Device and apparatus for cutting capsules

Abstract

Cutting device for cutting a container closure capsule (A) while the capsule rolls along the cutting device (T) to form an opening device, the cutting device comprising: - at least one longitudinal cutting edge (1; 2) designed to perform at least one circumferential cut on the capsule (A); - at least two cross-cutting edges (3; 4) configured to make two respective vertical or oblique cuts on the capsule (A), spaced apart on the capsule (A) by a given angular distance in a circumferential direction with respect to a geometric axis of the capsule; and - Support means (5) for supporting the two transverse blades (3; 4) which are received in two respective seats (6; 7) which are contained in the support means (5); wherein a first arrangement is provided in which the two cross-cutting edges (3; 4) are arranged in the two seats (6; 7) and are spaced apart from each other such that the capsule (A) can perform a rotation about itself around its own axis from the time of execution of one of the two vertical or oblique cuts to the time of execution of the other of the two vertical or oblique cuts, which is equal to a whole number of complete rotations plus or minus the angular distance; characterized in that the support means (5) have a third seat (8) for receiving one of the two cross-cutting edges (3; 4), such that a second arrangement can be selected in which one of the two cross-cutting edges (3; 4) is arranged in the third seat (8) and the other of the two cross-cutting edges (3; 4) is arranged in one of the two seats (6; 7), wherein in the second arrangement the two cross-cutting edges (3; 4) are spaced apart from each other such that the capsule (A) can perform a rotation about itself about its own axis from the time of execution of one of the two vertical or oblique cuts to the time of execution of the other of the two vertical or oblique cuts, which is equal to the angular distance.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to a device and a cutting apparatus for cutting capsules for closing containers, such as bottles, in particular for creating a guarantee opening device in capsules made of plastic material.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the utility model relates to a device and a cutting apparatus suitable for producing capsules of the ‘tethered’ type, i.e. capsules which remain attached to the container even after it has been opened.

[0003] Patent publication WO 2023 / 148567 A1 discloses a cutting device 100 (see Fig. 1) according to the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] The cutting device disclosed in WO 2023 / 148567 A1 has ( Fig. 1) Two longitudinal cutting edges 101 and 102 for making two circumferential cuts, and two transverse cutting edges 103 and 104 for making two vertical or oblique cuts. On the capsule, the two vertical or oblique cuts are angularly spaced from each other by a given angle, which angle is measured relative to the geometric axis of the capsule.The two transverse cutting edges 103 and 104, housed in two respective seats obtained on a support 105 in the form of a plate, are arranged at a mutual distance such that the rotation that the capsule performs around its own axis from when the first transverse cutting edge 103 performs the first vertical or oblique cut until when the second transverse cutting edge 104 performs the second vertical or oblique cut, is equal to an integer number of complete revolutions around itself, in particular a single complete revolution according to the disclosed example, plus or minus the aforementioned angular distance.

[0005] The cutting device disclosed in WO 2023 / 148567 A1 makes it possible to effectively carry out a cutting operation in which the risk of causing unwanted deformations on the capsule, as well as inducing inaccuracies in the formation of the guarantee device, is reduced, in particular for producing capsules of the "tethered" type, since the two transverse cutting edges 103 and 104 are arranged at a relatively large mutual distance, thus reducing mutual interference between the cutting edges themselves.

[0006] However, in some circumstances, particularly depending on the type of cut, the morphological characteristics of the capsule and the specific plastic material used to manufacture the capsule, it may be more appropriate, practical and functional, for the purposes of forming a guarantee opening device on a capsule, to use a cutting device in which the two transverse cutting edges are arranged relatively close to each other, for example as described in patent publication WO 2021 / 186403 A1, whereby the capsule, between the executions of the two vertical or oblique cuts, performs a rotation about its own axis equal to the aforementioned angular distance, and not equal to an integer number of complete revolutions plus or minus the aforementioned angular distance.

[0007] There is therefore a need to be able to carry out, in a practical and easy manner, both types of cuts to form a guarantee opening device on a capsule, i.e. both the cut in which the two cross-cutting edges are arranged relatively far apart, as in patent publication WO 2023 / 148567 A1, and the cut in which the two cross-cutting edges are arranged relatively close to each other, as in patent publication WO 2021 / 186403 A1.

[0008] One aim of the utility model is to provide a device and / or a cutting apparatus capable of meeting the aforementioned prior art requirement.

