Device and method for producing a cutting geometry in a closure cap for a container

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a cutting geometry running in the circumferential direction, in particular for producing a locking ring, in a shell of a closure cap for a container, comprising the steps of providing the closure cap and transporting the closure cap by means of a transport device along a transport path. The closure cap is fed to a machining section of the transport path, in which machining section a stationary cutter having a cutting blade extending along a cutting section is arranged, and a cutting process is carried out in the machining section by rolling of the shell on the cutting blade of the stationary cutter to produce the cutting geometry. The closure cap is fed to the machining section with a predeterminable orientation of a rotational position relative to a centre axis of the closure cap, and a driver of the transport device which rotates about an axis of rotation is made to engage with a stop of the closure cap and a movement of the rotating driver is controlled in such a way that, when the closure cap enters the machining section, the driver has a rotated position corresponding to the predeterminable orientation of the closure cap. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a circumferentially extending cut geometry, in particular for producing a retaining ring, in a casing of a closure cap for a container. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for carrying out such a method. State of the art

[0002] To ensure that consumers who purchase a container, such as a drinks bottle, can do so by ensuring that the container is still in its original condition and has not been opened intentionally or inadvertently, closure caps for such containers are usually fitted with a retaining ring. This retaining ring is connected to a base part of the closure cap, which fulfils the closure function, via a predetermined breaking point. This means that when the container is opened, the predetermined breaking point is inevitably damaged, making it clear from the outside that the container has been opened for the first time. To ensure this securing function, the retaining ring is held on the container when the cap part is pulled off or unscrewed, at least until the predetermined breaking point breaks. For this purpose, the container usually has an undercut, e.g.in the form of a bead, which the retaining ring engages from below, i.e., opposite to the opening direction. As a result, the retaining ring locks against the bead of the container when the cap is removed, preventing it from being pulled off, causing the predetermined breaking point to tear open. For this purpose, the retaining ring typically has a circumferential, sometimes interrupted, inwardly folded fold, with which the retaining ring engages behind the bead on the container. It is also known to provide a thickened section on the inside of the retaining ring instead of a fold.

[0003] To prevent the base from being separated from the container after removal, the sol-breaking point can be designed in such a way that a connection between the base and the retaining ring remains after removal ("tethered cap"). This is advantageous with regard to ecological compatibility, particularly in reducing, for example, uncontrolled disposal of plastic waste.

[0004] Typically, such retaining rings are created by cutting a cutting geometry into a closure cap. The cutting geometry corresponds to one or more predetermined breaking points. For this purpose, the closure caps can be guided past a cutting blade and rolled along it to create the predetermined breaking point in the form of, for example, a partially interrupted slot in the closure cap's casing. For many applications, the orientation of the rotational position relative to their center axes when the closure caps are fed to the cutting blade is irrelevant.

[0005] However, for closure caps that are not completely rotationally symmetric, it is often desirable or necessary to create the cut according to a predefined orientation of the closure cap. This can be the case, for example, if a printed image to be applied is to be aligned with non-rotationally symmetrical elements of the closure cap. Such elements can include, for example, a non-rotationally symmetrical retaining ring (guarantee band) created during the cutting process or a securing strap on the closure cap. Likewise, for closure caps with a hinged lid, which is secured to the base body with webs until the first opening, it is essential that the hinge is not destroyed during the cutting process ("flip-top" arrangement). In some cases, recesses for the hinge in the cutting geometry of the slot may even be required.In addition, there may also be asymmetrically formed material thickenings in which the retaining ring should not be separated from the cover, so that a cutting geometry must be aligned accordingly.

[0006] EP 3 103 603 B1 (Bortolin Kemo SPA) discloses optically detecting the rotational position orientation of a closure cap held in a chuck prior to making the cut and adjusting the desired rotational position orientation via a controlled drive of the chuck. However, such a process is complex and costly in terms of control technology. Furthermore, the measurement and alignment of the closure cap are time-consuming, which limits the process speed and thus the potential throughput.

[0007] EP 0 667 216 A1 of HC Industries Inc., on the other hand, relates to a method and apparatus for orienting a molded plastic closure during processing of the plastic closure in order to simplify the subsequent manufacturing steps such as scoring and cutting one or more predefined pieces of an anti-theft band of the plastic closure. Description of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a method and device belonging to the aforementioned technical field for producing a circumferentially extending cut geometry, in particular for producing a retaining ring, in a casing of a closure cap for a container, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a method and device for producing the circumferentially extending cut geometry in the casing of the closure cap for the container, which are reliable and economical in terms of purchase and operation.

[0009] The solution to the problem is defined by a method according to the features of independent claim 1 and a device according to the features of independent claim 11. Modifications of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, the method for producing a circumferentially extending cutting geometry, in particular for producing a retaining ring, in a casing of a closure cap for a container comprises the following steps: a) Providing the closure cap; b) Transporting the closure cap with a transport device along a transport path, wherein c) the closure cap is fed to a processing section of the transport path, in which processing section a stationary cutting knife with a cutting blade extending along a cutting section is arranged, and d) a cutting process is carried out in the processing section by rolling the jacket on the cutting blade of the stationary cutting knife to generate the cutting geometry.

[0011] The closure cap can be provided in a variety of known ways. For example, the closure cap can be provided from a reservoir by a singulating device such as a disc sorter or a carousel. The transport device grasps the individually provided closure caps and transports them along the transport path. A person skilled in the art is aware of a variety of ways in which the transport device can grasp the closure cap. For example, it is conceivable for the closure cap to be received in a receptacle that is movable along the transport path or in a chuck that is movable along the transport path and surrounds the closure cap from the outside. In other embodiments, the transport device can comprise a support mandrel that engages in an interior of the closure cap and thus transports the closure cap along the transport path.

[0012] The transport path through which the closure cap travels in the course of the method according to the invention designates at least one section of a process path. In the present case, the transport path comprises at least the processing section in which processing of the closure cap takes place, i.e. in which a quality of the closure cap is changed. In principle, the processing section can comprise a plurality of processing stations, such as a cutting blade for producing a cutting geometry in the jacket of the closure cap, a printing station for printing the closure cap and / or a folding device which folds a jacket section of the closure cap to produce a retaining ring. According to the invention, the processing section comprises at least one cutting section along which the cutting blade or several cutting blades of the cutting blade extend.The cutting path forms at least part of the processing path, but can in particular also correspond to the entire processing path. Each cutting blade extends into the transport path of the closure cap in such a way that one or more cutting edges of the cutting blade create one or more cuts in the jacket of the closure cap as it is transported by the transport device along the cutting path. Preferably, the closure cap is guided by the transport device to the cutting blade in the cutting path.

[0013] The transport path can comprise a feed path for feeding the closure cap to the processing line, which feed path is located upstream of the processing line in the process direction and preferably directly connected to it. As a rule, the feed path only serves to feed the closure cap to the processing line, i.e. no processing of the closure cap takes place on this section of the transport path. During transport along the feed path, the closure cap can, for example, be brought into a position desired for subsequent processing, in particular the predeterminable orientation of the rotational position with respect to the central axis. However, a feed path does not necessarily have to be present and the closure cap can, for example, be picked up in a separating device and fed directly to the processing line. In this case, the predeterminable orientation of the rotational position of the closure cap with respect to its central axis can, for example,during feeding, during the cap capture process.

