Apparatus and method for finishing an unfinished object

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for finishing a object (3), comprising a supporting member (15) and a mechanical cutting device, wherein the supporting member (15) delimits a through hole (19) which prevents the passage of the object (3) to be cut and allows the passage of the finished object (5) to be obtained, and wherein the mechanical cutting device comprises a first cutting member (9) movable relative to the supporting member (15) between an uncoupled configuration, and a coupled configuration, in which the first cutting member (9) is inserted in the through hole (19), the apparatus (1) being switchable from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration in order to carry out, in use, a cutting operation on the object (3) along a closed line and thereby to obtain the outer annular edge (7), separating the finished object (5) from a piece of scrap (23). A method implementable with the apparatus (1) is also claimed.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for finishing an object (in the following referred to also as unfinished object), that is to say, for finishing an object that is in its preliminary stages from which, by means of suitable finishing (a cutting action), a "finished" object can be obtained. This invention was devised in particular for finishing objects which are containers or, more generically, parts of packs usable in the packaging sector (for example lids, caps, parts of containers, etc.); despite that, it may also be used for making objects of a different type whose production has similar requirements which can be met thanks to this invention.

[0002] In particular, this invention was devised with reference to the making of cellulose material-based finished objects, if necessary with a surface coating of polymeric film.

[0003] Considering that this invention was initially devised for making containers, hereinafter reference will often be made to that application (in particular in the accompanying figures). However, any reference to containers shall also be understood to refer to objects of another type, in particular to generic parts of packs.

[0004] In accordance with the prior art, there are apparatuses and methods for finishing a unfinished object in which the unfinished object is positioned at a mechanical cutting device and in which - with the mechanical cutting device - the unfinished object is cut along a closed line and a finished object and a piece of scrap are obtained. However, none of the prior art ones is satisfactory in terms of productivity (number of finished objects obtainable in a predefined period of time).

[0005] Therefore the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to define an apparatus and a method which allow greater productivity to be achieved than that of the prior art apparatuses and methods.

[0006] The technical purpose is substantially achieved by an apparatus in accordance with what is defined in independent claim 1 and by a method in accordance with what is defined in independent claim 17.

[0007] Particular embodiments of this invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0008] Further characteristics and the advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of several preferred, non-limiting embodiments, of an apparatus and of a method for finishing an unfinished object.

[0009] Reference will be made to the drawings of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows, in a front cross-section, an apparatus according to this invention in accordance with a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 1 in an initial configuration, with a unfinished object to be finished and a plurality of finished objects; Figure 3 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 2 in an uncoupled configuration, at the end of a switching from the initial configuration to an uncoupled configuration; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the detail IV of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows, in a front cross-section the apparatus of Figure 3 during a first step of a switching from the uncoupled configuration to a coupled configuration; Figure 6 shows, in a front cross-section the apparatus of Figure 5 during a second step of the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the detail VII of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 6 in the coupled configuration, at the end of the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration; Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the detail IX of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 8 during a switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration; Figure 11 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 10 in the uncoupled configuration, at the end of the switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration; Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the detail XII of Figure 11; Figure 13 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 11 in a final configuration, at the end of a switching from the uncoupled configuration to a final configuration; Figure 14 shows, in a front cross-section, a second embodiment of an apparatus according to this invention; Figure 15 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 14 in the initial configuration with a unfinished object to be finished; Figure 16 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 15 in the uncoupled configuration, at the end of the switching from the initial configuration to the uncoupled configuration; Figure 17 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 16 during a first step of the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration; Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the detail XVIII of Figure 17; Figure 19 shows, in a front cross-section the apparatus of Figure 17 during a second step of the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration; Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the detail XX of Figure 19; Figure 21 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 19 in the coupled configuration with a finished object and a piece of scrap, at the end of the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration; Figure 22 is an enlarged view of the detail XXII of Figure 20; Figure 23 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 21 with a pushing element in action; Figure 24 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 23 in the uncoupled configuration, at the end of the switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration; Figure 25 is an enlarged view of the detail XXV of Figure 24; Figure 26 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 24 with a removing element in action; Figure 27 shows, in a front cross-section, the apparatus of Figure 26 in a final configuration, at the end of the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the final configuration; Figure 28 is an enlarged view of the detail XXVIII of Figure 27; Figure 29 shows, in a front cross-section, a variant of the apparatus of Figure 3, configured to simultaneously finish two unfinished objects (connected to each other); Figure 30 is an enlarged view of the detail XXX of Figure 29; and Figure 31 shows the apparatus of Figure 29 in a configuration corresponding to that of Figure 5.

