Method for obtaining a plurality of individual objects

Abstract

A method for obtaining a plurality of individual objects (1), separated from each other, which comprises a pre-cutting step, in which a semi-finished product (2) is cut and a plurality of unfinished objects (9) separated from each other is obtained, a positioning step, in which the unfinished objects (9) are positioned according to a spaced apart arrangement, a centring step in which a main portion (3) of each of the plurality of unfinished objects (9), corresponding to one of the individual objects (1) to be obtained, is centred relative to the reference axis (8) of a respective cutting device by translating, starting from the spaced apart arrangement, at least one of the unfinished objects (9) by a respective correction distance (12) in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis and a cutting step for cutting the plurality of unfinished objects (9) in which each main portion (3) is separated from an annular piece of scrap (13).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method for obtaining a plurality of individual objects, that is to say, individual objects separated from each other.

[0002] This invention relates in particular to the making of objects which are containers or, more generically, parts of packages 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.

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

[0004] According to the prior art for the sector, various methods exist for obtaining a plurality of individual containers separated from each other. Amongst the most used methods for making individual containers, are for example methods comprising injection moulding techniques, or thermoforming techniques which allow individual containers made of plastic material to be obtained precisely and rapidly.

[0005] However, containers made of plastic material have a high environmental impact due to their production process and their disposal, and in the sector there is a tendency to replace containers made of plastic material with containers made with more sustainable materials, such as cellulose-based materials (for example, made of cellulose pulp) or materials with reduced plastic content (for example multi-layer materials which have a cellulose-based structure coated with a thin liner made of plastic material).

[0006] However, the methods described above are not usable for making cellulose-based individual containers, and other methods must therefore be used.

[0007] There are two main methods currently used for making containers with cellulose-based materials.

[0008] A first method comprises using one or more sheets of cardboard or paperboard which are suitably folded, and if necessary fixed to each other to create the shape of the container. In some cases the starting material is practically entirely made of cellulosic material, whilst in other cases it may in itself comprise a surface layer made of plastic material intended to constitute an inner liner in the container.

[0009] A second widely used method in contrast comprises creating the shape of the container by moulding / forming the cellulose pulp in a wet or dry environment. In this case too, it is then possible to apply a liner to the moulded product in order to coat the container. Compared with the use of cardboard or paperboard, the cellulose pulp allows containers to be made with much more complex shapes and is better suited to making smaller containers (such as disposable capsules for making beverages).

[0010] When using sheets of cardboard or paperboard a plurality of individual containers can also be made by first making a monobloc product which corresponds to individual containers joined together and then cutting the monobloc product to obtain the individual containers.

[0011] In contrast, internal testing by the Applicant highlighted that making a single monobloc product which is then to be split up into individual containers is not an advantageous solution for making cellulose pulp-based containers, in particular if they have relatively small dimensions.

[0012] In fact, amongst the methods for making a cellulose pulp-based individual container, those most widely used involve a forming step, in which water use used to shape the cellulose pulp in a suitable mould, and a drying step, in which the water present in the pulp is evaporated to obtain the rough container.

[0013] However, those methods have an important disadvantage: during the drying step, the water evaporation often causes the part to shrink, which makes the semi-finished product differ - in a way that is difficult to control - from the required shape stamped in the mould, thereby complicating the subsequent cutting step and obtainment of the individual container.

[0014] Furthermore, the prior art methods for making cellulosic material-based containers which use cellulose pulp, as well as those involving application of a coating liner, do not allow containers to be made with a suitable level of finishing, especially at their perimetric edge. On one hand, the forming of cellulose pulp allows objects to be made whose perimetric edge is jagged and irregular. On the other hand, when a liner is applied on a cellulosic material it is practically impossible to ensure that the two materials are perfectly superposed at the perimetric edge; one of the two normally projects outwards relative to the other.

[0015] Therefore, the prior art has several disadvantages, and the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to at least partly overcome them.

[0016] In particular, the technical purpose of this invention is to obtain a method which allows a plurality of precisely finished individual objects to be obtained and which is applicable in the production of at least mainly cellulose-based individual objects.

[0017] The technical purpose is substantially achieved by a method for obtaining a plurality of individual objects separated from each other in accordance with what is defined in independent claim 1.