[0014] The transport path defines a transport plane through its course in the area of ​​the cutting section. The cutting blade of the cutting knife extends essentially parallel to the transport plane. The entire processing section, including the feed section if applicable, can be located in the transport plane.

[0015] According to the invention, the closure cap is fed to the processing line with a predeterminable orientation of a rotational position relative to a center axis of the closure cap. The center axis corresponds to a rotational symmetry axis of the closure cap, whereby the closure cap does not need to be strictly rotationally symmetrical, and the center axis designates a main axis of symmetry of the basic shape of the closure cap. Therefore, in the present sense, the closure cap can also have non-rotationally symmetrical elements, such as a non-rotationally symmetrical cutting geometry, an internal thread, and / or a lid attached on one side via a hinge.

[0016] According to the invention, the cap can be machined in the processing line starting from a predeterminable rotational position. This is particularly advantageous for caps that are not completely rotationally symmetrical, where, for example, a printed image to be applied must be aligned with elements of the cap. Such elements include, for example, a non-rotationally symmetrical retaining ring (guarantee band) created during the cutting process or a securing strap for the cap. Likewise, for caps with a hinged lid, which is secured to the base body with webs until the first opening ("flip-top" arrangement), it is essential that the hinge is not destroyed during the cutting process.At most, recesses for the hinge are required in the cutting geometry of the slot, making oriented feeding of the closure cap essential. Furthermore, asymmetrically formed material thickenings may be present in which the retaining ring should not be separated from the cap ("tethered caps"), and the cutting geometry must be aligned accordingly.

[0017] According to the invention, the closure cap is fed to the processing line with a predeterminable orientation of a rotational position relative to a center axis of the closure cap by engaging a carrier of the transport device, which carrier rotates about a rotational axis, with a stop of the closure cap during feeding. The movement of the rotating carrier is controlled such that, when the closure cap enters the processing line, the carrier has a rotational position corresponding to the predeterminable orientation of the closure cap.

[0018] Preferably, the rotating driver is brought into engagement with the stop of the closure cap by a rotational movement about its rotational axis. This engagement allows the rotational movement of the rotating driver to cause a corresponding rotation of the closure cap about its central axis. Thus, the orientation of the rotational position of the closure cap with respect to the rotating driver, i.e., a relative rotational position between the driver and the closure cap, is defined by the engagement of the stop and the driver.

[0019] The engagement preferably occurs via a positive connection between the driver and the stop. The driver and the stop are designed to complement each other and are aligned so that they can be brought into engagement. "Engagement" can refer to a simple one-sided contact of the driver with the stop, but can also, for example, refer to the interaction of more complex forms, such as a correspondingly designed driver engaging behind an undercut of the stop. The stop and the driver can thus be designed, for example, as simple cams, which are brought into contact with each other for engagement. However, more complex forms of stop and driver are also conceivable, enabling the desired interaction. Of course, depending on requirements, more than one driver and / or more than one stop on the closure cap can be present.

[0020] According to the invention, the rotating driver of the transport device is brought into engagement with the stop of the closure cap during feeding and the rotating driver is controlled according to the invention in such a way that when the closure cap enters the processing section it has the rotational position corresponding to the predeterminable orientation of the closure cap, the closure cap coupled to the driver via the engagement with regard to the rotational movement has the predeterminable orientation with regard to its rotational position at this point.

[0021] In particular, the method according to the invention allows for the reliable feeding of a closure cap, provided in any rotational position, in a predeterminable orientation to the processing line. In particular, this eliminates the need for complex and therefore time-consuming control involving optical inspection and corresponding adjustment of the rotational position of the closure cap, as is known from the prior art.

[0022] Preferably, the center axis of the closure cap is perpendicular to the transport plane, at least in the processing section, and possibly also in the feed section. Likewise, the rotational axis of the rotating carrier is advantageously arranged perpendicular to the transport plane.

[0023] To ensure that the closure cap is carried by the rotating driver over the stop during feeding, the movement of the rotating driver is preferably controlled in such a way that the rotating driver and the stop of the closure cap necessarily engage within the scope of a complete relative rotation between the closure cap and driver during feeding. In this case, the rotation of the driver "overtakes" any spontaneous or previously introduced rotation, regardless of the initial orientation of the rotational position of the closure cap, so that the driver and the stop can be brought into engagement in any case. Alternatively, the closure cap can already be supplied with a certain orientation orbe provided with a certain orientation range so that, starting from an initial rotational position of the driver, a complete relative rotation is not required for reliable engagement of the stop and the driver.

[0024] Preferably, the engagement is maintained during further rotation of the rotating driver at least until entry into the processing section.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the rotational movement of the rotating driver about its axis of rotation is controlled such that a rotational speed during feeding corresponds to a rotational speed in the region of the processing path. In other words, the rotating driver rotates at a constant rotational speed while passing through the transport path. This has the advantage that the rotational movement of the rotating driver can be controlled in a particularly simple manner. The rotational speed is preferably selected such that engagement between the driver and the stop can occur during feeding, i.e., the rotational speed of the driver is higher than the rotation of the closure cap about its central axis.

[0026] In the processing section, the rotational speed of the closure cap can be increased so that it rotates faster than the driver. The engagement can thus be released by the driver's lower rotational speed. The rotational speed of the closure cap can be controlled, for example, by passive control means such as a contact surface on which the closure cap rolls, or by active control means such as a controlled rotation of a chuck in which the closure cap is held during transport. In the cutting section, the cutting resistance during rolling can generally be sufficient to ensure appropriate rotation of the closure cap.

[0027] In other words, the rotating driver can rotate at a constant rotational speed, and the engagement or disengagement can be achieved by controlling the rotation of the cap.

[0028] Conversely, the engagement or disengagement can also be achieved by controlling the rotational speed of the rotating driver. In another embodiment, the rotational movement of the rotating driver about its rotational axis is controlled such that a first rotational speed during feeding is higher than a second rotational speed in the region of the processing section, in particular during rolling in the cutting process. This ensures that, on the one hand, engagement between the driver and the stop can occur reliably during feeding, and, on the other hand, in the processing section, in which rotation of the closure cap can be determined by other means, the engagement can be released by the lower rotational speed, so that the rotating driver does not interfere with or collide with the stop.In particular, controlling the rotational speeds can improve control of the transition into the processing section. For example, targeted and, if possible, continuous control of the rotational speed of the driver in the feed section can prevent a speed jump upon entering the processing section.

[0029] It is understood that the rotation speed of the closure cap can also be controlled during feeding, for example, by providing passive control means such as a contact surface in a feed section of the transport path, with which the closure cap interacts, e.g., rolling or sliding, in such a way that a rotation about its central axis is generated. Likewise, the rotation can be achieved by active control means, e.g., by a controlled rotation of a chuck in which the closure cap is held during transport.

