Cutting device and method for cutting caps

Abstract

An apparatus and method for cutting a cap is described, the cutting apparatus including a first blade for making a first circumferential cut, a second blade for making a second circumferential cut axially spaced from the first circumferential cut, one or more vertical and / or diagonal blades for making one or more vertical and / or diagonal cuts between the first and second circumferential cuts, a spindle including an engagement portion having one or more abutment surfaces configured to contact a side wall of the cap, and a circumferential receiving hollow portion that at least partially receives the first blade, the second blade, and the one or more vertical and / or diagonal blades without contact.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus for cutting caps or plugs, e.g., made of plastic, used to close containers such as bottles, etc. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making circumferential cuts (at least part of the circumference or the entire circumference) in the side wall of the cap.

[0002] In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention can be used to make cuts aimed at obtaining so-called tethered caps, for which a number of knives are typically arranged on multiple levels with an inclined or vertical trait, and furthermore, the horizontal trait is typically characterized by a limited angular range (i.e., less than 360 degrees of cap rotation).

[0003] This cutting can provide a guarantee ring or band on the cap body, a connecting portion (for example, a strap, hinge, or joint) between the guarantee ring and the side wall of the cap, or define other cap portions.

[0004] Cutting apparatus are known that include a carousel structure that rotates a plurality of cap-engaging spindles that are angularly spaced apart from one another and mounted on the periphery of the carousel, each spindle being rotatable about itself, and that rotate the caps about their own axis and carry them along a circular forward path through one or more areas having cutting devices disposed therein that provide engraving or cutting of the sidewalls of the caps.

[0005] Cutting devices are known that are used to create weakening lines in the side walls of the cap to form guarantee bands or to create horizontal openings in the cap, and cutting with such devices is also called a "horizontal cut."

[0006] Furthermore, cutting devices are known that are used to cut or incise the side wall of the cap at specific radial positions according to a direction parallel or oblique to the axis of the cap, in order to achieve weakened areas in the guarantee band or to define connections (straps, hinges, etc.) between the guarantee band and the rest of the side wall of the cap. This type of cut is also called a "perpendicular cut" or "diagonal cut."

[0007] Furthermore, cutting devices are known that are capable of making both horizontal and vertical or diagonal cuts in the side wall of the cap at predetermined radial positions on the cap.

[0008] Each spindle includes an engagement portion arranged to engage the cap by contacting an inner portion of the side wall of the cap, thus providing an abutment for the cutting means when the spindle is in the cutting region.

[0009] To make the proper cut, the cutting device cuts through a predetermined area of ​​the cap. [Background technology]

[0010] A drawback of the prior art is that the through cut is achieved by contacting the cutting device with the engaging portion of the spindle, and repeated contact causes wear on the components of the cutting apparatus involved, particularly the engaging portion of the cutting device and the spindle.

[0011] Such wear can cause the cutting device to lose functionality because it follows the wrong notch (e.g., a non-through notch), which reduces the production yield of the cutting device and means waste of notched caps, which increases the production cost of the caps.

[0012] Furthermore, component wear leads to frequent replacement of the components involved, causing unnecessary machine downtime and contributing to reduced production of notched caps by cutting equipment.

[0013] Tether caps pose problems for both the quality of the cutting edge, requiring a full through cut without bridging even after extended use, and the service life of the knife, especially since their horizontal properties are typically more flexible vertically than their angular spread, resulting in greater wear, chipping, and other defects and a shorter useful life. Summary of the Invention

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to improve upon known types of cutting devices and methods for cutting caps.

[0015] The object is to provide an apparatus and / or method that can overcome one or more of the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0016] The object is to provide an alternative device and / or method for cutting caps to the prior art.

[0017] The advantage is to improve the quality of the cut and / or extend the service life of knives used in particular for cutting tether caps, i.e. knives having one or more horizontal features (typically with a limited angular spread) arranged at multiple levels in combination with diagonal and vertical features.

[0018] An advantage of the present invention is that it ensures proper execution of the cuts made to the cap.

[0019] An advantage is to implement an apparatus and / or method that can eliminate contact between the spindle and the cutting device.

[0020] An advantage is that it provides a cap cutting tool that is simple in construction and cost effective.

[0021] Other advantages include reduced wear on the components of the cap cutting equipment and reduced waste in the production of notched caps.