[0010] In the accompanying figures, the apparatus for finishing the outer annular edge of an object was labelled with the number 1 in its entirety.

[0011] Hereinafter is a description first of the apparatus 1, then of the method in accordance with this invention. However, given that the apparatus allows the method to be implemented, what is described relative to the apparatus shall also be understood as referring to the method and vice versa (if technically applicable).

[0012] As indicated above, the apparatus according to this invention is an apparatus 1 for finishing an object (unfinished object 3), and comprises a mechanical cutting device which is configured to cut in use the unfinished object 3 and to obtain a finished object 5 which has an outer annular edge 7 (which is finished).

[0013] The method according to this invention was devised with particular reference to cellulose material-based unfinished objects, but may also be used for different materials.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, work is done on unfinished objects 3 comprising a cellulose layer (to obtain a plurality of finished objects 5 each comprising a respective portion of that cellulose layer); such a cellulose layer may for example be cellulose pulp-based.

[0015] In some embodiments, a unfinished object 3 is used comprising the cellulose layer and a polymeric liner which coats it on one side which constitutes an inner surface of each finished object 5 to be obtained. In other embodiments it is possible that a polymeric liner is also (or only) applied on the opposite side.

[0016] Although in some embodiments the apparatus comprises a single mechanical cutting device and is usable for finishing one unfinished object 3 at a time, in other embodiments the apparatus 1 is configured to simultaneously finish a predefined number of unfinished objects 3 greater than or equal to two and comprises the same predefined number of mechanical cutting devices. In this latter case, each cutting device may be made in accordance with any of the embodiments which will be described below with reference to the case in which the apparatus comprises a single cutting device. Figures 29 to 31 illustrate an example of an apparatus configured to simultaneously finish two unfinished objects 3.

[0017] The mechanical cutting device comprises at least a first cutting member 9 (some preferred embodiments, described below, also comprise a second cutting member 11) and defines a reference axis 13 parallel to which the first cutting member 9 is configured to act on the unfinished object 3 (to make in the unfinished object 3, at the outer annular edge 7 to be obtained, a cut which passes through the unfinished object 3 parallel to the reference axis 13). Preferably, the reference axis 13 is vertical (or substantially vertical).

[0018] In addition to the mechanical cutting device, the apparatus 1 also comprises a feeding device, which is configured to feed the mechanical cutting device, in use, with the unfinished object 3 to be cut (or, in other words, which is configured to supply, in use, the unfinished object 3 to the mechanical cutting device). That feeding device defines a movement path which extends from an infeed position to an outfeed position by passing through a working position, and comprises a supporting member 15 which is movable along that movement path from the infeed position to the outfeed position by passing through the working position.

[0019] If the apparatus comprises a plurality of mechanical cutting devices, the feeding device is configured to simultaneously feed, in use, each mechanical cutting device, with a respective unfinished object 3 to be finished.

[0020] Figures 1 and 14, illustrate two different embodiments in which a supporting member 15 is in the infeed position (on the left); in the same two figures, a broken line indicates the outline of the supporting member 15 when it is in the working position (at the centre) and in the outfeed position (on the right).

[0021] In some embodiments, the feeding device comprises a plurality of supporting members 15 which are positioned one after another along the movement path, with each supporting member 15 movable from the infeed position to the outfeed position by passing through the working position: in such embodiments, the supporting members 15 pass one after another in the infeed position, in the working position and in the outfeed position. In some embodiments, when a first supporting member 15 is in the outfeed position, a second supporting member 15 is in the infeed position (Figures 13 and 27); in other embodiments, when a first supporting member 15 is in the outfeed position, a second supporting member 15 is in the working position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the movement path is a closed path, preferably a looped path, which the supporting member 15 travels along in only one direction of travel (or, if there is a plurality of supporting members 15, each supporting member 15 travels in only one direction of travel). The supporting member 15 (or each supporting member 15) is thereby movable from the infeed position to the outfeed position along a first stretch of the movement path which extends from the infeed position to the outfeed position, and from the outfeed position to the infeed position by passing along a second stretch of the movement path which is different from the first stretch.

[0023] The mechanical cutting device is positioned at the working position and, in use, the supporting member 15 supplies the unfinished object 3 to the mechanical cutting device by moving along the movement path from the infeed position to the working position while it supports the unfinished object 3.