[0018] Particular embodiments of this invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0019] Further characteristics and the advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of several preferred, non-limiting embodiments, of a method for obtaining a plurality of individual objects.

[0020] Reference will be made to the schematic drawings of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows, in an axonometric view, an example of a semi-finished product usable in the method according to this invention for making two individual containers; Figure 2 shows, in an axonometric view, the two individual containers obtainable from the semi-finished product of Figure 1 by means of the method according to this invention; Figures 3A and 3B show, respectively in a front view and in a top view, the semi-finished product of Figure 1; Figures 4A and 4B show, respectively in a front view and in a top view, two unfinished containers obtained at the end of a pre-cutting step in which the semi-finished product of Figures 3A and 3B is used; Figures 5A and 5B show, respectively in a front view and in a top view, the two unfinished containers of Figures 4A and 4B at the end of a positioning step following the pre-cutting step; Figures 6A and 6B show, respectively in a front view and in a top view, the two unfinished containers of Figures 5A and 5B at the end of an (optional) feeding step carried out following the positioning step; Figures 7A and 7B show, respectively in a front view and in a top view, the two unfinished containers of Figures 6A and 6B at the end of a centring step carried out following the feeding step; Figures 8A and 8B show, respectively in a front view and in a top view, the two unfinished containers of Figures 7A and 4B at the end of a cutting step following the centring step, from which the two individual containers of Figure 2 and two respective annular pieces of scrap have been obtained; Figures 9A and 9B show, respectively in a front view and in a top view, the two individual containers of Figures 8A and 8B after removal of the annular pieces of scrap; and Figure 10 shows, in an axonometric view, a different example of a semi-finished product usable in the method according to this invention for making eight individual containers; and Figure 11 shows, in an axonometric view, a further different example of a semi-finished product usable in the method according to this invention for making eight individual containers.

[0021] As already indicated, the method according to this invention is a method for obtaining a plurality of individual objects 1 separated from each other, which in the accompanying figures correspond to containers (therefore, hereinafter reference will often be made to containers, but what is described shall be understood as being able to relate to any object 1 made in accordance with this invention). By way of example, the containers obtainable by means of the method according to the invention include cups, pots (with or without annular flange), trays (with or without annular flange), single-dose capsules for making beverages (with or without annular flange).

[0022] Although initially devised for making cellulose pulp-based individual objects 1, the method according to this invention is also applicable for obtaining other material-based individual objects 1 (for example, cardboard- or paperboard-based, plastic material-based, or composite material-based).

[0023] In the method according to this invention, a semi-finished product 2 is used comprising a plurality of main portions 3 - one main portion 3 for each individual object 1 to be obtained - and a connecting portion 4, which surrounds each main portion 3 and which connects the main portions 3 to each other. Each main portion 3 corresponds to one of the individual objects 1 to be obtained (and, advantageously, defines a concavity thereof configured to contain in use the product to be packaged), whilst the connecting portion 4 corresponds to excess material to be discarded. In Figure 10, the main portions 3, which correspond to the containers to be obtained, are those inside the broken lines whilst the connecting portion 4 is that outside those lines.

[0024] In some embodiments, the semi-finished product 2 is a single body which may be provided with lines of weakness or facilitated breaking.

[0025] In some embodiments, the semi-finished product 2 comprises a plurality of separate semi-finished elements 15 and one or more connecting elements which joins them to each other to create a single object. Each semi-finished element 15 defines one or more main portions 3 and each main portion 3 is entirely defined by one of the semi-finished elements 15.

[0026] If the individual objects 1 to be obtained are cups, it is possible to use for example a semi-finished product 2 in which each main portion 3 corresponds to a respective cup to be obtained and in which the connecting portion 4 is a planar portion of material which connects the (future) edges of the cups to each other.

[0027] By way of example, consider the semi-finished product 2 illustrated in Figures 1, 3A and 3B and the two individual containers, obtainable from it, illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, in which the individual containers to be obtained are capsules for making beverages equipped with a perimetric flange 5 and the connecting portion 4 is a planar portion of material which connects to each other the (future) edges 6 of the perimetric flanges 5 of the capsules.