[0022] These and other objects and advantages are achieved by an apparatus and / or method according to one or more of the claims set forth herein.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cutting apparatus includes a cutting device and a spindle for feeding the cap; The cap rolls on the cutting device, The cutting device at least two blades for making at least two circumferential cuts in the cap; at least one blade for making at least axial and / or oblique cuts, the blade being disposed in an axial space defined between the two circumferential cuts; Here, "circumferential direction" and "axial direction" mean relative to the axis of the cap. The spindle, at least two circumferential abutment surfaces disposed in contact with the inside of the cap and spaced apart from one another along the axial direction; at least two circumferential grooves disposed within the axial space defined between the two circumferential abutment surfaces and adapted to receive the cutting edges of the two blades that perform the circumferential cut during cutting; and an intermediate surface configured between the two circumferential grooves and adapted to face radially away from the cutting edge of the blade that performs axial and / or bevel cutting during cutting.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cutting device comprises: a first blade for cutting a first circumferential cut into the cap; a second blade for cutting a second circumferential cut in the cap, the second circumferential cut being axially spaced from the first circumferential cut; one or more blades for making one or more vertical and / or oblique cuts arranged axially between the first circumferential cut and the second circumferential cut, The cutting device a spindle for supplying the cap, the spindle including an engagement portion with one or more circumferential abutment surfaces arranged to contact the inside of a side wall of the cap as the cap rolls on the cutting device; a receiving hollow capable of receiving the cutting edge of the first blade during cutting, maintaining a first distance between a first outer surface of the receiving hollow and the cutting edge of the first blade; a cutting edge of the second blade that maintains a second distance between the second outer surface of the receiving cavity and the cutting edge of the second blade; and one or more vertical and / or angled blade cutting edges maintaining a third distance between the intermediate outer surface of the receiving cavity and the cutting edge.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cutting device comprises: a first blade for cutting a first circumferential cut into the cap; a second blade for cutting a second circumferential cut in the cap axially spaced from the first circumferential cut; a cutting device comprising one or more vertical and / or oblique blades for making one or more vertical and / or oblique cuts arranged axially between the first circumferential cut and the second circumferential cut, The cutting device a cap supply spindle, the cap rolling on the cutting device, the spindle including an engagement portion with one or more circumferential abutment surfaces arranged to contact the inside of the cap; a first circumferential groove adapted to receive the cutting edge of the first blade while maintaining a first distance between a bottom of the first groove and the cutting edge of the first blade during cutting; and a second circumferential groove adapted to receive the cutting edge of the second blade while maintaining a second distance between the bottom of the second groove and the cutting edge of the second blade during cutting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] The invention may be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary, non-limiting embodiments thereof.

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of an apparatus for cutting caps, showing a spindle, a support configured to cut caps, and a cutting device according to a first embodiment, cut in a plane intersecting the axis of rotation of the spindle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1, showing the engagement portion of the spindle with at least two grooves and at least one intermediate portion, and the cutting device with at least two horizontal blades and cutting means. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 showing some dimensions of the enlarged portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 showing a first distance between the first horizontal blade and the bottom of the first groove, a second distance between the second horizontal blade and the bottom of the second groove, and a third distance between the blade of the cutting means and at least one intermediate portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 showing the horizontal blade overhang and the cutting means overhang. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to a further embodiment, in which the first horizontal blade and the second horizontal blade are each sharpened on only one side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the cutting apparatus, highlighting the cutting apparatus and the forward portion of the forward path of the cap within the cutting device. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to a further embodiment, in which the second groove is smaller in size than the first groove. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to a further embodiment, in which the first groove is smaller in size than the second groove. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of an apparatus for cutting caps, showing a second embodiment of a spindle with a single groove, a support configured to cut the caps, and a cutting device, cross-sectioned in a plane intersecting the rotation axis of the spindle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of FIG. 9, showing some dimensions of the engagement portion of the spindle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of FIG. 9, showing a further first distance between the first horizontal blade and the bottom of the first groove, a further second distance between the second horizontal blade and the bottom of the second groove, and a further third distance between the blade of the cutting means and at least one intermediate portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] With reference to the aforementioned figures, a cutting device is described which is arranged to cut or slit a stopper or cap 1. In particular, the cap 1 can be used to close a container, for example a bottle.

[0029] The cap 1 may particularly include a cup-shaped body and a bottom wall defining a closed end of the cup-shaped body. The bottom wall includes inner and outer surfaces facing each other. The bottom wall may particularly be disk-shaped and may include a central region intersecting the longitudinal axis C (which is particularly perpendicular to the bottom wall) and a peripheral region near the periphery of the disk and farther from the longitudinal axis C than the central region. The cap 1 may particularly include a side wall 12 continuous with the bottom wall and extending around the longitudinal axis C of the cap 1 to a free end of the bottom wall 12, which defines an open end of the cup-shaped body. The side wall 12 may particularly be a cylindrical side wall coaxial with the longitudinal axis C.