[0024] The supporting member 15 has a supporting surface 17 shaped to support, in use, the unfinished object 3 to be cut, and delimits a through hole 19 which passes through the supporting member 15 from one side to the other and which on one side is delimited by the supporting surface 17.

[0025] If the apparatus 1 is configured to simultaneously finish the predefined number of unfinished objects 3 greater than or equal to two, the supporting member 15 delimits that predefined number of through holes 19, one for each unfinished object 3 to be finished. What is described below with reference to a through hole 19 shall be understood to also apply for each through hole 19 present in the supporting member 15.

[0026] Again in the cases in which the apparatus 1 is configured to simultaneously finish the predefined number of unfinished objects 3 greater than or equal to two, alternatively the supporting member may be configured to support unfinished objects 3 independent of each other or unfinished objects 3 at least some of which are connected to each other. Whilst in the first case the supporting member 15 has for each unfinished object 3 a supporting surface 17 shaped to autonomously support it (it even being possible for a single supporting surface 17 to be configured to independently support a plurality of unfinished objects 3), in the second case there are supporting surfaces 17 present configured to simultaneously support the unfinished objects 3 connected to each other which delimit a number of through holes 19 equal to the number of unfinished objects 3 connected to each other which they must support. By way of example, Figures 29 to 31 illustrate a case in which a single supporting surface 17 delimits two through holes 19 and is configured to support, in use, two unfinished objects 3 connected to each other.

[0027] Multiple unfinished objects 3 connected to each other may for example be obtained by using a plurality of separate semi-finished elements 4 which are cellulose material-based and by thermoforming on them a single polymeric liner 6 which, as well as joining the semi-finished elements 4, coats all of the semi-finished elements 4. The separate semi-finished elements 4 are spaced apart from each other by a gap 8 at which only the polymeric liner 6 is present (Figures 30 and 31).

[0028] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 is configured to finish, in use, a unfinished object 3 supported by the supporting surface 17 and partly inserted in the through hole 19; this is the case, for example, of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 27).

[0029] In some embodiments, in a different way, the apparatus 1 is configured to finish, in use, a unfinished object 3 supported by the supporting surface 17 above the through hole 19; this is the case, for example, of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 13).

[0030] In any case, when the supporting member 15 is in the working position, the through hole 19 delimited by the supporting member 15 is aligned with the first cutting member 9 along the reference axis 13 of the mechanical cutting device (is centred in the reference axis 13), and has a shape and an extent such that they prevent, in use, the passage of the unfinished object 3 from one side to the other of the supporting member 15 through the through hole 19, and at the same time are such that they allow, in use, the passage of the finished object 5 - obtained from the unfinished object 3 - from one side to the other of the supporting member 15 through the through hole 19.

[0031] In some embodiments, when the supporting member 15 is in the working position, the through hole 19 has an extent - in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis 13 - which is less than that of the unfinished object 3 to be cut and greater than that of the finished object 5 to be obtained. In some embodiments, when the supporting member 15 is in the working position, an orthogonal projection of the through hole 19 on the plane perpendicular to the reference axis 13 has an area which is not wide enough to contain inside it the orthogonal projection of the unfinished object 3 (projection projected on the plane perpendicular to the reference axis 13), and which at the same time is wide enough to contain, inside it, the orthogonal projection of the finished object 5 (projection projected on the same plane perpendicular to the reference axis 13). In the case of a vertical reference axis 13, those orthogonal projections correspond to projections in plan view (top view) and their extents correspond to their extents in plan view. In some embodiments, the supporting member 15 is a pierced plate. In some embodiments, the supporting member 15 comprises a portion shaped like a pierced plate, and one or more projecting portions 21 positioned around the supporting surface 17 and which, in use, limit possible movements of the unfinished object 3 on the supporting surface 17 (or of the unfinished objects 3 if the supporting surface 17 is intended to simultaneously support multiple unfinished objects 3 connected to each other).

[0032] When the supporting member 15 is in the working position, the first cutting member 9 and the supporting member 15 are movable relative to each other parallel to the reference axis 13. In some embodiments of the apparatus 1, of the first cutting member 9 and the supporting member 15, only the first cutting member 9 is movable parallel to the reference axis 13, and the supporting member 15 (when in the working position) maintains a constant position along the reference axis 13; this is the case for example of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 13. Vice versa, in some embodiments, of the first cutting member 9 and the supporting member 15 only the supporting member 15 is movable parallel to the reference axis 13 (when it is in the working position), and the first cutting member 9 maintains a constant position along the reference axis 13. In a different way, in some embodiments, both the first cutting member 9 and the supporting member 15 (when it is in the working position) are movable along the reference axis 13; this is the case for example of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 27.