[0009] One aim of the utility model is to propose a device and / or a cutting apparatus that are alternatives to those of the prior art.

[0010] One advantage is to produce a structurally simple and economical cutting device for producing an opening device on a capsule.

[0011] One advantage is to obtain a perfectly functional guarantee opening device for a container closure capsule.

[0012] These objects and advantages, and others, are achieved by a device and a cutting apparatus according to one or more of the claims listed below. Short description of the drawings

[0013] The utility model can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting example of its implementation, where: Fig. Figure 1 is an exploded view of a layered structure constituting a prior art cutting device, with three components, namely the upper, middle and lower layers of the layered structure, visible; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a component, namely the middle layer, of a layered structure constituting a cutting device in accordance with the present utility model; Fig. 3 a top view of the middle layer of Fig. 2 with the two cross-cutting edges in a first arrangement (in which the distance between the two cross-cutting edges is relatively large); Fig. 4 a plan view of Fig. 3 to the middle layer with the two cross-cutting edges in a second arrangement (in which the distance between the two cross-cutting edges is relatively small); Fig. 5 is a plan view of the upper layer of the layered structure constituting the cutting device in accordance with the present utility model; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the lower layer of the layered structure constituting the cutting device in accordance with the present utility model; Fig. 7 is a vertical side view of an example of a cutting apparatus constructed in accordance with the utility model; Fig. 8 is a section taken along a vertical section plane of a part of the cutting apparatus of Fig. 7 is. Detailed description

[0014] T generally designates a cutting device according to the present utility model, which can be used to cut a capsule A while the capsule A rolls off the cutting device. The cutting device can be used, in particular, to cut capsules made of plastic material. The cutting device can be used, in particular, to cut capsules for closing containers.

[0015] Each capsule A may in particular comprise a closing wall for closing a mouth of a container and a side wall for coupling to a neck of the container.

[0016] Said cutting device T can serve, in particular, to form a weakening line, or preferably a breaking line, in an opening device of a capsule A for closing a container. The cutting device can, in particular, make cuts on a side wall of the capsule.

[0017] The opening device may in particular comprise a guarantee opening device suitable for ensuring the inviolability of the container by providing evidence of the first opening of the container itself.

[0018] The said cutting device T can in particular serve to produce an opening device for a tethered capsule, that is to say a capsule which remains attached to the container even after it has been opened.

[0019] Said cutting device T comprises at least one longitudinal cutting edge designed to perform at least one circumferential cut on the capsule A. In this specific example, the cutting device T comprises two longitudinal cutting edges 1 and 2, each of which is designed to perform a respective circumferential cut on the capsule A. The two longitudinal cutting edges 1 and 2 may, as in this specific example, be substantially the same as those in Fig. 1, which are described in more detail in patent publication WO 2023 / 148567 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] The cutting device in question has at least two transverse cutting edges 3 and 4 designed to make two respective vertical or oblique cuts on the capsule, which are spaced apart on the capsule by a given angular distance in a circumferential direction with respect to a geometric axis of the capsule.

[0021] The two cross-cutting edges 3 and 4 can, as in this particular example, be essentially the same as those in Fig. 1, which are described in more detail in patent publication WO 2023 / 148567 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] Said cutting device comprises support means 5 for supporting the two transverse cutting edges 3 and 4, which are housed in two respective seats 6 and 7 contained in the support means 5. The support means 5 may in particular comprise a plate-shaped support intended to form part of a middle layer of a layered structure of the cutting device, as will be better explained below.

[0023] A first arrangement of the cross cutting edges is intended ( Fig. 3), in which the two transverse cutting edges 3 and 4 are arranged in the two seats 6 and 7 and are spaced from each other in such a way that the capsule A is in the position shown in FIG. 1 from the moment one of the two vertical or oblique cuts (carried out by the first cutting edge 3 with respect to Fig. 3) at the time of execution of the other of the two vertical or oblique cuts (carried out by the second cutting edge 4 with respect to Fig. 3) can perform a rotation around its own axis equal to an integer number of complete revolutions plus or minus the previously mentioned angular distance.

[0024] The first arrangement of the two cross cutting edges 3 and 4 can in particular essentially correspond to the Fig. 1 and described in WO 2023 / 148567 A1.