[0030] The cap 1 may include at least one circumferential cut intended to separate the cap 1 into a main body constituting the closed end of the cap 1 and a guarantee band constituting the open ring-shaped cap portion. The circumferential cuts may include, in particular, a plurality of easy fracture lines or lines of weakness, which are arranged on the cap 1 according to several inclinations relative to the longitudinal axis C and define on the cap the main body, the guarantee band and any connecting parts, i.e., straps, connecting the main body and the guarantee band.

[0031] The cutting device may in particular comprise an advancement path along which the cap 1 can move along an advancement direction T. Such advancement path may in particular comprise a circumferential arc and may be defined within the peripheral area of ​​a spindle-holding carousel (not shown, included in the cutting device) which rotatably sets a plurality of spindles 2 and a plurality of supports 3 around a vertical axis of rotation, in particular orthogonal to the horizontal bottom of the device, and which are arranged to move the cap 1.

[0032] 1, the spindles 2 are configured to interact with the caps 1 to advance them along a forward path. The rotation axis R of the spindles may in particular be vertical, or in any case parallel to the rotation axis of the carousel.

[0033] In an embodiment not shown, the longitudinal axis C of the cap may in particular be coaxial with the rotation axis R of the spindle.

[0034] 7, the cutting device may include a cutting zone 40 that is reached and traversed by the spindle 2 and the support 3 during functioning of the cutting device. The cutting device further includes an inlet or feed zone upstream of the cutting zone 40 and a discharge zone downstream of the cutting zone 40.

[0035] The cutting apparatus may in particular include a cutting device 4 arranged in a cutting zone 40 for cutting the cap 1 .

[0036] 2 and 3, the cutting device 4 may in particular be horizontally oriented and include at least one first blade 41 configured to make one or more circumferential cuts in the cap 1. Here, "horizontal" is understood to mean that the blade is arranged substantially parallel to the direction of advancement of the cap (which is usually horizontal) as it penetrates the cutting zone.

[0037] The first blade 41 may be provided on a plate-like body including an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side. The first blade 41 has at least one horizontal cutting edge that faces the cap 1 in use and is positioned to penetrate the cap 1. The first blade 41 may be configured to make a cut at a first vertical height along a first (usually horizontal) plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the side wall 12 of the cap 1.

[0038] The cutting device 4 may in particular include at least one second blade 42 (also horizontal, as understood above), which may in particular be configured to make one or more circumferential cuts in the cap. The second blade 42 may in particular be configured to make an incision at a second vertical height (different from the first height) along a second (horizontal) plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the side wall 12 of the cap 1. The second blade 42 may be obtained on a plate including an additional upper side and an additional lower side opposite the additional upper side. The second blade 42 may have at least one horizontal cutting edge that faces the cap 1 in use and is arranged to penetrate the cap 1.

[0039] The first blade 41 and the second blade 42 may be vertically spaced apart from each other. In particular, the first blade 41 may be positioned at a vertical height that is lower than the height of the second blade 42.

[0040] The cutting device 4 may comprise cutting means 51 which may in particular comprise at least one cutting insert, or at least one cutting element, or at least one cutting assembly, or at least one cutting group.

[0041] The cutting means 51 may in particular comprise one or more vertical and / or oblique blades configured to make one or more vertical and / or oblique cuts in the cap 1. The cutting means 51 may comprise at least one vertical or oblique cutting edge which, in use, faces the cap 1 and is arranged to penetrate the cap 1. The cutting means 51 may in particular be configured to make one or more vertical cuts and / or one or more oblique cuts in the side wall 12 of the cap 1.

[0042] The cutting means 51 can be arranged in a vertically arranged zone between the first blade 41 and the second blade 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting device comprises a sandwich or stack structure, with the cutting means 51 interposed between the first blade 41 and the second blade 42. In a further embodiment not shown, the cutting device may be monobloc.

[0043] With reference to the specific examples of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the blades of the cutting device 4, in particular the first blade 41 and the second blade 42, can be sharpened on both sides. Alternatively, in an additional embodiment, the blades may be provided with single-sided sharpening, i.e., each blade may be sharpened on only one side. With reference to Figure 6, a first horizontal blade sharpened on its underside is designated 41', and a second horizontal blade sharpened on its upper side is designated 42'. In particular, single-sided sharpening may be performed on the blade side facing the cutting means 51, and is envisaged when the distance between the horizontal cuts is reduced, i.e., when the distance between the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 is reduced. This solution envisaging single-sided sharpening of the blades, in particular the horizontal blades, can be applied to any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0044] The cutting device 4 includes, in particular, guide means (not shown) arranged to contact an outer portion of the cap 1 and to rotate the cap 1 as the spindle 2 advances along the advance path. The guide means may in particular include a knurled section facing the spindle 2 in use. Such a knurled section is configured to suitably engage with the outer portion of the cap 1 and to rotate the cap 1 about the longitudinal axis C.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the guide means may in particular comprise a blade portion of the cutting device 4 arranged to allow the cap 1 to roll and at the same time to make an incision in the cap 1. In other words, the cap 1 can be rolled over the blade of the cutting device 4 while an incision is made in the cap 1.