[0033] When the supporting member 15 is in the working position, the apparatus 1 is switchable between an uncoupled configuration (Figures 3 and 16) and a coupled configuration (Figures 8 and 21): in the uncoupled configuration, the first cutting member 9 and the supporting member 15 are spaced apart from each other along the reference axis 13, and the first cutting member 9 is outside the through hole 19; in the coupled configuration, the first cutting member 9 is inserted in the through hole 19. In particular, the apparatus 1 is switchable from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration in order to carry out, in use, a cutting operation on the unfinished object 3 along a closed line and thereby to obtain the outer annular edge 7, separating the finished object 5 from a piece of scrap 23. When a unfinished object 3 not connected to others is cut, the piece of scrap 23 has an annular shape, whilst when unfinished objects 3 connected to each other are simultaneously cut, the piece of scrap 23 is a pierced element in which there are as many holes as there are finished objects 5 obtained.

[0034] In a switching of the apparatus 1 from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration, the first cutting member 9 and the supporting member 15 move towards each other moving parallel to the reference axis 13, and the first cutting member 9 is inserted in the through hole 19 of the supporting member 15 (the shape and extent of the through hole 19 in the plane perpendicular to the reference axis 13 are such that the first cutting member 9 can be at least partly inserted in it). Vice versa, in a switching of the apparatus 1 from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration, the first cutting member 9 and the supporting member 15 move away from each other moving parallel to the reference axis 13, and the first cutting member 9 is extracted from the through hole 19 of the supporting member.

[0035] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 is configured to switch, in use, from an initial configuration to the coupled configuration by passing through the uncoupled configuration (Figures 2 to 9 and 15 to 22) and, then, from the coupled configuration to a final configuration by passing through the uncoupled configuration (Figures 8 to 13 and 21 to 28). In the initial configuration (Figure 2 and 15), the supporting member 15 is in the infeed position and, in use, supports the unfinished object 3 to be cut. In the final configuration (Figures 13 and 27), the supporting member 15 is in the outfeed position and, in use, supports the piece of scrap 23 which remained on the supporting member 15.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first cutting member 9 defines an annular cutting edge 25 which, in the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration, is inserted in the through hole 19 of the supporting member 15 and which, in use, acts on the unfinished object 3 at the outer annular edge 7 to be obtained. In some embodiments, the first cutting member 9 comprises an annular blade which defines that annular cutting edge 25 and which is configured to carry out the cutting operation on the unfinished object 3 along the closed line. Other embodiments of the annular cutting edge 25 will be described below with reference to several more complex implementations of the apparatus 1.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first cutting member 9 comprises a centring portion 27 for centring, in use, the unfinished object 3 to be cut relative to the annular cutting edge 25 during the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration. Advantageously, that centring portion 27 has a surface which is shaped to match a concave or convex surface of the unfinished object 3 to be cut (for example, an inner concave surface of a compartment delimited by the unfinished object 3, or an outer convex surface on the opposite side to the inner concave surface of the compartment), that is to say, which is shaped to mate, in use, with the concave or convex surface of the object.

[0038] As already indicated, in some embodiments the mechanical cutting device comprises, as well as the first cutting member 9, also a second cutting member 11. In those embodiments, the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 are aligned along the reference axis 13 (in the case of a vertical reference axis 13, they are positioned one above the other) and are movable relative to each other parallel to the reference axis 13. In some embodiments, both the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 are movable along the reference axis 13. In other embodiments, only one of the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 is movable along the reference axis 13; for example, in the embodiments illustrated, of the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 only the first cutting member 9 is movable along the reference axis 13.

[0039] In each switching of the apparatus 1 between the uncoupled configuration and the coupled configuration, the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 move relative to each other parallel to the reference axis 13: in the uncoupled configuration of the apparatus 1, the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 are spaced apart from each other along the reference axis 13, and the supporting member 15 is positioned between the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11; in the coupled configuration of the apparatus 1, the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 are near each other along the reference axis 13 and coupled to each other.