[0028] Advantageously, each main portion 3 defines a main plane of extension (understood to be an infinite ideal plane) of the relative container 1 which is configured to be positioned horizontally at least during filling of the container 1, and a central axis 7 of the container 1 perpendicular to the main plane of extension. With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the main plane of extension is the plane of the sheet in Figure 3B whilst the central axis 7 lies in the plane of the sheet in Figure 3A. Advantageously, moreover, the main planes of extension of all of the main portions 3 coincide and correspond to a main plane of extension of the semi-finished product 2. In some embodiments the main plane of extension of the semi-finished product 2 is more generically the plane in which the objects 1 to be obtained are distributed and placed side by side. In some embodiments of the method, a semi-finished product 2 is used comprising a cellulosic layer (to obtain a plurality of individual objects 1 each comprising a respective portion of that cellulosic layer); such a cellulosic layer may be for example cellulose pulp-based.

[0029] In some embodiments, a semi-finished product 2 is used comprising the cellulosic layer and a polymeric liner which coats it at one side of the semi-finished product 2 which constitutes an inner surface of each individual object 1 to be obtained. In other embodiments it is possible that a polymeric liner is also (or only) applied on the opposite side of the semi-finished product 2.

[0030] In the embodiments in which the semi-finished product 2 comprises a plurality of separate semi-finished elements 15, it is possible that the connecting element which joins them together is constituted of a polymeric liner 16 which, as well as joining the semi-finished elements 15 together, coats all of the semi-finished elements 15. The separate semi-finished elements 15 are also spaced apart from each other by a gap 17 at which the semi-finished product is constituted of only the polymeric liner 16 (Figure 11).

[0031] In some embodiments of the method, a semi-finished product 2 is used which is constituted exclusively of the plurality of main portions 3 and of the connecting portion 4; in such embodiments, each implementation of the method corresponds to the use of a respective semi-finished product 2. This is the case for example of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9.

[0032] In some embodiments, in a different way, a larger body is used which comprises a plurality of parts each of which constitutes a semi-finished product 2 which is usable in an implementation of the method according to this invention to obtain a plurality of individual objects 1. For example, considering the body illustrated in Figure 10, it is possible either to use it as a single semi-finished product 2 to obtain eight individual containers in a single implementation of the method according to this invention, or to consider it constituted of multiple parts (for example two) each of which is usable as a semi-finished product 2 from which to obtain, at each implementation of the method, the individual containers (for example four individual containers at each cycle if the body of Figure 10 were to comprise two semi-finished products 2 of equal extent). The splitting up of a larger body into a plurality of semi-finished products 2 may be achieved during the pre-cutting step described below.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method according to this invention may also comprise a step of making the semi-finished product 2. That step of making the semi-finished product 2 may comprise a cellulosic material forming step to create the shape of the semi-finished product 2. If required, the step of making the semi-finished product 2 may comprise a step of applying a liner on a cellulosic material-based skeleton.

[0034] In the method according to this invention, in addition to the semi-finished product 2, use is also made of an apparatus comprising a plurality of cutting devices (which are not illustrated since they are known to a person expert in the sector) - one for each individual object 1 to be obtained - operating in parallel to cut out the plurality of individual objects 1 in the ways indicated below. Each cutting device defines a respective reference axis 8 which is parallel to the reference axes 8 of the other cutting devices (overall, the plurality of cutting devices defines a plurality of reference axes 8 which are parallel to each other). The reference axes 8 advantageously correspond to the line of working of each cutting device, that is to say, to the line along which the cutting action is applied. Advantageously, an apparatus usable in this method is a machine of the blanking machine type comprising a die and a plurality of punches, each insertable long a respective reference axis 8 in a cavity of the die.

[0035] In accordance with this invention, the method comprises in general the following steps: a pre-cutting step (that is to say, a preliminary cutting step); a positioning step, carried out after the pre-cutting step; a centring step, carried out after the positioning step; a cutting step (that is to say, a final cutting step), carried out after the positioning step.