[0046] The cutting device may in particular comprise a spindle 2 movable along an advancement path and rotatable about its axis of rotation R. Such axis of rotation R may be vertical and / or parallel to the axis of rotation of the carousel and / or perpendicular to the plane in which the cap path progresses.

[0047] The spindle 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis R and may include an engagement portion 21 configured to engage with an inner portion of the cap 1 so that the longitudinal axis C of the cap 1 is parallel to the rotation axis R of the spindle. The engagement portion 21 may rotate to reduce unwanted slippage between the cap 1 and the spindle 2, particularly as the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement portion 21 may actively rotate the cap 1 by contacting the inner portion of the cap 1. The rolling of the cap 1 is particularly useful for making (circumferential) horizontal cuts and vertical and / or oblique cuts in the cap 1 itself when the spindle 2 reaches the cutting zone 40. In particular, in an embodiment not shown, the longitudinal axis C of the cap may be coaxial with the rotation axis R of the spindle.

[0048] The engagement portion 21 may in particular include a cylindrical or ring-shaped outer surface extending around the rotation axis R.

[0049] The engagement portion 21 may in particular comprise at least one circumferential or annular abutment surface arranged to contact an inner portion of the cap 1. In particular, the engagement portion 21 is arranged to contact one or more inner portions of the side wall 12 of the cap 1.

[0050] Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the engagement portion 21 may include, inter alia, a first abutment surface 22a and a second abutment surface 22b that are vertically spaced apart from each other.

[0051] The engagement portion 21 may in particular comprise circumferential receiving cavities 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 for at least partially receiving the first blade 41 , the second blade 42 and the cutting means 51 .

[0052] The receiving cavities 23, 24, 25, 26 are particularly adapted to prevent the cap 1 from rolling over the cutting device 4. The first blade 41 may be configured to be received in the receiving hollow portion 23, 24, 25, 26 with a first distance S23, S23' between the first outer surface and the cutting edge of the first blade 41, to avoid contact between the first outer surface and the cutting edge; The second blade 42 may be configured to be received with a second distance S24, S24' between the second outer surface of the receiving hollow portion 23, 24, 25, 26 and the cutting edge of the second blade 42, to avoid contact between the second outer surface and the cutting edge; The cutting means 51 may be configured to be received with a third distance S25, S25' between the intermediate outer surfaces of the receiving hollows 23, 24, 25, 26 and the cutting means 51 to avoid contact between the intermediate outer surfaces and the cutting means.

[0053] The intermediate outer surface may in particular be interposed between the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

[0054] In the cutting apparatus, when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, the cutting edge of the first blade 41 is closer to the rotation axis R than the first abutment surface 22a so that the first blade 41 penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap 1 without contacting the first outer surfaces of the receiving hollows 23, 24, 25, 26. Additionally or alternatively, in the cutting apparatus, when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, the cutting edge of the second blade 42 is closer to the rotation axis R than the second abutment surface 22b so that the second blade 42 penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap 1 without contacting the second outer surfaces of the receiving hollows 23, 24, 25, 26.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, in the cutting apparatus, when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, the cutting edge of the cutting means 51 is closer to the rotation axis R than the first abutment surface 22a and / or the second abutment surface 22b so as to penetrate completely through the thickness of the cap 1 without contacting the intermediate outer surfaces of the receiving hollow portions 23, 24, 25, 26.

[0056] In the spindle 2 according to the first embodiment, the receiving cavities 23, 24, 25, 26 include a more circumferential groove and an intermediate portion which will be explained later.

[0057] 2 and 3, in the spindle according to the first embodiment, designated by the reference number 2, the engagement part 21 may in particular include at least one first groove 23, which is circumferential or annular, obtained on the outer surface of the engagement part 21. The first groove 23 has a bottom facing towards the outside of the engagement part 21, according to a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation R.

[0058] The first groove 23 can be configured so that when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, the first blade 41 is at least partially received within the first groove 23, maintaining a first distance S23 between the bottom of the first groove 23 and the cutting edge of the first blade 41 to avoid contact between the bottom and the cutting edge.