[0040] In some embodiments in which the reference axis 13 is vertical or substantially vertical, the second cutting member 11 is positioned above the supporting member 15 when the latter (the supporting member 15) is in the working position; this is the case for example of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 13. In other embodiments in which the reference axis 13 is vertical or substantially vertical, for example like that illustrated in Figures 14 to 28, the second cutting member 11 is positioned below the supporting member 15 when the latter (the supporting member 15) is in the working position.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second cutting member 11 and the supporting member 15 are respectively spaced apart and near each other along the reference axis 13 when the apparatus 1 is respectively in the uncoupled configuration and in the coupled configuration: the second cutting member 11 and the supporting member 15 move towards each other parallel to the reference axis 13 in the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration and, vice versa, they move away from each other parallel to the reference axis 13 in the switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration; this is the case for example of the second embodiment illustrated (see in particular Figures 17 to 24). In a different way, in some embodiments, the second cutting member 11 and the supporting member 15 maintain a constant distance between them in each switching between the uncoupled configuration and the coupled configuration; this is the case for example of the first embodiment illustrated (see in particular Figures 3 to 11).

[0042] In some embodiments, the mechanical cutting device is a blanking machine in which the first cutting member 9 is a punch and in which the second cutting member 11 is a die delimiting a cavity 29 in which the first cutting member 9 (the punch) is insertable. Respectively in the uncoupled configuration and in the coupled configuration of the apparatus 1, the first cutting member 9 is respectively outside the cavity 29 and inserted in the cavity 29 of the second cutting member 11: in the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration, the first cutting member 9 is inserted in the cavity 29 of the second cutting member 11 through an opening of the second cutting member 11 directed towards the first cutting member 9 and shaped to match the punch and carries out, in use, the cutting operation on the unfinished object 3 along the closed line separating the finished object 5 from the piece of scrap 23; at the end of the cutting operation, the finished object 5 is in that way (at least partly) inserted in the cavity 29 of the second cutting member 11, whilst the piece of scrap 23 remains outside the cavity 29 of the second cutting member 11.

[0043] In some embodiments, that opening of the cavity 29 directed towards the first cutting member 9 is a first opening 31 of the cavity 29: in those embodiments, the cavity 29 of the second cutting member 11 also has a second opening 33, which is opposite the first opening 31 and through which, in use, the finished object 5 can be picked up (see, for example, Figures 1, 2, 14 and 23).

[0044] In some embodiments, the cavity 29 of the second cutting member 11 (of the die) defines an accumulating space in which, in use, a plurality of finished objects 5 obtained as a result of a plurality of subsequent cutting operations can be accumulated; this is the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 13, in which the finished object 5 remains adhering by friction to the inner wall of the cavity 29 (at least near the first opening 31).

[0045] In some embodiments, the first cutting member 9 comprises a pushing element 35 movable relative to the rest of the first cutting member 9 parallel to the reference axis 13 for pushing, in use, the finished object 5 through the cavity 29 of the second member towards the second opening 33, preferably beyond the second opening 33; this is the case illustrated in Figure 23).

[0046] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 also comprises a pick-up device 37 which operates at the second opening 33 of the cavity 29 of the second cutting member 11 for picking up, in use, the finished object 5. In the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 28, that pick-up device 37 collects the finished object 5 below the second cutting member 11.

[0047] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 also comprises a removing element 39 movable relative to the first cutting member 9 for separating in use the piece of scrap 23 from the first cutting member 9 (and positioning it on the supporting surface 17 of the supporting member 15), thereby preventing, as a result of the switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration, the piece of scrap 23 from remaining adhering to the first cutting member 9. In other embodiments (such as for example that illustrated in Figures 1 to 13), during the switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration, the separation of the piece of scrap 23 from the first cutting member 9 is carried out by taking the first cutting member 9 out of the through hole 19 of the supporting member 15.

[0048] In some embodiments the first cutting member 9 or the second cutting member 11 comprises an annular blade configured to carry out the cutting operation on the unfinished object 3 along the closed line (the annular blade therefore defines the annular cutting edge 25). Advantageously, the one of either the first cutting member 9 or the second cutting member 11 which does not comprise the annular blade defines a surface against which the annular blade makes contact during the switching of the apparatus 1 from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first cutting member 9 and / or the second cutting member 11 defines the annular cutting edge 25.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first cutting member 9 or the second cutting member 11 comprises the centring portion 27 for centring, in use, the unfinished object 3 to be cut relative to the annular cutting edge 25 during the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration. Advantageously, that centring portion 27 has a surface which, as described above, is shaped to mate, in use, with the concave or convex surface of the object.