[0036] In the pre-cutting step, the semi-finished product 2 is cut at the connecting portion 4 separating each main portion 3 from the other main portions 3 (that is to say, interrupting any continuity of material between one main portion 3 and another), and a plurality of unfinished objects 9 separated from each other is obtained, one for each individual object 1 to be obtained (in the case illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, two unfinished objects 9 separated by a cut 14). Each unfinished object 9 which is obtained in that step is constituted of one of the main portions 3 and of an annular portion 10; the annular portion 10 surrounds the main portion 3, and corresponds to part of the connecting portion 4 of the semi-finished product 2 (therefore to excess material to be discarded). Therefore, each unfinished object 9 is "rough" in the sense of an object 1 in its preliminary stages from which, by means of suitable finishing-off (removal of the annular portion 10), a respective individual object 1, that is to say, the "finished" object 1, is obtainable. Preferably, the pre-cutting step is carried out while maintaining constant the positions relative to each other of the main portions 3 (cutting at the connecting portion 4 while holding the main portions 3 still relative to each other), that is to say, maintaining a position of one main portion 3 relative to another (of the semi-finished product 2).

[0037] Advantageously, the pre-cutting step is carried out without producing scrap material. That is to say, in that step, preferably, the unfinished objects 9 are cut out of the semi-finished product 2 like pieces of a puzzle (or of a mosaic): In some embodiments, in which a semi-finished product 2 is used constituted of the plurality of main portions 3 and of the connecting portion 4, that is equivalent to obtaining, in the pre-cutting step, only the plurality of unfinished objects 9 (which together substantially correspond to the entire semi-finished product 2, as in the case illustrated). In other embodiments, as explained above, during the pre-cutting step it is in contrast possible to cut a larger object to separate the semi-finished product 2 from other semi-finished products 2 to be used subsequently.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pre-cutting step is carried out by means of laser cutting; in some embodiments, the pre-cutting step is carried out by cutting the semi-finished product 2 with one or more blades (for example, using a punch cutter).

[0039] As already indicated, after the pre-cutting step, the method comprises a positioning step. In that step, the unfinished objects 9 are positioned according to a spaced apart arrangement in which they are spaced apart from each other. The positioning step is carried out with reference to respective orthogonal projections of the plurality of unfinished objects 9 in a reference plane (understood to be an infinite ideal plane); when the unfinished objects 9 are in the spaced apart arrangement, those orthogonal projections are - in the reference plane - separated from each other by a safety distance 11, and each safety distance 11 between two orthogonal projections of two adjacent unfinished objects 9 is greater than a predefined minimum distance, or equal to a predefined minimum distance. The positioning step is carried out in such a way that, at least at the end of it, all of the unfinished objects 9 are positioned with the main plane of extension of the relative main portion 3 parallel to the reference plane (that is to say, with the central axes 7 perpendicular to the reference plane). In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the reference plane is the plane of the drawing of the plan views; consequently, the plan views also correspond to the orthogonal projections on the reference plane.

[0040] Before carrying out the positioning step, the unfinished objects 9 are in a near arrangement, according to which each orthogonal projection in the reference plane is separated from another adjacent orthogonal projection by a distance which is less than the predefined minimum distance. In many embodiments (such as for example that illustrated) the near arrangement is that in which the unfinished objects 9 are found at the end of the pre-cutting step and the distance between the unfinished objects 9 corresponds to the distance which separates the two respective adjacent unfinished objects 9 at the end of the pre-cutting step (distance not perceptible in Figure 4A and 4B and generally equal only to the width of the cut 14 if the cut 14 is made without translating the objects 1 relative to each other). Then in the positioning step the unfinished objects 9 are moved from the near arrangement (in the case illustrated, corresponding to what is visible in Figure 4A and 4B) to the spaced apart arrangement (in the case illustrated, corresponding to what is visible in Figure 5A and 5B). Advantageously, at least if the individual objects 1 to be obtained are all the same as each other, at least at the end of the positioning step the unfinished objects 9 are positioned with the main planes of extension of the relative main portions 3 coplanar, that is to say, positioned relative to each other (along a line parallel to the central axes 7) as in the semi-finished product 2.

[0041] As is apparent from the description of the successive steps of the method, in the positioning step the unfinished objects 9 are spaced apart so as to prevent, during the subsequent centring and cutting steps, them from touching or overlapping each other (which would be possible if they were to remain in the near arrangement).

