripping unit (34) configured to hold the closed system (100) and move along a feed path (P) extending between an inlet station (S') and an outlet station (S''); - Welding and deformation station (11), which is arranged along the feed path (P) between the inlet station (S') and the outlet station (S''); -A manipulator (13) configured to pick up the barrier element (108) in the forming station (12) and introduce the barrier element into the welding and deformation station (11), and then attach the barrier element (108) to the enclosure (102). - A deformable element (14) configured such that it can be driven between an inactive position and an active position away from the enclosed system (100), in which the deformable element presses against the flexible annular portion (109) of the anti-slip strip (101) to fold the flexible annular portion of the anti-slip strip back into the enclosed system (100), wherein the deformable element (14) is formed as an annular deformable element arranged around the actuating element (13), wherein the deformable element (14) and the actuating element (13) extend coaxially relative to each other about a common longitudinal axis (X), and the deformable element and the actuating element are movable relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X); and - A control unit (28), connected to the actuating element (13) and the deforming element (14), is programmed to command the operation of the actuating element (13) and the deforming element (14) in a coordinated manner such that while the gripping unit (34) is stationary in the same predetermined position holding the closure system (100), the actuating element (13) and the deforming element (14) respectively attach the barrier element (108) to the closure (102) and apply pressure to the flexible annular portion (109) in the welding and deformation station (11).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a support plane (20) for the enclosure system (100) arranged in the welding and deformation station (11), wherein an electromagnetic induction welding device (21) is arranged near the support plane (20), the electromagnetic induction welding device being configured to attach the barrier element (108) to the enclosure (102) by induction welding when the barrier element (108) is placed in contact with the enclosure (102) and held against the enclosure (102) by the actuating element (13).

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support plane (20) and the head (15) of the possible actuating element (13) are made of a heat-resistant non-magnetic plastic or metal material selected from the group consisting of PEEK, Teflon, titanium coated with a non-stick material.

4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes one or more centering elements (22) arranged corresponding to the welding and deformation station (11), each of the centering elements being configured to laterally clamp the corresponding enclosed system (100) at least when the corresponding enclosed system is stationary in the same predetermined position.

5. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a support arm (18) configured to move the manipulating element (13) and the deformation element (14) between the forming station (12) and the welding and deformation station (11).

6. The apparatus (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The actuating element (13) and the deforming element (14) are attached to the support arm (18).

7. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The manipulating element (13) is also configured to hold the barrier element (108) by suction during movement from the forming station (12) to the welding and deformation station (11).

8. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forming station (12) is configured to simultaneously form a plurality of the barrier elements (108), the barrier elements being arranged along a line inclined relative to the feeding direction of the slab (A), wherein the barrier elements (108) are obtained from the slab (A).

9. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The forming station (12) includes: one or more clamping elements (27) configured to temporarily clamp the blank (A) at least during the forming operation, wherein the blocking element (108) is obtained from the blank (A); and one or more shearing punches (25) movable relative to the clamping elements (27) and configured to shear the blocking element (108) and hold the blocking element resting on the shearing punch by suction, and move the blocking element toward the actuating element (13).

10. A method of manufacturing a closure system (100) for a container, the closure system comprising an anti-slip strip (101) and a reclosable closure body (102), wherein the method is characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - A barrier element (108) is formed from a slab (A) in a forming station (12), the barrier element having a shape and size related to the shape and size of the enclosure (102); - Transport multiple of the closed systems (100) along a feed path (P) that extends between an inlet station (S') and an outlet station (S''); -The blocking element (108) is picked up from the forming station (12) by means of the manipulating element (13). - The barrier element (108) picked up in the forming station (12) is introduced toward the welding and deformation station (11), which is arranged along the feed path (P) between the inlet station (S') and the outlet station (S''). - In the welding and deformation station (11), the barrier element (108) is welded to the reclosable enclosure (102) by means of the manipulating element (13), wherein the welding step is configured to attach the barrier element (108) to the inner wall (106) of the enclosure (102) in a stable manner. - At least one flexible annular portion (109) of the anti-slip strip (101) is formed in the welding and deformation station (11) by a deformation element (14), the deformation element (14) being formed as an annular deformation element and arranged around the actuating element (13) to fold the flexible annular portion (109) back into the closed system (100). When the enclosed system (100) is stationary in the same predetermined position in the welding and deformation station (11), the actuating element (13) and the deformation element (14) extend coaxially relative to each other about a common longitudinal axis (X), and the actuating element and the deformation element are movable relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) to attach the blocking element (108) to the enclosed body (102) and apply pressure to the flexible annular portion (109), respectively.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the manipulating element (13) introduces the barrier element (108) picked up in the forming station (12) toward the welding and deformation station (11), the manipulating element holds the barrier element (108) by suction.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, While the flexible annular portion (109) is folded back into the closed system (100) by the deformable element (14), the barrier element (108) is attached to the closed body (102) by the manipulating element (13).

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The barrier element (108) is attached to the inner wall (106) of the enclosure (102) by electromagnetic induction welding.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The enclosure (102) is hinged to the anti-slip strip (101) along the hinge area (111), such that the enclosure can rotate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the enclosure moves away from the anti-slip strip (101), and in the closed position, the enclosure is connected to the anti-slip strip (101) and is never completely separated from the anti-slip strip (101).

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