[0025] The support means 5 have a third seat 8 which is designed to receive one of the two cross-cutting edges 3 and 4, such that a second arrangement of the cross-cutting edges can be selected ( Fig. 4), in which one of the two cross cutting edges 3 and 4 (for example cutting edge 3 in Fig. 4) is arranged in the third seat 8 and the other of the two cross cutting edges (for example the cutting edge 4 in Fig. 4) is arranged in one of the two seats (for example seat 7). In this second arrangement, the two transverse cutting edges 3 and 4 are spaced apart so that the capsule A is in the position shown in FIG. 1 from the moment one of the two vertical or oblique cuts (made by the first cutting edge 3 with respect to Fig. 4) at the time of execution of the other of the two vertical or oblique cuts (carried out by the second cutting edge 4 with respect to Fig. 4) can perform a rotation around its axis equal to the previously mentioned angular distance.

[0026] The mutual distance between the cross cutting edges 3 and 4 is therefore in the first arrangement ( Fig. 3) be larger than in the second arrangement ( Fig. 4).

[0027] The two seats 6 and 7 and the third seat 8 can be arranged, in particular, along an edge of the support means 5, which is shaped to follow an advance path of the capsule A during the cut. The shaped edge of the support means 5 can, in particular, be in the shape of a circular arc.

[0028] The three previously mentioned seats (two seats 6 and 7 and third seat 8) can in particular be designed substantially in the same way, for example with an L-shaped or similar shape, so that each of the three seats 6, 7 and 8 can interchangeably accommodate each of the two cross cutting edges 3 and 4.

[0029] It is possible to provide, as in the example shown, that one of the two seats 6 and 7 (for example, seat 7) is arranged between the third seat 8 and the other of the two seats (for example, seat 6). In an example not shown, it is possible to provide that the third seat 8 is arranged along the aforementioned edge between the two seats 6 and 7.

[0030] Said cutting device can, in particular, have a layered structure. The layered structure can, in particular, have an upper layer 9, a middle layer, and a lower layer 10. The upper layer 9 can, in particular, have a plate-shaped support that supports one of the two longitudinal cutting edges 1 and 2 (for example, the longitudinal cutting edge 1). The lower layer 10 can, in particular, have a plate-shaped support that supports the other of the two longitudinal cutting edges 1 and 2 (for example, the longitudinal cutting edge 2). The middle layer can, in particular, have support means 5 that support the transverse cutting edges 3 and 4.

[0031] The layered structure comprising the aforementioned three layers arranged one above the other can be assembled like the layered structure described in patent publication WO 2023 / 148567 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The mutual superposition of the three layers in the cutting device T according to the utility model essentially corresponds to the superposition shown in WO 2023 / 148567 A1.

[0032] Each longitudinal cutting edge 1 and 2 may in particular extend longitudinally parallel to the aforementioned shaped edge of the support means 5 in order to follow the advance path of the capsule A during cutting.

[0033] The two longitudinal cutting edges 1 and 2, which are designed to make two circumferential cuts on the capsule A, are arranged respectively in two geometric planes that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The two transverse cutting edges 3 and 4 can be arranged, in both the first arrangement and the second arrangement, in a space between the two geometric planes.

[0034] Each longitudinal cutting edge 1 and 2 has a respective entry end 11 and 12, at which the execution of the respective circumferential cut begins. Each entry end 11 and 12 can be arranged, in particular, along the path of the capsule A (i.e., along the aforementioned shaped edge of the support means 5) between one of the two seats 6 and 7, for example, seat 6, and the third seat 8.

[0035] The other of the two seats, for example the seat 7, can in particular be arranged along the path of the capsule A (ie along the aforementioned shaped edge of the support means 5) between each inlet end 11 and 12 and the third seat 8.

[0036] The various longitudinal cutting edges 1 and 2 and transverse cutting edges 3 and 4 are designed as a whole to form an opening device for a capsule (in particular of the tethered type) both in the first arrangement and in the second arrangement.

[0037] 13 as a whole denotes a cutting apparatus for producing an opening device for capsules.

[0038] The cutting apparatus 13 has feeding means 14 which are designed to feed the capsules A along a feed path.

[0039] The cutting device in question described above is arranged along the aforementioned feed path and is designed, as indicated, to cut the capsule A when the capsule itself rolls off the cutting device.