[0042] Preferably, the reference plane is also parallel to a supporting plane defined by the apparatus which is shared by all of the unfinished objects 9. Preferably, an apparatus is used with the reference axes 8 of the cutting devices positioned vertically and the reference plane and the supporting plane, if present, are therefore horizontal; this corresponds to the case illustrated in the accompanying figures.

[0043] In the case of the embodiment illustrated in the figures: in the front views, the reference axes 8 lie in the plane of the sheet and are vertical, whilst the reference plane is horizontal and perpendicular to the sheet; in the top views (that is to say, in the plan views) the reference plane is parallel to the plane of the sheet, the reference axes 8 are perpendicular to the sheet and the top (plan) view of each unfinished object 9 corresponds to its orthogonal projection in the reference plane.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pre-cutting step is carried out with the semi-finished product 2 preliminarily positioned at the plurality of cutting devices and, then, the positioning step is carried out with the plurality of unfinished objects 9 already positioned at the cutting devices.

[0045] In some embodiments, in a different way, the pre-cutting step is carried out with the semi-finished product 2 positioned at a pre-cutting zone different from that (cutting zone) in which the cutting devices are positioned and the method also comprises a feeding step which is carried out after the pre-cutting step and before the centring step (described below). In that feeding step, the plurality of unfinished objects 9 is picked up at the pre-cutting zone and positioned at the plurality of cutting devices of the apparatus, positioning each unfinished object 9 at a respective cutting device. Advantageously, the feeding step is carried out in such a way as to position the unfinished objects 9 in the cutting zone with the reference plane perpendicular to the reference axes 8 of the cutting devices.

[0046] In some embodiments, that feeding step is carried out before the positioning step, and therefore the plurality of unfinished objects 9 is positioned at the cutting devices before positioning them according to the spaced apart arrangement.

[0047] In some embodiments, in contrast, the feeding step is carried out after the positioning step, and therefore the plurality of unfinished objects 9 is positioned at the cutting devices after having already positioned them according to the spaced apart arrangement at the pre-cutting zone; this is the case of the embodiment illustrated, in which the positioning step is carried out (Figure 5A and 5B) and then the feeding step is carried out (Figure 6A and 6B, notice the reference axes 8 of the cutting devices).

[0048] In a different way, in some preferred embodiments, the positioning step is carried out while the feeding step is being carried out and therefore the unfinished objects 9 are positioned in the spaced apart arrangement during their shifting towards the cutting devices. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the feeding step comprises a first sub-step during which the unfinished objects 9 are shifted from the pre-cutting zone to an intermediate zone and a second sub-step in which the unfinished objects 9 are shifted from the intermediate zone as far as the cutting zone, and the positioning step is carried out during the first sub-step. During the second sub-step, the unfinished objects 9 are moved while keeping them in the spaced apart arrangement. In some preferred embodiments, at the intermediate zone, the unfinished objects 9 are positioned on a movable unit of the apparatus which defines the supporting plane, in such a way as to be positioned in the spaced apart arrangement relative to each other. Then the shifting as far as the cutting zone is carried out by moving the movable unit of the apparatus which supports the unfinished objects 9.

[0049] Preferably, to position the unfinished objects 9 according to the spaced apart arrangement, the unfinished objects 9 are translated parallel to the reference plane moving them away from each other (as in the embodiment illustrated). In some embodiments, in a different way, to position the unfinished objects 9 according to the spaced apart arrangement one or more unfinished objects 9 are translated according to lines transversal to the reference plane which comprise both a component parallel to the reference plane, and a component perpendicular to the reference plane (any component of translation perpendicular to the reference plane does not alter the respective orthogonal projections in the reference plane); in contrast movements exclusively perpendicular to the reference plane are excluded.

[0050] In some embodiments, the spaced apart arrangement is an arrangement according to which, in the reference plane, the respective orthogonal projections of the plurality of unfinished objects 9 are positioned according to a regular pattern. In some embodiments, for example, the unfinished objects 9 are positioned so that the respective orthogonal projections in the reference plane are positioned in rows (substantially equidistant from each other) and columns (substantially equidistant from each other). Advantageously, in the spaced apart arrangement the unfinished objects 9 are arranged relative to each other in the same way as they were in the near arrangement and are just further apart; preferably, the passage from the near arrangement to the spaced apart arrangement therefore corresponds to an 'explosion' of the semi-finished product 2 in the reference plane (where the term explosion shall be understood in the sense used for exploded diagrams).