[0059] In the spindle 2 according to the first embodiment, the engagement portion 21 may in particular comprise at least one circumferential or annular second groove 24 obtained on the outer surface of the engagement portion 21. The second groove 24 may in particular be arranged vertically spaced apart from the first groove 23. In particular, the second groove 24 may have a bottom facing towards the outside of the engagement portion 21 in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis R.

[0060] The second groove 24 can be configured so that the second blade 42 is at least partially received within the second groove 24 while maintaining a second distance S24 between the bottom of the second groove 24 and the cutting edge of the second blade 42 to avoid contact between the bottom of the second groove 24 and the cutting edge of the second blade 42 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4.

[0061] In the spindle 2 according to the first embodiment, the engagement portion 21 may in particular be circumferential or annular and may include at least one intermediate portion 25 arranged vertically between the first groove 23 and the second groove 24.

[0062] The engagement portion 21 may in particular comprise a circumferential outer surface facing the inner surface of the side wall 12 of the cap 1 in use. The intermediate portion 25 may be configured such that a third distance S25 is maintained between the outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 and the cutting edge of the cutting means 51 so as to avoid contact between the outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 and the cutting edge of the cutting means 51 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4. The third distance S25 may in particular be configured in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.20 mm, in particular 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. In particular, the distance S25 may be 0.05 mm.

[0063] The receiving cavities 23, 24, 25, 26 can be interposed perpendicularly between the first abutment surface 22a and the second abutment surface 22b.

[0064] In the specific example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the first groove 23 and the second groove 24 are disposed between the first contact surface 22a and the second contact surface 22b.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2, when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, the cutting edge of the first blade 41 is closer to the rotation axis R than the first abutment surface 22a, and the first blade 41 penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap 1 without contacting the bottom surface of the first groove 23.

[0066] Furthermore, in this situation, the cutting edge of the second blade 42 is closer to the rotation axis R than the second abutment surface 22b, and the second blade 42 penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap 1 without contacting the bottom surface of the second groove 24.

[0067] Moreover, in this situation, at least one cutting edge of the cutting means 51 penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap 1 without contacting the outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 .

[0068] Further, in this context, and with particular reference to FIG. 5 , the cutting edge of the cutting means 51 is arranged to protrude from the side wall 12 of the cap 1 toward the rotation axis R by an excess distance A selected based on the thickness of the side wall 12. The excess distance is the amount by which one or more cutting edges protrude from the inner surface of the side wall 12 toward the rotation axis R. This distance A can be in the range of 10% to 40%, preferably 20% to 30%, of the thickness of the side wall 12. In particular, the distance A is 25% of the thickness of the side wall 12. The thickness of the side wall 12 can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, in particular 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm. In particular, the thickness of the side wall 12 may be 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm. Further, in this context, the cutting edge of the first blade 41 and / or the second blade 42 is arranged to protrude from the side wall 12 toward the rotation axis R by an excess distance B selected based on the distance A. Distance B may be in the range of 120% to 250% of distance A, in particular 150% to 200%.

[0069] The receiving cavities 23, 24, 25, 26 may in particular have a diameter smaller than the diameter D22a, D22b of the at least one abutment surface 22a, 22b, such diameter being measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation R.

[0070] 2 and 3, the bottom of the first groove 23 may have a diameter D23 that is smaller than the diameter D22a of the first abutment surface 22a, in particular, so as not to contact the side wall 12 of the cap 1.

[0071] Furthermore, the bottom of the second groove 24 has a diameter D24 that is particularly smaller than the diameter D22b of the second abutment surface 22b so as not to come into contact with the side wall 12 of the cap 1.

[0072] The outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 may have a diameter D25 that is smaller than the diameter D22a of the first abutment surface 22a and / or the diameter D22b of the second abutment surface 22b, in particular, so that the outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 does not contact the side wall 12 of the cap 1.

[0073] 3 and 4, the cutting apparatus can be realized in such a way that when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, at least one of the conditions defined by the following formulas is met: (D22-D25) / 2 > NxS25 where D22=D22a and / or D22=D22b, and N=2, or N=3, or N=4, or N=5, or N=6, or N>2, or N>3, or N>4, or 3 <N<7、または4<N<6である。

[0074] It has been found that this condition prevents the cutting means 51 from deforming the side wall 12 of the cap 1 excessively.