[0030] Preferably, a rotation of the closure cap about its central axis in the processing section is controlled such that the closure cap is set into a predeterminable rotation about its central axis, which is in particular largely independent of the rotational movement of the rotating driver. This is preferably achieved by the casing of the closure cap rolling on a contact surface. The contact surface can be formed in sections, but preferably extends over the entire processing section in order to ensure a clearly defined rotational position of the closure cap at every point. The contact surface therefore advantageously interacts with an outer side of the casing in such a way that slippage is prevented. This can be achieved, for example, by positive and / or frictional engagement between the casing and the contact surface.For this purpose, the contact surface can, for example, have a suitable surface structure which increases friction with the casing or into which complementary surface structures of a casing outer side can engage.

[0031] Preferably, the rotational movement of the rotating driver and / or the closure cap after entering the processing section is controlled such that the angular velocity of the rotating driver about its rotational axis differs, in particular by a maximum of 20%, from the angular velocity of the closure cap about its central axis. The angular velocity of the driver is preferably lower than the angular velocity of the closure cap. Due to the lower angular velocity of the driver, the engagement between the rotating driver and the stop of the closure cap can be released.

[0032] The upper limit prevents the faster-rotating stop of the closure cap from approaching the slower-rotating driver, particularly during the cutting process, i.e., from catching up with or overtaking it. Typically, the cutting process requires no more than one to two complete revolutions of the closure cap, so the specified upper limit of a maximum of 20% can prevent a collision with the driver with sufficient reliability.

[0033] In order to ensure engagement between the driver and stop during feeding, or to reduce or eliminate any spontaneous or previously induced rotation of the closure cap, a preferred embodiment inhibits a rotational movement of the closure cap about its central axis during feeding. The inhibition occurs in particular before engagement between the driver and the stop occurs. The inhibition can occur selectively along the entire transport path, in particular in the feed section, and can be achieved, for example, by the effect of frictional resistance on the closure cap. The inhibition prevents any rotational movement of the closure cap from outpacing the rotational movement of the driver. In this way, it can be ensured that engagement between the driver and the stop occurs inevitably during feeding.Alternatively, a rotational speed of the driver can be selected such that it is higher than any spontaneous or previously introduced rotation of the closure cap in every possible case, so that the latter does not need to be inhibited.

[0034] Depending on requirements, any rotational movement can be completely braked by frictional resistance. Without rotational movement of the closure cap around its central axis, a maximum of one full rotation of the driver is required to ensure that it engages reliably with the stop of the closure cap during feeding. The frictional resistance can be selectively applied, for example, via the surface finish of a transport base for the closure cap and, if necessary, specifically increased by a vacuum applied, for example, to a perforated sliding surface of the transport base. The braking can also be achieved via a separate braking device, such as a brake shoe, which interacts with the closure cap.

[0035] When the closure cap is gripped by the transport device, a relative movement of the rotating driver and the closure cap preferably occurs in the direction of the center axis. For this purpose, for example, a support mandrel, on which the driver can be arranged, can engage axially into the interior of the closure cap and thus grip the closure cap for transport. In another embodiment, the closure cap can be inserted axially into a receptacle of a chuck that is movable along the transport path.

[0036] To ensure that the rotating driver and the stop of the closure cap do not impede the gripping of the closure cap during the axial relative movement of the rotating driver and the closure cap in the direction of their central axis, the driver and the stop preferably have a diverging profile in a direction parallel to the central axis. The elements are particularly designed such that, due to the diverging profiles, the stop can slide on the driver or vice versa when they are arranged one above the other when the closure cap is gripped by the transport device in the direction of the central axis.

[0037] Preferably, the rotating driver is at least partially inserted into an interior of the closure cap when gripping the closure cap. In this way, the stop of the closure cap can be formed on an inner side of the closure cap, which is particularly advantageous because the external shape of the closure cap, which a subsequent user is confronted with, is not disturbed by the stop.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the driver is arranged on a support mandrel of the transport device, which has at least one support region, in particular a largely circular cylindrical support region, rotatable about an axis of rotation, oriented in particular perpendicular to the cutting path, for supporting the casing of the closure cap. The casing of the closure cap is supported from an inner side during rolling over the support region. The support region is preferably located opposite the cutting blade in the cutting path and guides the casing to the cutting blade.

[0039] The support area can be rotatably mounted with respect to the rest of the support mandrel or can be fixedly connected to the support mandrel, in which case the entire support mandrel is rotatably mounted. The support area or the support mandrel can preferably be set in a controlled rotary movement via a drive. The rotating driver can be fixedly arranged on the support area or fixedly arranged on the rotating support mandrel, so that the driver can rotate together with the support area or together with the entire support mandrel. In a preferred embodiment, depending on requirements, the rotating driver is arranged so as to be rotatable on the support mandrel independently of the support mandrel or the support area and is, for example, rotatably mounted on the latter. The axis of rotation of the driver is preferably arranged concentrically to a longitudinal axis of the support mandrel.

[0040] The driver is preferably arranged on an axial end face of the support mandrel and the stop on the inside of the base of the closure cap. In this way, on the one hand, the closure cap can be easily grasped by the support mandrel of the transport device. On the other hand, the axial arrangement of the driver on the end face of the support mandrel and the design of the stop on the inside of the base can easily ensure reliable engagement without, for example, the external shape or an internal thread of the closure cap being disrupted by the stop. Because the support mandrel has a support area that supports the casing from an inside during rolling on the cutting blade, the casing can be guided to the cutting blade in a controlled and reliable manner.The support area preferably supports the sheath in a momentary cutting area in which the cutting blade penetrates the sheath, whereby the cutting geometry can be reliably introduced into the sheath.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the rotational axis of the rotating driver is guided parallel and eccentrically with respect to the center axis of the closure cap in the processing section, in particular in the cutting section. This is particularly advantageous in an embodiment in which a support mandrel is provided on which the driver is arranged. The eccentric guide makes it possible for a support region of the support mandrel, which has a smaller diameter than an inner diameter of the closure cap, to bear against the jacket of the closure cap from the inside. In particular, the support region can thus guide the jacket from the inside against the cutting blade during rolling in a momentary cutting area.

[0042] The eccentric guidance can be achieved by guiding a movement path of the rotational axis of the driver along the transport path in a lateral direction toward the cutting blade and / or by providing a guide means in the region of the cutting path, in particular a contact surface, such that its center axis is offset parallel to the rotational axis of the driver. In other words, the eccentric guidance can be achieved by offsetting either the center axis of the closure cap relative to the rotational axis of the driver or the rotational axis of the driver relative to the center axis of the closure cap.

[0043] In contrast, the rotational axis of the rotating driver is preferably guided parallel and largely concentrically with the center axis of the closure cap during feeding, in particular with a lower eccentricity than during the processing section. This is particularly advantageous in an embodiment in which a support mandrel is provided on which the driver is arranged.