[0040] The cutting device 13 has engagement means 15 designed to engage the capsule A and to control the unwinding of the capsule A along the cutting device. The engagement means 15 can be designed in particular so that the capsule A, while unwinding along the cutting device, can perform the following operations from the moment the first cross-cutting edge 3 makes a first vertical or oblique cut until the moment the second cross-cutting edge 4 makes a second vertical or oblique cut: - in a first case, that is to say when the transverse cutting edges 3 and 4 are positioned in the first arrangement, a rotation equal to an integer number of complete revolutions around themselves about their own axis plus or minus the aforementioned angular distance, that is to say the angular distance on the capsule between the first vertical or oblique cut and the second vertical or oblique cut; - in a second case, that is to say when the transverse cutting edges 3 and 4 are positioned in the second arrangement, a rotation equal to the aforementioned angular distance, that is to say the angular distance on the capsule between the first vertical or oblique cut and the second vertical or oblique cut.

[0041] It is possible to suitably select the first arrangement or the second arrangement depending on the specific operating situation, in particular depending on the type of cut to be made and / or depending on the morphological characteristics of the capsule to be cut and / or depending on the specific plastic material from which the capsule is made.

[0042] The advance path of the capsule may, in particular, comprise at least one circular section. The cross-cutting edges 3 and 4 may be arranged along the aforementioned circular section at an angular distance from one another with respect to a geometric center of the circular section itself, which is greater in the first arrangement than in the second arrangement.

[0043] The engagement means 15 may in particular comprise at least one fixed guide device which is designed to engage with the capsule A, which rolls on the cutting device, by means of friction and / or meshing coupling.

[0044] The engagement means 15 may in particular comprise at least one engagement element, in particular a mandrel, which can be rotated about itself about an axis of rotation by means of motorized means and which is designed to engage in a concave portion of the capsule A.

[0045] The feed means 14 may, in particular, comprise a carousel carrying a plurality of engagement elements, each of which is configured to engage a respective capsule and is capable of rotating about a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the various engagement elements may be parallel to each other and to a carousel axis around which the carousel rotates.

[0046] The advance path of the capsules can be defined, in particular, by at least a portion of the circular movement path along which the rotating carousel follows the mandrels that engage the capsules. Each mandrel can, in particular, be arranged above a lower support base of the capsule.

[0047] The cutting device 13 may in particular comprise control means (for example electronic and programmable) designed to control the feeding means by advancing the capsule along the advance path, in particular control means designed to control the feeding means by rotating the engagement means (mandrel) around itself about its axis of rotation.

[0048] The control means may in particular be designed to control the feeding means by rolling the capsule A on the cutting device in order to create the weakening lines which will form the opening device.

[0049] The control means can in particular be designed so that the engagement means (arranged to control the unwinding of the capsule) make the capsule perform a desired rotation about itself, which is suitable depending on the arrangement of the cross-cutting edges 3 and 4, ie in the first arrangement a rotation equal to an integer number of complete revolutions plus or minus the angular distance on the capsule between the two vertical or oblique cuts, and in the second arrangement a rotation equal to the angular distance on the capsule between the two vertical or oblique cuts.

[0050] The selection of the two arrangements can be made at a previous stage of setting up the cutting device based on the specific operating situation.

[0051] In both arrangements of the cross-cutting edges, the capsule essentially follows the same angular path, iealong the same portion of the circumferential arc and with substantially the same rotation about itself; what changes is, in fact, the arrangement of the transverse cutting edges, so that consequently the spacing and time interval between the two vertical or oblique cuts changes, in particular the amount of rotation performed by the capsule between the two instants in time at which the two vertical or oblique cuts are performed; therefore, in the arrangement with greater mutual spacing from the first to the second vertical or oblique cut, a certain rotation of the capsule about itself (equal to one complete revolution plus or minus the aforementioned angular distance) will occur, whereas in the arrangement with smaller mutual spacing from the first to the second vertical or oblique cut, a different (in particular smaller) rotation of the capsule about itself (equal to the aforementioned angular distance) will occur. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2023 / 148567 A1 [0003, 0004, 0005, 0007, 0019, 0021, 0024, 0031] WO 2021 / 186403 A1 [0006, 0007]