[0051] In some embodiments, both the first cutting member 9 and the second cutting member 11 define respective annular cutting edges 25 (this is the case for example of those embodiments in which the mechanical cutting device is a blanking machine), and one, of either the first cutting member 9 or the second cutting member 11, comprises the centring portion 27 for centring, in use, the unfinished object 3 to be cut relative to the two annular cutting edges 25 during the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration; in the case of a blanking machine, the centring portion 27 is advantageously included in the first cutting member 9 (the punch).

[0052] In some embodiments, only the first cutting member 9 defines an annular cutting edge 25, and the second cutting member 11 comprises the centring portion 27 for centring, in use, the unfinished object 3 to be cut relative to the annular cutting edge 25 during the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration. In other embodiments, only the second cutting member 11 defines the annular cutting edge 25, and the first cutting member 9 comprises the centring portion 27.

[0053] As already indicated, for simplicity, the description of the apparatus 1 above often refers to a single mechanical cutting device, to a single feeding device, and to a single unfinished object 3. However, it is clear to a person expert in the sector that what is described above also applies if the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of mechanical cutting devices operating in parallel (advantageously with reference axes parallel to each other) and one or more feeding devices which feed the plurality of mechanical cutting devices with a plurality of unfinished objects 3 to be finished.

[0054] Moving on now to a description, in accordance with this invention, of a method for finishing a unfinished object 3 and obtaining a finished object 5, where the unfinished object 3 is constituted of a central portion and of an outer portion joined to each other: the central portion corresponds to the finished object 5 to be obtained; the outer portion surrounds the central portion, and corresponds to a piece of scrap 23 to be eliminated.

[0055] The method can be implemented both to finish a single unfinished object 3, or to simultaneously finish the predefined number of unfinished objects 3. The following is a description of the method for the case of a single unfinished object 3; application to a plurality of unfinished objects 3 requires each step to be implemented simultaneously for each unfinished object 3.

[0056] That method comprises, in general, a feeding step and a cutting step carried out after the feeding step: in the feeding step, the unfinished object 3 is positioned at a mechanical cutting device; in the cutting step, with the mechanical cutting device the unfinished object 3 is cut along a closed line, the central portion is separated from the outer portion and the finished object 5 and the piece of scrap 23 are obtained. In more detail: during the feeding step, the unfinished object 3 is positioned at the mechanical cutting device by moving the unfinished object 3 with a supporting member 15, used, before the cutting step, to support the unfinished object 3 only at the outer portion; then, during the cutting step, the mechanical cutting device is moved through the supporting member 15, advantageously along a reference axis 13 of the mechanical cutting device.

[0057] Advantageously, the cutting step is a blanking step, in which a punch and a die are moved relative to each other, parallel to the reference axis 13.

[0058] In some embodiments, during the cutting step, the unfinished object 3 is supported at the outer portion using the supporting member 15. In some of those embodiments, in particular, during the cutting step the unfinished object 3 is supported only at the outer portion.

[0059] In some embodiments, during the cutting step, the unfinished object 3 is supported at the central portion using the mechanical cutting device. In some embodiments in which the cutting step is a blanking step, that is carried out with the part of the cutting device corresponding to the punch. In some embodiments, during the cutting step the unfinished object 3 is supported only at the central portion (using the mechanical cutting device). In some embodiments, during the cutting step the unfinished object 3 is supported at the outer portion (using the supporting member 15) and, simultaneously, at the central portion (using the mechanical cutting device).

[0060] Preferably, the method also comprises a centring step carried out after the feeding step and before the cutting step, wherein the unfinished object 3 is translated relative to the supporting member 15 transversally to the reference axis 13 of the mechanical cutting device and wherein the unfinished object 3 is centred relative to said reference axis 13. Preferably, the method also comprises a pick-up step carried out after the cutting step, wherein the finished object 5 is moved away from the supporting member 15 and from the piece of scrap 23. Even more preferably, the method also comprises a removing step carried out after the pick-up step, wherein the piece of scrap 23 is moved away from the mechanical cutting device by moving the piece of scrap 23 with the supporting member 15 on which it remained.

[0061] This invention has important advantages.

[0062] By means of this invention, and in particular thanks to the use of the supporting member, it was in fact possible to obtain an apparatus and a method which allow a reduction in unproductive times caused by movement of the unfinished object relative to the cutting device. Moreover, by means of this invention it was possible to obtain an apparatus and a method which allow a reduction in unproductive times caused by movement of the finished object and of the piece of scrap relative to the cutting device.