[0044] Due to the largely concentric arrangement, the engagement of the driver and stop during feeding can be simplified. In particular, the support mandrel can be inserted largely concentrically into the closure cap, and the driver arranged thereon can be easily brought into engagement with the stop of the closure cap by a rotating movement. With a largely concentric arrangement, the closure cap and driver rotate at essentially the same, largely constant angular velocity after engagement has occurred, which can simplify the oriented feeding of the closure cap to the processing area according to the invention.

[0045] Alternatively, the relative arrangement of the rotational axis of the driver and the center axis of the closure cap can already be arranged eccentrically during feeding, in which case, with a constant angular velocity of the driver, the closure cap rotates with a non-uniform angular velocity due to the eccentric relative arrangement.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the processing section comprises a pre-run section, which is arranged upstream of the cutting section in the process direction and extends in particular from the beginning of the processing section to the beginning of the cutting section, wherein the rotation of the closure cap about its central axis is clearly controlled in the pre-run section. Preferably, the rotation of the closure cap is controlled largely independently of the rotating driver, at least in the pre-run section, and preferably throughout the entire processing section.

[0047] For this purpose, control means such as a stop surface can be provided, with which a rotation of the closure cap around its central axis in the pre-travel section can be controlled, so that the orientation of the rotational position of the closure cap upon entering the cutting section is clearly determined based on its orientation upon entering the processing section. Preferably, the casing of the closure cap is forced to roll on a stop surface in the pre-travel section, so that the orientation of the rotational position of the closure cap with respect to its central axis upon entering the cutting section is clearly determined by the length of the pre-travel section.

[0048] In a possibly also preferred embodiment, depending on the specific embodiment, no pre-travel section is present, and the processing section corresponds to the cutting section, whereby the entry into the processing section corresponds to a first contact point between the casing of the closure cap and the cutting blade. In this case, the rotational movement of the closure cap is predetermined by the rolling action during the cutting process, but can be controlled by additional control means such as a stop surface.

[0049] The invention also encompasses a device for producing the circumferentially extending cutting geometry, in particular for producing a retaining ring, in the casing of the closure cap for a container. The device is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the device comprises a transport device for transporting the closure cap along a transport path that includes a processing section. A stationary cutting knife with a cutting blade extending along a cutting section is provided in the processing section for producing the cutting geometry in the casing of the closure cap.The device is characterized in that the transport device comprises a driver rotating about a rotational axis, which can be brought into engagement with a stop formed on the closure cap and can be controlled in such a way that the rotating driver has a rotational position corresponding to a predeterminable orientation of the closure cap about its central axis when the closure cap enters the processing section.

[0050] The rotating driver and the stop of the closure cap are preferably designed such that they can be engaged in any rotational position, even with an eccentric arrangement of the rotational axis and the central axis. For this purpose, the driver and the stop can each have a radial extension relative to the rotational axis or the central axis such that the volumes swept by the driver and the stop during a complete rotation around the respective axis overlap over the entire angular range of the rotation.

[0051] The device advantageously comprises a feed line for transporting the closure cap during feeding, located upstream of the processing line and adjacent to the processing line. Depending on requirements, the feed line can include a support surface for rolling an outer side of the closure cap's casing, allowing the cap to be set into a controlled rotation around its central axis. This rotation can be largely independent of the rotational movement of the rotating driver.

[0052] The device according to the invention preferably comprises a control device designed and configured to control a rotational movement of the rotating driver along the transport path. If the driver is fixedly arranged on a rotating support mandrel or a rotating support region of the support mandrel, the control device is particularly designed and configured to control a rotational movement of the support mandrel. The control device is advantageously designed and configured to control both a rotational movement of the rotating driver and a feed movement of the transport device with which the closure cap is conveyed along the transport path. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, provide a mechanical or electronic coupling between the feed and rotational movements.

[0053] The mechanical coupling can be achieved, for example, by mechanically coupling an axis of a rotatable bearing of the rotating driver to the feed movement of the transport device via a gear. The coupling can be variable, so that different ratios of feed and rotary movement can be set as the transport path is traveled, depending on the section and requirements. The gear can comprise positively and / or non-positively interacting components such as gears, friction rollers, annular internal gears or traction drives such as V-belts / timing belts or chains, etc. Typically, the gear is designed in such a way that there is a positive coupling between the rotary movement of the driver and the feed of the transport device. The gear can also have a coupling device by means of which the rotary movement and the feed movement can be switched on and off if necessary, e.g.for maintenance, can be decoupled.

[0054] The electronic coupling can be achieved, for example, via an electronic control system, which, for example, controls the feed movement of the transport device and the rotational movement of the carrier via separate electric drives. For this purpose, a first electric motor can be provided to drive an axis of the rotating carrier or, if applicable, a support mandrel or chuck on which the carrier is arranged, as well as a second electric motor for the feed movement of the transport device along the transport path. Servo motors, stepper motors, or linear motors, or combinations thereof, can be used as electric motors to achieve the desired movements.

[0055] Depending on requirements, the device can also have one or more sensors connected to the control device, which can be used to monitor or measure, for example, a rotational position of the support mandrel's axis and / or a position of the transport device. The corresponding measurements can be evaluated by the control device, allowing for continuous adjustment of the movements provided by the transport device. It is understood that the control device can be designed as a control or a closed-loop control system.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the control device is designed and configured to control the rotational movement of the rotating driver such that a rotational speed during feeding corresponds to a rotational speed in the region of the processing path.

[0057] In an embodiment that may also be preferred depending on the requirements, the control device is designed and configured to control the rotational movement of the rotating driver such that a first rotational speed during feeding is higher than a second rotational speed in the area of ​​the processing section. This has the advantage that during feeding, it can be ensured that the driver can reliably engage the stop due to the higher rotational speed, while in the area of ​​the processing section, it can be ensured that the engagement can be released due to the lower rotational speed.

[0058] The control device is preferably designed and configured to control the rotational movement of the rotating driver and / or the closure cap in the processing section in such a way that an angular velocity of the rotating driver about its axis of rotation differs, in particular by a maximum of 10%, from an angular velocity of the closure cap about its central axis. In particular, the angular velocity of the rotating driver is lower than the angular velocity of the closure cap. The lower angular velocity of the driver allows the engagement between the rotating driver and the stop of the closure cap to be released. The upper limit can prevent the faster rotating stop of the closure cap from being brought closer to the slower rotating driver, i.e. from catching up with it or overtaking it, in particular during the cutting process.Typically, the cutting process requires no more than one to two complete revolutions of the closure cap, so that, with the specified upper limit of a maximum of 10%, a collision with the driver can be prevented with sufficient reliability. Due to the different angular velocities, particularly in the case of a rotating support mandrel, the circumferential speed at the circumference of a co-rotating support area is lower than the rolling speed of the shell. The rolling speed of the shell therefore also differs by a maximum of 10% from the circumferential speed of the support area. In this case, slippage can occur between the support area and the inside of the shell, on which the support area rolls.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises, at least in sections of the processing section, a contact surface as a control means for an outer side of the casing of the closure cap, on which the closure cap can roll, in particular without slipping. By rolling on the contact surface, the closure cap rotates about its central axis, which is preferably largely independent of any rotation of the driver of the transport device. This rotation is preferably completely determined by the contact surface and the feed movement of the transport device. Advantageously, the contact surface has a surface structure that interacts with an outer side of the casing in such a way that slippage is prevented. For this purpose, the contact surface can, for example, have a suitable surface structure that increases friction with the casing or into which complementary surface structures of the casing can engage.Particularly advantageously, the contact surface has a toothing with notches running perpendicular to the machining path, which interacts with a knurling, in particular a fluting, of the casing with notches running along the rotation axis of the closure cap in a gear- or rack-like manner. The contact surface can extend only in part or over the entire machining path.