[0051] As already indicated above, the method according to this invention also comprises the centring step. In the centring step, keeping the reference plane perpendicular to the reference axes 8 of the cutting devices, the main portion 3 of each unfinished object 9 is centred relative to the reference axis 8 of the respective cutting device (so as to then be able to correctly cut, as explained in more detail below in the description of the cutting step, each unfinished object 9 and to obtain the desired individual object 1). In the centring step, the main portions 3 are centred by translating, starting from the spaced apart arrangement, at least one of the unfinished objects 9 by a respective correction distance 12 parallel to the reference plane and also keeping, in the reference plane, the respective orthogonal projections of the plurality of unfinished objects 9 separated from each other (in that step, the unfinished objects 9 neither touch nor overlap each other). Advantageously, in the centring step the central axis 7 of each main portion 3 is made to coincide with the reference axis 8 of the relative cutting device.

[0052] The positioning step, carried out before the centring step, is carried out in such a way as to separate the unfinished objects 9 from each other enough to prevent them from making contact or overlapping each other during the centring step. That guarantees correct centring of every single unfinished object 9 relative to the reference axis 8 of the cutting device without interference between adjacent unfinished objects 9.

[0053] Advantageously, that is achievable by calculating the predefined minimum distance - taken as a reference in the positioning step - based on the maximum correction distance 12 possible in the centring step. In some embodiments, the predefined minimum distance is greater than double the component of the maximum correction distance 12 measured along the same line along which the distance between two adjacent unfinished objects 9 is measured (for example along the rows or the columns formed by the unfinished objects 9), so that, in the centring step, the respective orthogonal projections are kept separated from each other by making sure that each component of the correction distance 12 is less than half of the predefined minimum distance. Advantageously, the maximum correction distance 12 possible in the centring step is selected by taking into account the maximum imprecision possible in the positioning relative to each other of the main portions 3 in the initial semi-finished product 2, compared with the design data (for example following irregular shrinkage of the material in the cellulose pulp drying step).

[0054] In the case illustrated, compare Figures 6 and 7: before carrying out the centring step (Figure 6A and 6B), the two unfinished objects 9 are separated by a safety distance 11 (horizontal in the figure) equal to the predefined minimum distance, the object 1 on the left is (already) centred relative to the reference axis 8 of the cutting device, and the object 1 on the right is off-centre relative to the reference axis 8 (in the top view, the central axis 7 of the main portion 3 is shifted to the lower right relative to the reference axis 8); in the centring step (Figure 7A and 7B), the unfinished object 9 on the right is translated parallel to the reference plane by a correction distance 12 whose component of interest (horizontal, that is to say, along which the distance between the orthogonal projections of the two unfinished objects 9 is measured) is less than half of the predefined minimum distance.

[0055] The correction distance 12 is understood to be a component, parallel to the reference plane, of the overall shifting to which the unfinished object 9 is subjected in the centring step (overall shifting understood to be the difference between the initial position and the final position): in some embodiments (such as for example that illustrated), a unfinished object 9 is translated parallel to the reference plane and the overall shifting is parallel to the reference plane; in some embodiments, at least one of the unfinished objects 9 is translated - not just by a correction distance 12 parallel to the reference plane - but also by a distance perpendicular to the reference plane (moving the unfinished object 9 away from the reference plane).

[0056] Regardless of whether or not the overall shifting of each individual object 1 has a component perpendicular to the reference plane, in the centring step the unfinished objects 9 remain spaced apart and do not overlap each other during their translation (the same applies for their orthogonal projections in the reference plane).

[0057] Although in the accompanying figures the case shown is one in which only one unfinished object 9 must be translated during the centring step, in the real embodiments of this invention it will almost always be necessary to translate every unfinished object 9 during the centring step.