[0075] In other words, in the aforementioned situation, the difference between the radius D22a / 2 of the first abutment surface 22a and / or the radius D22b / 2 of the second abutment surface 22b and the radius D25 / 2 of the intermediate portion 25 is found to be greater than the third distance S25 multiplied by N, where in particular N>2 and is greater than 2 times, greater than 3 times, greater than 4 times, or greater than 5 times, or greater than a non-integer value of N falling within the aforementioned range. In the specific example shown in the figures, the diameters D22a and D22b are found to be equal to each other.

[0076] Referring to the modified embodiment of FIG. 4 , the cross-sectional dimensions of the first groove 23 may be L23×H23=0.8 mm×0.5 mm, where the distance L23 between the first abutment surface 22 a and the bottom surface of the first groove 23 is equal to 0.8 mm, and the bottom surface of the first groove 23 extends vertically by a height H23 of 0.5 mm. The cross-sectional dimensions of the second groove 24 may be L24×H24=0.8 mm×0.5 mm, where the distance L24 between the second abutment surface 22 b and the bottom surface of the second groove 24 is equal to 0.8 mm, and the bottom surface of the second groove 24 extends vertically by a height H24 of 0.5 mm. Alternatively, the grooves may be asymmetrically disposed with respect to the intermediate portion 25 of the spindle 2. In other words, the grooves 23, 24 may have different cross-sectional dimensions. In particular, at least one dimension of the second groove 24, in particular the height H24', may be smaller than the corresponding dimension of the first groove 23. With reference to a further embodiment shown in FIG. 8a, the cross-sectional dimensions of the second groove 24 may be L24×H24′=0.8 mm×0.3 mm, i.e., the vertical height H24′ of the bottom of the second groove 24 may be smaller than the height H23 of the bottom of the first groove 23. Alternatively, at least one dimension of the first groove 23, in particular the height H23′, may be smaller than the corresponding dimension of the second groove 24. With reference to a further embodiment shown in FIG. 8b, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first groove 23 may be L23×H23′=0.8 mm×0.3 mm, i.e., the vertical height H23′ of the bottom of the first groove 23 may be smaller than the height H24 of the bottom of the second groove 24. This solution of providing an asymmetric arrangement of grooves 23, 24 can be applied to any of the described embodiments.

[0077] In a further variant embodiment not shown, it may be provided that at least one single groove, in particular a first groove or a second groove or an additional circumferential groove, is arranged at the location of one or more additional horizontal blades so that when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, in addition to the blades mentioned above, it also at least partially receives one or more additional horizontal blades.

[0078] In the engagement portion 21 of the spindle 2 according to the first embodiment, the intermediate portion 25 protrudes radially from the bottom of the first groove 23 and the bottom of the second groove 24, where "radially" is intended to be relative to the rotation axis R.

[0079] In a second embodiment of the spindle, designated by the reference numeral 2' (shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11), the receiving cavities 23, 24, 25, 26 comprise a single groove 26.

[0080] The single groove 26 provided in the spindle 2' is particularly adapted to at least partially receive the first blade 41, the second blade 42 and the cutting means 51.

[0081] In the specific embodiment of Fig. 11, the single groove 26 is cylindrical and extends vertically between the first and second abutment surfaces 22a, 22b by a height H26. Referring now to Fig. 11, the bottom of the single groove 26 may have a diameter D26 that is smaller than the diameter D22a of the first abutment surface 22a and / or the diameter D22b of the second abutment surface 22b, in particular, so that the bottom of the single groove 26 does not contact the side wall 12 of the cap 1 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4. The single groove 26 is particularly arranged to at least partially accommodate the cutting edge of the cutting device 4 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4. The configuration provided by the spindle 2' according to the second embodiment allows the advancement of the cutting edge of the cutting device 4, in particular the advancement of the cutting edge of the cutting means 51 towards the rotation axis R.

[0082] The spindle 2' according to the second embodiment is movable along an advancement path and rotatable about its rotation axis R in order to feed the cap 1 to the cutting zone 40. The spindle 2' according to the second embodiment is rotatable about the rotation axis R and includes an engagement portion 21 configured to engage with an inner portion of the cap 1, so that when the spindle 2' reaches the cutting zone 40, the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4 in order to perform the cut. The engagement portion 21 of the spindle 2' according to the second embodiment is in particular circumferential and includes at least one engagement surface 22a, 22b arranged to contact the inner side of the side wall 12 of the cap 1. The engagement portion 21 of the spindle 2′ according to the second embodiment is particularly circumferential and includes a single groove 26 configured to be at least partially received within the single groove 26 with a further first distance S23′ between the bottom of the single groove 26 and the cutting edge of the first blade 41 to avoid contact between the bottom of the single groove 26 and the cutting edge of the first blade 41 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4. Furthermore, the single groove 26 is configured to be at least partially received within the single groove 26 with a further second distance S24′ between the bottom of the single groove 26 and the cutting edge of the second blade 42 to avoid contact between the bottom of the single groove 26 and the cutting edge of the second blade 42 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4. Furthermore, the single groove 26 is configured to face the single groove 26 with a further third distance S25' between the bottom surface of the single groove 26 and the cutting means 51 so as to avoid contact between the bottom surface of the single groove 26 and the cutting means 51 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4.