[0060] Preferably, the contact surface is arranged perpendicular to the rotational axis of the driver such that, due to the rolling action on the contact surface, the closure cap is offset with its center axis parallel to the rotational axis of the driver or, if applicable, the rotational axis of a support mandrel or a support region of the support mandrel on which the driver is arranged. In other words, a lateral distance of the contact surface from the movement path of the rotational axis of the driver is preferably smaller than an outer radius of the closure cap.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the processing section comprises a pre-run section which is arranged upstream of the cutting section in the process direction and extends from the start of the processing section to the start of the cutting section. Means are advantageously provided with which a rotation of the closure cap about its central axis in the pre-run section can be positively controlled, so that an orientation of the rotational position of the closure cap upon entry into the cutting section is clearly determined based on the orientation upon entry into the processing section. Such a means can, for example, be provided by the above-mentioned contact surface in the processing area, on which the closure cap rolls without slipping. In the pre-run section, for example, a lateral position of the closure cap, i.e. a position perpendicular to the central axis relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating driver, can be adjusted.

[0062] In a possibly also preferred embodiment, depending on requirements, the cutting blade of the cutting knife extends over the entire processing path, and the cutting path corresponds to the processing path. In this case, the entry into the processing path corresponds to a first contact point between the casing of the closure cap and the cutting blade.

[0063] The rotating driver is preferably arranged on a support mandrel of the transport device, which has at least one support region, in particular a largely circular cylindrical one, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, in particular oriented perpendicular to the cutting path, for supporting the casing of the closure cap. The support region can be mounted rotatably with respect to the rest of the support mandrel or can be rigidly connected to the support mandrel, in which case the entire support mandrel is rotatably mounted. The rotating driver can be fixedly arranged on the support region or fixedly on the rotating support mandrel, so that the driver is rotatable together with the support region or with the entire support region. Alternatively, the rotating driver can also be arranged rotatably on the support mandrel independently of the support mandrel or the support region and, for example, can be rotatably mounted on the support mandrel. The axis of rotation of the driver is preferably arranged concentrically to a longitudinal axis of the support mandrel.

[0064] The support area is arranged in such a way that it can support the casing of the closure cap from an inner side, in particular during rolling on the cutting blade, and guide it towards the cutting blade, wherein it lies opposite the cutting blade during the cutting process. The support area supports the casing in particular in a momentary cutting area in which the cutting blade penetrates the casing. The support area advantageously rolls on the inner side of the casing. Preferably, the support area or the entire support mandrel is driven and rotatable for this purpose. In principle, however, it is not excluded that the support area can also be designed to be driveless and rotatable. In the latter case, the rotating driver can rotate independently of the support area.

[0065] Particularly advantageously, the rotating driver is arranged on an axial end face of the support mandrel. This allows the rotating driver to be particularly easily engaged with a stop formed on the inside of the base of the closure cap.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device is designed as a turntable, wherein a plurality of rotating drivers, in particular a plurality of support mandrels, on each of which a driver is arranged, are arranged along a circumference of the turntable, and wherein the processing path, in particular the cutting path, and preferably optionally also the feed path, extends along the circumference of the turntable.

[0067] The turntable itself or as a separate, e.g., fixed, part can comprise a support or guide for the closure cap, which supports or guides it along the transport path. A support surface is preferably arranged parallel to the transport plane, at least in the area of ​​the processing path, in particular the cutting path.

[0068] A rotational axis of the rotary table is preferably arranged parallel to the rotational axes of the drivers or, if applicable, the support mandrels, whereby the drivers or support mandrels are moved past the cutting blade as the rotary table rotates. The rotary table can, for example, have two support structures that are largely parallel and spaced apart from one another and arranged perpendicular to the rotational axis, on which axes the drivers or support mandrels can be directly or indirectly rotatably mounted. However, the rotary table can also be designed such that the axes of the drivers and, if applicable, the support mandrels are mounted on only one side of the rotary table.

[0069] It is understood, however, that no turntable needs to be present and the transport path can also be linear, ie the transport device can be designed such that it transports the closure cap on a straight path.

[0070] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Short description of the drawings

[0071] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show schematically: Fig. 1A device according to the invention with a transport device that transports a closure cap along a cutting path; Fig. 2A side view of a support mandrel of the transport device before gripping the closure cap; Fig. 3A side view of the support mandrel of the transport device shortly before gripping the closure cap; Fig. 4A side view of the support mandrel of the transport device when gripping the closure cap; Fig. 5A sectional view in a sectional plane that is parallel to a transport plane and passes through a driver and a stop; Fig. 6A similar sectional view as in Fig. 5in a later process position, in which the driver and the stop engage; Fig. 7 a similar sectional view as in Fig. 6 in a later process position shortly before the closure cap enters a processing section; Fig. 8 an analogous sectional view as in Fig. 7 in a later process position when the closure cap enters the processing section; Fig. 9 an analogous sectional view as in Fig. 8 in a later process position shortly after the closure cap enters the processing section; Fig. 10 an analogous sectional view as in Fig. 9 in a later process position when the closure cap enters the cutting section; Fig. 11 an analogous sectional view as in Fig. 10 in a later process position during a cutting operation in the cutting section.

[0072] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0073] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a device 1 according to the invention with a transport device 2 which transports a closure cap 3 along a cutting path S. Figure 1 shows only certain elements of the device 1, with other elements hidden for better clarity.

[0074] The transport device 2 comprises a turntable 4 (shown in dashed lines) and a support mandrel 5. The support mandrel 5 is rotatably mounted on the turntable 4 about its longitudinal axis B. The turntable 4 is only indicated schematically and can comprise one or more support structures on which the support mandrel 5 is mounted on one or more counterbearings 4.1 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis B with respect to the turntable 4. However, the support mandrel 5 can also have, for example, a housing in which the rotatable bearing is formed and which is firmly anchored to the turntable 4.

[0075] The turntable 4 is mounted on a stationary support structure (not shown) of the device 1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis C. A rotational movement r of the turntable 4 about the rotation axis C defines a feed movement V of the support mandrel 5 of the transport device 2 along the transport path T. In the embodiment of the device 1 with turntable 4, the transport path T is shaped like a segment of a circular arc. It is understood that several support mandrels 5 can be arranged rotatably mounted on the turntable 4 along the circumference, which support mandrels 5 are moved simultaneously along the transport path T and successively pass through a processing path W with a cutting path S.