[0063] The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the independent claims.

[0064] All details may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for finishing an object (3), comprising a mechanical cutting device, which is configured to cut, in use, the object (3) and to obtain a finished object (5) which has an outer annular edge (7), and a feeding device, which is configured to feed the mechanical cutting device, in use, with the object (3) to be cut, wherein: the feeding device comprises a supporting member (15) and defines a movement path, extending from an infeed position to an outfeed position by passing through a working position, along which the supporting member (15) is movable from the infeed position to the outfeed position by passing through the working position; the mechanical cutting device is positioned at the working position, comprises a first cutting member (9) and defines a reference axis (13); the supporting member (15) delimits a through hole (19) which, when the supporting member (15) is in the working position, is aligned with the first cutting member (9) along the reference axis (13) of the mechanical cutting device, and which has a shape and an extent such that they prevent the passage of the object (3) to be cut and such that they allow the passage of the finished object (5) to be obtained; and when the supporting member (15) is in the working position, the first cutting member (9) and the supporting member (15) are movable relative to each other parallel to the reference axis (13) and the apparatus (1) is switchable between an uncoupled configuration, in which the first cutting member (9) and the supporting member (15) are spaced apart from each other along the reference axis (13) and the first cutting member (9) is outside the through hole (19), and a coupled configuration, in which the first cutting member (9) is inserted in the through hole (19), the apparatus (1) being switchable from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration in order to carry out, in use, a cutting operation on the object (3) along a closed line and thereby to obtain the outer annular edge (7), separating the finished object (5) from a piece of scrap (23).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting member (9) defines an annular cutting edge (25) and comprises a centring portion (27) for centring, in use, the object (3) to be cut relative to the annular cutting edge (25) during a switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein: the mechanical cutting device also comprises a second cutting member (11), the first cutting member (9) and the second cutting member (11) being aligned along the reference axis (13), being movable relative to each other parallel to the reference axis (13) and moving relative to each other parallel to the reference axis (13) during each switching of the apparatus (1) between the uncoupled configuration and the coupled configuration; in the uncoupled configuration of the apparatus (1), the first cutting member (9) and the second cutting member (11) are spaced apart from each other along the reference axis (13) and the supporting member (15) is positioned between the first cutting member (9) and the second cutting member (11); and in the coupled configuration of the apparatus (1), the first cutting member (9) and the second cutting member (11) are near each other along the reference axis (13) and coupled to each other.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the second cutting member (11) and the supporting member (15) are respectively spaced apart and near each other along the reference axis (13) when the apparatus (1) is respectively in the uncoupled configuration and in the coupled configuration.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the reference axis (13) is substantially vertical and wherein, with the supporting member (15) in the working position, the second cutting member (11) is positioned above the supporting member.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first cutting member (9) or the second cutting member (11) comprises an annular blade configured to carry out said cutting operation on the object (3) along the closed line.

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: the mechanical cutting device is a blanking machine, the first cutting member (9) being a punch and the second cutting member (11) being a die which delimits a cavity (29) in which the first cutting member (9) is insertable; and respectively in the uncoupled configuration and in the coupled configuration of the apparatus (1), the first cutting member (9) is respectively outside the cavity (29) and inserted in the cavity (29) of the second cutting member (11).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein the cavity (29) of the second cutting member (11) also defines an accumulating space in which, in use, it is possible to accumulate a plurality of finished objects (5) obtained as a result of a plurality of subsequent cutting operations.

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the cavity (29) of the second cutting member (11) has a first opening (31), which is directed towards the first cutting member (9) and through which the first cutting member (9) is insertable in the cavity (29), and a second opening (33), which is opposite the first opening (31) and through which, in use, the finished object (5) can be picked up.

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 9, also comprising a pick-up device (37) which operates at the second opening (33) of the cavity (29) of the second cutting member (11) for picking up, in use, the finished object (5).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the first cutting member (9) and / or the second cutting member (11) defines an annular cutting edge (25) and wherein the first cutting member (9) or the second cutting member (11) comprises a centring portion (27) for centring, in use, the object (3) to be cut relative to the annular cutting edge (25) during the switching from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration.

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 11, wherein the centring portion (27) has a surface which is shaped to mate, in use, with a concave or convex surface of the object (3) to be cut.

13. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the apparatus (1) being configured to switch, in use, from an initial configuration to the coupled configuration by passing through the uncoupled configuration, and then from the coupled configuration to a final configuration by passing through the uncoupled configuration, wherein: in the initial configuration, the supporting member (15) is in the infeed position and, in use, supports the object (3) to be cut; and in the final configuration, the supporting member (15) is in the outfeed position and, in use, supports the piece of scrap (23) which remained on the supporting member.

14. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the supporting member (15) is a pierced plate.

15. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, in the working position, the supporting member (15) maintains a constant position along the reference axis (13).

16. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for simultaneously finishing a predefined number of objects (3) greater than or equal to two, the apparatus (1) comprising said predefined number of said mechanical cutting devices, positioned at the working position, and wherein: the supporting member (15) delimits said predefined number of through holes (19); when the supporting member (15) is in the working position, each through hole (19) is aligned with the first cutting member (9) of a respective cutting device along the reference axis (13) of the respective mechanical cutting device; each through hole (19) has a shape and an extent such that they prevent the passage of the object (3) to be cut and such that they allow the passage of the finished object (5) to be obtained; and when the supporting member (15) is in the working position, the first cutting member (9) of each mechanical cutting device and the supporting member (15) are movable relative to each other parallel to the reference axis (13) and the apparatus (1) is switchable between an uncoupled configuration, in which each first cutting member (9) and the supporting member (15) are spaced apart from each other along the reference axis (13) and each first cutting member (9) is outside the through hole (19), and a coupled configuration, in which each first cutting member (9) is inserted in the through hole (19), the apparatus (1) being switchable from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration in order to carry out, in use, a cutting operation on the object (3) along said predefined number of closed lines and thereby to obtain as many outer annular edges (7) of as many finished objects (5), separating the predefined number of finished objects (5) from a piece of scrap (23).

17. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the feeding device comprises a plurality of supporting members (15) which are positioned one after another along the movement path, each supporting member (15) being movable from the infeed position to the outfeed position by passing through the working position, the supporting members (15) of the plurality of supporting members (15) passing one after another in the infeed position, in the working position and in the outfeed position.

18. A method for finishing an object (3) and obtaining a finished object (5), where the object (3) is constituted of a central portion and of an outer portion joined to each other, the central portion corresponding to the finished object (5) to be obtained and the outer portion surrounding the central portion and corresponding to a piece of scrap (23) to be eliminated, the method comprising: a feeding step, in which the object (3) is positioned at a mechanical cutting device; and a cutting step, carried out after the feeding step, in which with the mechanical cutting device the object (3) is cut along a closed line, the central portion is separated from the outer portion, and the finished object (5) and the piece of scrap (23) are obtained; wherein: during the feeding step, the object (3) is positioned at the mechanical cutting device by moving the object (3) with a supporting member (15); before the cutting step the object (3) is supported only at the outer portion, using the supporting member (15); and during the cutting step, the mechanical cutting device is moved through the supporting member (15).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein during the cutting step the object (3) is supported at the outer portion, using the supporting member (15).

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein during the cutting step the object (3) is supported at the central portion, using the mechanical cutting device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the cutting step is a blanking step.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, also comprising a centring step, carried out after the feeding step and before the cutting step, wherein the object (3) is translated relative to the supporting member (15) transversally to a reference axis (13) of the mechanical cutting device and the object (3) is centred relative to said reference axis (13).

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, also comprising a pick-up step, carried out after the cutting step, wherein the finished object (5) is moved away from the supporting member (15) and from the piece of scrap (23).

24. The method according to claim 23, also comprising a removing step, carried out after the pick-up step, wherein the piece of scrap (23) is moved away from the mechanical cutting device by moving the piece of scrap (23) with the supporting member (15).

25. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, for simultaneously finishing a predefined number of objects (3) greater than or equal to two, and obtaining as many finished objects (5), wherein: during the feeding step, in which each object (3) is positioned at a mechanical cutting device; and during the cutting step, with each mechanical cutting device the respective object (3) is cut along a closed line, the central portion is separated from the outer portion, and the finished object (5) and the piece of scrap (23) are obtained; during the feeding step, all of the objects (3) are positioned at the mechanical cutting device by moving them with a single supporting member (15); before the cutting step all of the objects (3) are supported only at the respective outer portions, using the supporting member (15); and during the cutting step, the mechanical cutting devices are moved through the supporting member (15).

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