[0083] In other words, the spindle 2' according to the second embodiment is equivalent to the spindle 2 according to the first embodiment in which the diameter D25 of the outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 is equal to both the diameter D23 of the bottom of the first groove 23 and the diameter D24 of the bottom of the second groove 24, thus creating a single groove 26. Similarly, the first distance S23 between the bottom surface of the first groove 23 and the cutting edge of the first blade 41, the second distance S24 between the bottom surface of the second groove 24 and the cutting edge of the second blade 42, and the third distance S25 between the outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 and the cutting means 51 are close to the further first distance S23', the further second distance S24', and the further third distance S25', respectively.

[0084] In the spindle 2' according to the second embodiment, the first further distance S23', the second further distance S24' and the third further distance S25' can be equal. In this situation, the cutting edge of the first blade 41, the cutting edge of the second blade 42 and the cutting edge of the cutting means 51 are vertically aligned and spaced the same distance from the single groove 26.

[0085] The cutting apparatus may in particular comprise adjustment means configured to vary the position of the cutting device 4 as a whole and / or to vary the position of one or more parts of the cutting device 4 independently of one another. In this way it is possible to adjust the cutting device 4 by moving the blades closer to the advance path of the cap, in particular when these blades are worn, in particular when they are so worn that they can no longer penetrate completely through the thickness of the cap 1.

[0086] Such adjustment can be performed in an independent manner for each blade, since these blades may be subject to different wear behavior, for example, due to cutting caps according to different thicknesses. The adjustment means may in particular include a first adjustment means, a second adjustment means and a third adjustment means, as described below.

[0087] The cutting apparatus may include first adjustment means configured to change the position of the cutting device 4 along a direction transverse to the advancement path, in particular in a horizontal plane, by moving the cutting device 4 closer to and / or away from the advancement path, in particular so that when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, the first distance S23, the second distance S24 and the third distance S25 change by the same amount to compensate for wear of the cutting edge of the cutting device 4.

[0088] The cutting apparatus may include a second adjusting means configured to change the position of the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 independently of the position of the cutting means 51, in particular along a direction transverse to the advancing path, and by moving the assembly consisting of the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 closer to and / or further from the advancing path, the first distance S23 and the second distance S24 are additionally adjusted by the same amount to compensate for wear of the cutting edges of the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 as the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4.

[0089] Furthermore, the second adjustment means may be configured to vary the mutual position between the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 in an independent manner along a direction transverse to the advancement path, so that when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4, the first distance S23 is adjusted independently of the second distance S24, and vice versa, thereby compensating for differentiated wear behavior between the first blade 41 and the second horizontal blade 42.

[0090] The cutting apparatus may include a third adjusting means configured to independently vary the position of the cutting means 51 relative to the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 along a direction transverse to the advancing path, in particular by moving the cutting means 51 closer to and / or away from the advancing path, so that the third distance S25 is adjusted to compensate for wear of the cutting means 51 when the cap 1 rolls on the cutting device 4.

[0091] The adjustment means may in particular comprise one or more micrometric screws, the rotation of which is configured to be related to a displacement, in particular a linear displacement, of one or more blades of the cutting device 4. The first adjustment means may in particular comprise one or more micrometric screws. The second adjustment means may in particular comprise one or more micrometric screws. The third adjustment means may in particular comprise one or more micrometric screws.

[0092] The function of the cutting apparatus is, in particular, to carry out a cutting method for cutting the cap, which cutting method may, in particular, include a step of feeding the cap 1 along an advance path to a cutting zone 40 in which a cutting device 4 is arranged.

[0093] The cutting method may in particular include the step of engaging the cap 1 with the engagement portion 21 of the spindle 2 .

[0094] The cutting method may in particular comprise the step of rolling the cap 1 on a cutting device 4 .

[0095] The cutting method may include, in particular, the steps of making one or more circumferential cuts in the cap 1 by the first blade 41 while the cap is rolling, making one or more circumferential cuts in the cap 1 by the second blade 42, and making one or more vertical and / or diagonal cuts in the cap 1 by a cutting means arranged between the first blade 41 and the second blade 42.