[0076] A gear 5.7 is fixedly arranged coaxially with the rotation axis B on an axle body 5.6 of the support mandrel 5. The gear 5.7 rolls on an internal toothing 15.1 of a ring 15 that is stationary with respect to the turntable 4. In this way, a simple control of the rotational movement R of the support mandrel 5 with the feed V determined by the rotational movement r of the turntable 4 is achieved. The rotational movements R and r have an opposite direction of rotation. With a suitable design of the toothing, the control can be selected such that the support mandrel 5, in particular a driver 8 formed thereon (see below), has a predeterminable orientation when the closure cap 3 enters the cutting section S. The teeth of gear 5.7 and the internal teeth 15.1 of ring 15 are selected so that after a complete rotation of the rotary table, the same orientation of driver 8 is achieved. The gear 5.7 together with the ring 15 thus form parts of a simple control device of the device 1. With several support mandrels 5, the gears 5.7 of all support mandrels 5 can roll on the same ring 15, so that this couples the rotational movements R of the support mandrels 5 about the respective rotation axes B. Any drives that drive the turntable 4 are not shown.

[0077] In the presentation of the Fig. 1the support mandrel 5 is located in the area of ​​the cutting path S, which forms a section of the transport path T. The support mandrel 5 engages with a support area 5.1 into an interior of the closure cap 3 and transports the latter along the cutting path S. A cutting knife 6 with a cutting blade 6.1 is arranged in the cutting path S. The cutting blade 6.1 is curved to match the transport path T and projects at least partially into the transport path T of the closure cap 3. During the transport along the cutting path S, the closure cap 3 is rolled with a jacket 3.1 on the cutting blade 6.1 in such a way that the cutting blade 6.1 creates a cut in the jacket 3.1. The support area 5.1 supports the jacket 3.1 of the closure cap 3 from the inside and guides it against the cutting blade 6.1. The rotation axis B of the support mandrel 5 is offset relative to a center axis A of the closure cap 3 in a direction perpendicular to the cutting path S.A base on which the closure caps 3 slide defines a transport plane E. The rotation axis B and the center axis A are perpendicular to the transport plane E.

[0078] Figures 2 to 11 show a sequence of a method according to the invention, first in side views with partial sectional views ( Fig. 2 to 4 ) and subsequently in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis A of the closure cap 3 ( Fig. 5 to 11 ). In the Figures 5 to 11 Non-relevant features of the support mandrel 5 are hidden for better clarity.

[0079] Figure 2shows a schematic side view of the support mandrel 5 of the transport device 2 before the closure cap 3 is gripped. The support mandrel 5 is moved in a feed movement V and rotates with a rotational movement R about its longitudinal axis B. In the case shown, the closure cap 3 is provided with a feed movement v which is matched to the feed movement V of the support mandrel 5. In this way, the transport device 2 does not have to be braked to grip the closure cap 3, which is advantageous for time-saving and efficient processing. The closure cap 3 is provided in such a way that the longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5, which also corresponds to its rotational axis B, is arranged largely coaxially with the center axis A of the closure cap 3.

[0080] The closure cap 3 slides on a transport base 7, which in this case also defines the transport plane E. The longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5 is perpendicular to the transport base 7 or the transport plane E. Any other guide means that may be present, e.g., holders that move with the turntable and guide the closure cap 3 in the direction of the feed movement v, are not shown.

[0081] The support area 5.1 of the support mandrel 5 is formed by a largely circular-cylindrical outer surface of the support mandrel 5. In the present case, the support area 5.1 has two fully or partially circumferential grooves 5.2, which are provided for engagement by the cutting blade 6.1 of the cutting knife 6 or another cutting blade (not shown) of the cutting knife 6 during the cutting process.

[0082] On an end face 5.3 in an end region facing the closure cap 3 in the direction of the longitudinal axis B, the support mandrel 5 has a nozzle 5.4, on which a driver 8 is formed. The nozzle 5.4 can be spring-mounted. The driver 8 extends from the nozzle 5.4 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B outwards (see Fig. 5 - 11 ). In the longitudinal direction B, the driver 8 terminates at an end face 5.5 of the connecting piece 5.4. The end face 5.5 designates an outermost end of the support mandrel 5.

[0083] A stop 9 is formed on an inner base 3.3 of the closure cap 3. The stop 9 is designed as a simple cam and extends eccentrically in the radial direction with respect to the center axis A of the closure cap 3. In particular, the stop 9 extends eccentrically such that, with a substantially concentric arrangement of the support mandrel 5 and the closure cap 3, on the one hand, the support mandrel 5 can be lowered with the end face 5.5 of the nozzle 5.4 onto the inner base 3.3 without being hindered by the stop 9. On the other hand, the stop 9 is arranged such that the driver 8 can engage it during a relative rotation of the support mandrel 5 and the closure cap 3 about the center axis A or the longitudinal axis B.

[0084] The support mandrel 5 is located in the illustration of the Fig. 2in a lowering movement F in the longitudinal direction B toward the closure cap 3, in order to grasp it by inserting the end region of the support mandrel 5 into an interior space 3.2 of the closure cap 3. (Alternatively, the closure cap 3 can of course also be guided upwards toward the support mandrel 5, or both elements can move toward each other.)

[0085] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the support mandrel 5 of the transport device 2 shortly before the closure cap 3 is gripped. The representation of the Fig. 3 concerns a somewhat later procedural position than the presentation of the Fig. 2 , in which the support mandrel 5 has been lowered further in direction F towards the closure cap 3 and is shortly before being inserted into the interior 3.2 of the closure cap 3.

[0086] Figure 4shows a schematic side view of the support mandrel 5 of the transport device 2 during the gripping of the closure cap 3. The support mandrel 5 is completely lowered with the end face 5.5 of the nozzle 5.4 onto the inner base 3.3 of the closure cap 3. In this position, the driver 8 and the stop 9 are arranged in a plane parallel to the transport plane E, but have not yet been brought into engagement. The closure cap 3 is now located on a feed section Z of the transport path T, running along the track 10.

[0087] In this position, the support area 5.1 of the support mandrel 5 is arranged radially within a jacket area 3.4 of the jacket 3.1 of the closure cap 3, in which the cut or a cutting geometry is to be created in the further process.

[0088] Figure 5shows a sectional view in a section plane which is parallel to the transport plane E and passes through the driver 8 and the stop 9. One view is directed towards the transport base 7. The process position of the Fig. 5 corresponds to the procedural position of the Fig. 4 after the closure cap 3 has been gripped by the support mandrel 5 of the transport device 2. The beginning of the feed path Z, on which the closure cap 3 is fed to a processing area W, is indicated by a dashed line. In the present sense, a beginning of the feed path Z can be defined by the gripping of the closure cap by the support mandrel 5.