[0058] Finally, moving on to the cutting step, in that step the plurality of cutting devices is used to cut the plurality of unfinished objects 9 centred in the centring step, and each main portion 3 is separated from the respective annular portion 10 obtaining the plurality of individual objects 1 and a corresponding plurality of annular pieces of scrap 13; in the case of the embodiment illustrated, reference should be made to Figure 8A and 8B, which show two individual containers (shown isolated in Figure 2 and in Figure 9A and 9B) and two respective annular pieces of scrap 13. Advantageously, the cutting step is carried out simultaneously on all of the unfinished objects 9, simultaneously using all of the cutting devices.

[0059] This invention has important advantages.

[0060] In fact, thanks to this invention it was possible to define a method applicable in the production of objects, in particular objects comprising at least one layer made of cellulose pulp, which allows the rapid obtainment of a plurality of precisely finished individual objects.

[0061] Thanks to this invention it was also possible to define a method which allows problems to be overcome linked to possible changes in the dimensions of the semi-finished product in the forming step, which might be such that they change the positions relative to each other of the main portions corresponding to the individual objects to be obtained.

[0062] 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 claim.

[0063] 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. A method for obtaining a plurality of individual objects (1), separated from each other, wherein: a semi-finished product (2) is used which comprises a plurality of main portions (3), each corresponding to one of the individual objects (1) to be obtained, and a connecting portion (4) which surrounds each main portion (3), connects the main portions (3) to each other and corresponds to excess material to be discarded; and an apparatus is used which comprises a plurality of cutting devices, one for each individual object (1) to be obtained, which operate in parallel to cut out the plurality of individual objects (1), each cutting device defining a respective reference axis (8) parallel to the reference axes (8) of the other cutting devices; the method comprising: a pre-cutting step, in which the semi-finished product (2) is cut at the connecting portion (4), separating each main portion (3) from the other main portions (3), and a plurality of unfinished objects (9) separated from each other is obtained, one for each individual object (1) to be obtained, each unfinished object (9) being constituted of one of the main portions (3) and of an annular portion (10) which surrounds that main portion (3) and which corresponds to part of the connecting portion (4); a positioning step, carried out after the pre-cutting step, wherein the unfinished objects (9) are positioned according to a spaced apart arrangement, according to which respective orthogonal projections of the plurality of unfinished objects (9) in a reference plane are separated from each other by a safety distance (11), each safety distance (11) between two orthogonal projections of two adjacent unfinished objects (9) being greater than or equal to a predefined minimum distance; a centring step, carried out after the positioning step, wherein, keeping the reference plane perpendicular to the reference axes (8) of the cutting devices, the main portion (3) of each of the plurality of unfinished objects (9) is centred relative to the reference axis (8) of a respective cutting device by translating, starting from the spaced apart arrangement, at least one of the unfinished objects (9) by a respective correction distance (12) parallel to the reference plane and keeping, in the reference plane, the respective orthogonal projections of the plurality of unfinished objects (9) separated from each other; and a cutting step, carried out after the centring step, wherein with the plurality of cutting devices the plurality of unfinished objects (9) is cut and each main portion (3) is separated from the respective annular portion (10) obtaining the plurality of individual objects (1) and a corresponding plurality of annular pieces of scrap (13).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the centring step, starting from the spaced apart arrangement, the at least one of the unfinished objects (9) is translated by a respective correction distance (12) parallel to the reference plane and which has components which are less than half of the predefined minimum distance.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-cutting step is carried out without producing scrap material.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spaced apart arrangement, according to which the unfinished objects (9) are positioned in the positioning step, is an arrangement according to which, in the reference plane, the respective orthogonal projections of the plurality of unfinished objects (9) are positioned according to a regular pattern.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, also comprising a feeding step, carried out after the pre-cutting step and before the centring step, wherein the plurality of unfinished objects (9) is positioned at the plurality of cutting devices, each unfinished object (9) at the respective cutting device.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the feeding step is carried out after the positioning step or wherein the positioning step is carried out simultaneously with the feeding step.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a semi-finished product (2) is used which is constituted of the plurality of main portions (3) and of the connecting portion (4).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a semi-finished product (2) is used comprising a cellulosic layer or a moulded cellulose pulp layer.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a semi-finished product (2) is used also comprising a polymeric liner applied to the cellulosic layer at one side of the semi-finished product (2) which constitutes an inner surface of each individual object (1) to be obtained.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the objects (1) to be obtained are containers, and / or parts of containers, and / or parts of packages.

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