Claims

[1] Cutting device for cutting a container closure capsule (A) while the capsule rolls on the cutting device (T) to form an opening device, the cutting device comprising: - at least one longitudinal cutting edge (1; 2) designed to make at least one circumferential cut on the capsule (A); - at least two transverse cutting edges (3; 4) designed to make two respective vertical or oblique cuts on the capsule (A), spaced apart on the capsule (A) by a given angular distance in a circumferential direction with respect to a geometric axis of the capsule; and - support means (5) for supporting the two cross-cutting edges (3; 4) housed in two respective seats (6; 7) obtained in the support means (5); a first arrangement being provided in which the two transverse cutting edges (3; 4) are arranged in the two seats (6; 7) and are spaced from each other such that the capsule (A) can perform, from the moment one of the two vertical or oblique cuts is made to the moment the other of the two vertical or oblique cuts is made, a rotation about itself about its own axis equal to an integer number of complete revolutions plus or minus the angular distance; characterized byin that the support means (5) have a third seat (8) for receiving one of the two transverse cutting edges (3; 4), such that a second arrangement can be selected in which one of the two transverse cutting edges (3; 4) is arranged in the third seat (8) and the other of the two transverse cutting edges (3; 4) is arranged in one of the two seats (6; 7), wherein in the second arrangement the two transverse cutting edges (3; 4) are spaced from each other such that the capsule (A) can perform a rotation about itself about its own axis equal to the angular distance from the time one of the two vertical or oblique cuts is made to the time the other of the two vertical or oblique cuts is made. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the two seats (6; 7) and the third seat (8) are arranged along an edge of the support means (5) shaped to follow an advance path of the capsule during cutting. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the shaped edge of the support means (5) is in the form of a circumferential arc. [4] Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein one of the two seats (6; 7) is arranged between the third seat (8) and the other of the two seats (6; 7). [5] Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third seat (8) is arranged along the edge between the two seats (6; 7). [6] Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one longitudinal cutting edge (1; 2) extends longitudinally parallel to the edge of the support means (5) to follow the advance path. [7] Device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one longitudinal cutting edge (1; 2) has an entry end (11; 12) at which the execution of the circumferential cut begins, the entry end (11; 12) being arranged along the edge between one of the two seats (6; 7) and the third seat (8). [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the other of the two seats (6; 7) is arranged between the inlet end (11; 12) and the third seat (8). [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one longitudinal cutting edge (1; 2) and the at least two transverse cutting edges (3; 4) are adapted to form an opening device for a capsule in both the first arrangement and the second arrangement. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two longitudinal cutting edges (1; 2) adapted to make two circumferential cuts on the capsule (A) and arranged respectively in two parallel and spaced-apart geometric planes, wherein the at least two transverse cutting edges (3; 4) are arranged in a space between the two geometric planes in both the first arrangement and the second arrangement. [11] Cutting apparatus (13) for producing a capsule opening device, the cutting apparatus comprising: - feeding means (14) designed to feed at least one capsule (A) along a feed path; - a cutting device (T) arranged along the feed path and adapted to cut the capsule (A) as the capsule rolls past the cutting device, the cutting device being designed according to any one of the preceding claims; - engagement means (15) designed to engage with the capsule (A) and to control the rolling of the capsule on the cutting device. [12] Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the engagement means (15) are designed so that the capsule (A), while rolling on the cutting device, from when one of the transverse cutting edges (3; 4) makes a first vertical or oblique cut until when the other of the transverse cutting edges (3; 4) makes a second vertical or oblique cut, can perform: - in the case of the first arrangement, a rotation equal to an integer number of complete revolutions around itself about its own axis plus or minus the angular distance, i.e. the angular distance on the capsule between the first vertical or oblique cut and the second vertical or oblique cut; - in the case of the second arrangement, a rotation equal to the angular distance, ie the angular distance on the capsule between the first vertical or oblique cut and the second vertical or oblique cut. [13] Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the feed path has at least one circular section, and wherein the cross-cutting edges (3; 4) are arranged along the circular section at an angular distance from one another with respect to a geometric center of the circular section, which is greater in the first arrangement than in the second arrangement. [14] Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the engagement means (15) comprise at least one fixed guide device adapted to engage with the capsule (A) rolling on the cutting device by means of friction and / or meshing coupling. [15] Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the engagement means (15) comprise at least one engagement element, in particular a mandrel, which can be rotated on itself about an axis of rotation by means of motorized means and which is adapted to engage in a concave portion of the capsule. [16] Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the feeding means (14) comprises a carousel carrying a plurality of engagement elements, each of which is adapted to engage a respective capsule and is capable of rotating about a respective axis of rotation, the axes of rotation of the various engagement elements being parallel to each other and to a carousel axis about which the carousel is rotatable.

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