[0089] In the sectional view of the Fig. 5It can be seen that the casing 3.1 of the closure cap 3 has notches 3.6 on an outer side 3.5 of the casing running parallel to the central axis A, which result in a gear-like cross-section. The notches 3.6 extend over a certain height in the direction of A of the closure cap 3 and form a knurling or fluting.

[0090] The driver 8 is slightly inclined relative to a radial direction with respect to B in order to ensure better contact with the stop 9 which is radially aligned with respect to A during a subsequent engagement of the driver 8 and stop 9.

[0091] The support mandrel 5 performs a rotary movement R. The closure cap 3 transported by the transport device 2 initially has no defined rotational movement about its central axis A. Due to the feed, a random rotation can occur. The driver 8 of the support mandrel 5 should engage with the stop 9 of the closure cap 3 due to the rotary movement R. To prevent the stop 9 from overtaking the driver 8 due to an initial rotary movement of the closure cap 3, which would make reliable contact impossible, the initial rotary movement of the closure cap 3 can be inhibited, e.g. by frictional engagement between the outer shell 3 of the closure cap 3 and resilient elements, e.g. the cap holder, and / or by means of a vacuum system in the turntable.

[0092] Figure 6 shows an analogous sectional view as Fig. 5in a later process position in which the driver 8 and the stop 9 have engaged.

[0093] The transport device 2 has transported the closure cap 3 further along the transport path T along the feed line Z. On the outside, along the transport path T in this section of the feed line Z, a contact surface 11 which guides the closure cap 3 during transport. The contact surface 11 is arranged in such a way that the longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5 and the central axis A of the closure cap 3 remain essentially concentric. The contact surface 11 For this purpose, it typically has a distance from the movement path of the longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5 which corresponds to half the outer diameter of the outer side 3.5.

[0094] Due to the engagement between the driver 8 and the stop 9, the closure cap now performs a rotational movement D, which corresponds to the rotational movement R of the support mandrel 5. This means that with a constant feed movement V, the outer surface 3.5 of the closure cap 3 rolls with slip on the contact surface 11, ie also slides.

[0095] Figure 7 shows an analogous sectional view as Fig. 6 in a later process position shortly before the closure cap 3 enters the processing section W.

[0096] The rotation D of the closure cap 3 in this process position is still determined by the rotary movement R of the support mandrel 5, which is transmitted to the closure cap 3 by the engagement of the driver 8 with the stop 9. The contact surface 11 has a ramp 12 at the transition to the processing surface, which ramp curves from the previous course of the contact surface 11 towards the transport path T. The ramp 12 guides the closure cap 3 in a direction X largely perpendicular to the course of the transport path T and displaces it with respect to the movement path of the support mandrel 5. The closure cap 3 is displaced in particular to such an extent that, upon later entry into the processing section W, its shell inner side arranged at the contact surface 11 rests against the support area 5.1 of the support mandrel 5 (not shown) and the rotational symmetry axis A has an offset Y with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5.The closure cap 3 is thus displaced laterally relative to the support mandrel 5, so that the center axis A of the closure cap 3 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5.

[0097] The driver 8 and the stop 9 are dimensioned in the radial direction in such a way that the engagement is maintained by the eccentric displacement.

[0098] Figure 8 shows an analogous sectional view as Fig. 7 in a later process position when the closure cap 3 enters the processing section W.

[0099] The processing section W has a contact surface 13, which is offset from the contact surface 11 of the feed section Z to the transport path T. The ramp 12 of the feed section Z at the transition to the processing section enables a continuous transition. Upon entering the processing section W, the rotational symmetry axis A of the closure cap 3 thus has an offset relative to the longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5, which corresponds to the displacement caused by the ramp 12. The contact surface 13 runs at a constant distance along the transport path T, so that the offset Y is maintained.

[0100] The contact surface 13 has a toothing 14 with teeth 14.1 which extend perpendicular to the transport plane E, i.e. parallel to the central axis A of the closure cap 3 and parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the support mandrel 5. The toothing 14 is designed such that the teeth 14.1 can engage the notches 3.6 in the outer shell 3.5 of the closure cap 3. Upon entry into the processing section W, the teeth 14.1 engage with the notches 3.6, whereby the closure cap 3 rolls with its outer shell 3.5 on the contact surface 13. Due to the toothing 14 and because the shell 3.1 of the closure cap 3 is guided against the contact surface 13 due to the offset Y from the support area 5.1, a forced control of a rotation D' of the closure cap 3 is created as a function of the feed movement V.The rotation speed D' of the closure cap 3 in the machining section W is greater than the rotation speed R of the support mandrel 5 (see . Fig. 9 ).

[0101] When the closure cap 3 enters the processing section W, the support mandrel 5 and thus the driver 8 arranged thereon have a predetermined rotational position M. Since the driver 8 and the stop 9 are engaged when entering the processing section W, the closure cap 3 has an orientation of its rotational position that can be predetermined via the rotational position of the support mandrel 5. By appropriately controlling the rotational movement of the support mandrel 5, a desired rotational position of the closure cap 3 can thus be set. Since the closure cap 3 inevitably rolls on the contact surface 13 as the process progresses in the processing section W, a rotational position of the closure cap 3 about its central axis A in the processing section W is clearly determined in every process position.

[0102] In the processing section W, after a pre-travel section P, the cutting blade 6.1 of the cutting knife 6 is arranged in the cutting section S and projects beyond the contact surface 13 in the direction of the transport path T. The pre-travel section P and the cutting section S form subsections of the processing section W.

[0103] Figure 9 shows an analogous sectional view as Fig. 8 in a later process position shortly after the closure cap 3 enters the processing section W.

[0104] In the machining area, the rotation D' of the closure cap 3 is positively controlled via the contact surface 13. The rotational speed of the rotation D' of the closure cap 3 in the machining section W is greater than the rotational speed of the rotational movement R of the support mandrel 5 and thus of the driver 8. Due to the difference in the rotational speeds, the stop 9 rotates faster about the central axis A of the closure cap 3 than the driver 8 about the rotational axis B. The stop 9 therefore lifts off from the driver 8, whereby the engagement of the driver 8 with the stop 9 is released.

[0105] Figure 10 shows an analogous sectional view as Fig. 9 in a later process position when the closure cap 3 enters the cutting section S.

[0106] The entry of the closure cap 3 into the cutting path S corresponds to a first contact point between the casing 3.1 of the closure cap 3 and the cutting blade 6.1 of the cutting knife 6. Since the cutting blade 6.1 protrudes beyond the contact surface 13 in the direction of the transport path T, it can penetrate the casing 3.1 and make the cut. On the inside, the casing 3.1 is supported by the support area 5.1 of the support mandrel 5, which is arranged opposite the cutting blade 6.1. The cutting blade 6.1 can penetrate the casing 3.1 and protrude into the grooves 5.2 arranged in the support area 5.1.

[0107] Since the closure cap 3 inevitably rolls on the contact surface 13 in the area of ​​the pre-travel section P, a rotational position of the closure cap 3 about its central axis A is clearly determined upon entry into the cutting section S. The first contact point of the casing 3.1 with the cutting blade 6.1 is thus also clearly determined, whereby the cut or the cutting geometry can be introduced into the closure cap 3 in a clearly predeterminable orientation.

[0108] Due to the difference in the rotational speeds of the closure cap 3 and the support mandrel 5, the stop 9 moves further away from the driver 8 with the rotation D', which rotates with the rotational movement R.

[0109] Figure 11 shows an analogous sectional view as Fig. 10 in a later process position during the cutting process in the cutting section S.

[0110] During the cutting process, the casing 3.1 of the closure cap 3 rolls over the cutting blade 6.1. The rotation D' of the closure cap 3 around its center axis A is clearly determined throughout the entire machining path W by the toothing 14 of the contact surface 13. In this way, the entire cut can be made with high precision and in a predeterminable orientation of the closure cap 3.

[0111] Due to the rotational movements of the closure cap 3 and the driver 8 about different, mutually offset axes of rotation A and B, the driver 8 can approach the stop 9 again in stages of rotation. It is therefore advisable to select a difference between the rotation speeds D' and the rotational movement R sufficiently large that an undesired collision of the driver 8 with the stop 9 does not occur in the machining section W.

Claims

1. A method for producing a cutting geometry running in the circumferential direction in a shell of a closure cap for a container, said method comprising the following steps: a) providing the closure cap; b) transporting the closure cap along a transport path by a transport installation; wherein c) the closure cap is fed to a machining section of the transport path, in which machining section a stationary cutting knife having a cutting blade that extends along a cutting section is disposed; and d) a cutting procedure for generating the cutting geometry in the machining section is carried out by rolling the shell on the cutting blade of the stationary cutting knife; wherein the feeding of the closure cap to the machining section takes place at a predefinable orientation in terms of a rotary position in relation to a central axis of the closure cap in that a driver of the transport installation that rotates about a rotation axis is brought to engage with a detent of the closure cap, and a movement of the rotating driver is controlled in such a manner that, when the closure cap enters the machining section, the driver has a rotary position that corresponds to the predefinable orientation of the closure cap, characterized in that a rotation of the closure cap about the central axis thereof in the machining section is controlled in such a manner that the closure cap is set in a predefinable rotation about the central axis thereof, wherein the rotating movement of the rotating driver and / or of the closure cap upon entering the machining section is controlled in such a manner that an angular velocity of the rotating driver about the rotation axis thereof is lower than the angular velocity of the closure cap about the central axis of the latter.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the rotating movement of the rotating driver about the rotation axis thereof is controlled in such a manner that the rotating driver and the detent of the closure cap come to positively engage in the context of a complete relative revolution between the closure cap and the driver during feeding, and this engagement, while further rotating the rotating driver, is in particular maintained at least until entering the machining section.

3. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the rotating movement of the rotating driver about the rotation axis thereof is controlled in such a manner that a rotating speed during feeding corresponds to a rotating speed in the region of the machining section, or in that a first rotating speed during feeding is higher than a second rotating speed in the region of the machining section, in particular during the rolling in the cutting procedure.

4. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a rotation of the closure cap about the central axis thereof in the machining section is controlled in such a manner that the closure cap is set in a predefinable rotation about the central axis thereof, said rotation being largely independent of the rotating movement of the rotating driver, preferably in that the shell of the closure cap is rolled on a contact face.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the rotating movement of the rotating driver and / or of the closure cap upon entering the machining section is controlled in such a manner that an angular velocity of the rotating driver about the rotation axis thereof differs from an angular velocity of the closure cap about the central axis of the latter by at most 10%.

6. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a rotating movement of the closure cap about the central axis thereof during feeding, in particular prior to the engagement of the driver and the detent, is impeded.

7. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, when the closure cap is acquired by the transport installation, a relative movement of the rotating driver and of the closure cap in the direction of the central axis takes place.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the rotating driver is at least partially introduced into an interior of the closure cap, wherein the detent of the closure cap is preferably configured on an internal side of the closure cap and in particular the rotating driver and the detent have a profile that diverges in a direction parallel to the central axis.

9. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the driver is disposed on a support mandrel of the transport installation, said support mandrel having at least one, in particular largely circular-cylindrical, support region which for supporting the shell of the closure cap is rotatable about a rotation axis orientated in particular so as to be perpendicular to the cutting section, and the shell is supported from an internal side during rolling over the support region, in particular wherein the driver is disposed on an axial end side of the support mandrel and the detent is disposed on an internal side of the base of the closure cap.

10. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotation axis of the rotating driver, in particular optionally of the support mandrel, is guided in the machining section, in particular in the cutting section, so as to be parallel and eccentric in relation to the central axis of the closure cap.

11. An apparatus for producing a cutting geometry running in the circumferential direction in a shell of a closure cap for a container, for carrying out a method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, said apparatus comprising: a) a transport installation for transporting the closure cap along a transport path which comprises a machining section; wherein b) a stationary cutting knife having a cutting blade which for generating the cutting geometry in the shell of the closure cap extends along a cutting section is present in the machining section, wherein the transport installation comprises a driver which rotates about a rotation axis and is able to be brought to engage with a detent configured on the closure cap and is controllable in such a manner that, when the closure cap enters the machining section, the rotating driver has a rotary position corresponding to a predefinable orientation of the closure cap about the central axis thereof, characterized in that the control apparatus is designed and configured for controlling the rotating movement of the rotating driver and / or of the closure cap in the machining section in such a manner that an angular velocity of the rotating driver about the rotation axis thereof is lower than the angular velocity of the closure cap.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that a control apparatus which is designed and configured for controlling a rotating movement of the rotating driver along the transport path is present.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the control apparatus is designed and configured for controlling the rotating movement of the rotating driver in such a manner that a rotating speed during feeding corresponds to a rotating speed in the region of the machining section, or in that a first rotating speed during feeding is higher than a second rotating speed in the region of the machining section.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the control apparatus is designed and configured for controlling the rotating movement of the rotating driver and / or of the closure cap in the machining section in such a manner that an angular velocity of the rotating driver about the rotation axis thereof differs from an angular velocity of the closure cap about the central axis of the latter by at most 20%.

15. The apparatus as claimed in one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a contact face as a control means for an external side of the shell of the closure cap is present in at least portions of the machining section, the closure cap being able to be rolled, in particular without slippage, on said contact face.

16. The apparatus as claimed in one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the driver is disposed on a support mandrel of the transport installation, said support mandrel having at least one, in particular largely circular-cylindrical, support region which for supporting the shell of the closure cap is rotatable about a rotation axis orientated in particular so as to be perpendicular to the cutting section, wherein the rotating driver is preferably disposed on an axial end side of the support mandrel.

17. The apparatus as claimed in one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the transport installation is configured as a rotary table, wherein a plurality of rotating drivers, in particular a plurality of support mandrels, on each of which one driver is disposed, are disposed along a circumference of the rotary table, and in that the machining section, in particular the cutting section, and in particular optionally also an infeed section, extends / extend along the circumference of the rotary table.

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