[0096] When the cap rolls, the first blade 41 is at least partially received in the cavity defined by the first circumferential groove 23 obtained in the engagement portion 21, maintaining a first distance S23 between the bottom of the first groove 23 and the cutting edge of the first blade 41, avoiding contact (and the resulting abrasive effects) between the bottom and the cutting edge.

[0097] Furthermore, when the cap rolls, the second blade 42 is at least partially received in the cavity defined by the second circumferential groove 24 obtained in the engagement portion 21, maintaining a second distance S24 between the bottom of the second groove 24 and the cutting edge of the second blade 42, avoiding contact (and the resulting abrasive effects) between the bottom and the cutting edge of the second blade 42.

[0098] When the cap rolls, the cutting means 51 faces the circumferential intermediate portion 25 of the engagement portion 21, which is arranged between the first groove 23 and the second groove 24, and maintains a third distance S25 between the outer surface of the intermediate portion 25 and the cutting means 51, thereby avoiding contact (and the resulting abrasive effects) between the outer surface and the cutting means.

[0099] By using means for independently adjusting the position of multiple knives or blades, the penetration of a single knife or blade can be adjusted in an independent manner, effectively compensating for the wear behavior of a single knife or blade, and differentiated adjustment for all blades proves to be particularly advantageous, especially in this type of device suitable for producing tethered caps, where multiple blades cut the cap in areas with different angular extents and with different cap thicknesses.

Claims

1. A cutting device for cutting a cap (1), comprising: a forward path movable by the cap (1); a cutting zone (40) disposed on the forward path; a cutting device (4) arranged in a cutting zone (40) for cutting the cap (1); Including, The cutting device (4) at least one first blade (41) that is horizontal and configured to make one or more circumferential cuts in the cap (1); and at least one second blade (42) configured to make one or more horizontal circumferential cuts in the cap (1), wherein the at least one first blade (41) and the at least one second blade (42) are vertically spaced apart from one another; The cutting device (4) also includes: a cutting means (51) with one or more vertical and / or oblique blades configured to make one or more vertical and / or oblique cuts in the cap (1), the cutting means (51) being arranged in a vertically configured zone between at least one first blade (41) and at least one second blade (42); The cutting device (4) also includes: a spindle (2; 2') movable along an advancement path and rotatable about a rotation axis (R) for feeding the cap (1) to the cutting zone (40), the spindle (2; 2') comprising an engagement portion (21) configured to engage an inner portion of the cap (1), and when the spindle (2; 2') reaches the cutting zone (40), the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4) for making an incision; The engagement portion (21) is At least one abutment surface (22a, 22b) in the circumferential direction and arranged to contact an inner portion of the side wall (12) of the cap (1); circumferentially and comprising at least one first blade (41), at least one second blade (42), and a receiving cavity (23, 24, 25; 26) for at least partially receiving a cutting means (51), The receiving hollow portion (23, 24, 25; 26) is When the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the first blade (41) is received in the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26) with a first distance (S23; S23') between the first outer surface and the cutting edge of the first blade (41) so as to avoid contact between the first outer surface and the cutting edge; the second blade (42) is received in the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26) with a second distance (S24; S24') between the second outer surface and the cutting edge of the second blade (42) to avoid contact between the second outer surface and the cutting edge; The cutting means (51) is received at a third distance (S25; S25') between the intermediate outer surface of the receiving hollow portion (23, 24, 25; 26) and the cutting means (51) so as to avoid contact between the intermediate outer surface and the cutting means, and the intermediate outer surface is interposed between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. It is configured as follows: Cutting device.

2. the at least one abutment surface (22a, 22b) includes a first abutment surface (22a) and a second abutment surface (22b); The receiving hollows (23, 24, 25; 26) are arranged vertically between the first abutment surface (22a) and the second abutment surface (22b).

2. The cutting device of claim 1.

3. when the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the cutting edge of the first blade (41) is closer to the rotation axis (R) than the first abutment surface (22a) so that the first blade (41) penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap (1) without contacting the first outer surface of the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26); 3. The cutting device of claim 2.

4. when the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the cutting edge of the second blade (42) is closer to the rotation axis (R) than the second abutment surface (22b) so that the second blade (42) penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap (1) without contacting the second outer surface of the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26); 4. A cutting device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. when the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the cutting edge of the cutting means (51) is closer to the rotation axis (R) than the first abutment surface (22a) and / or the second abutment surface (22b) so that the cutting edge of the cutting means (51) penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap (1) without contacting the intermediate outer surface of the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26); The cutting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the receiving hollow portion (23, 24, 25; 26) has a diameter smaller than the diameter (D22a, D22b) of at least one abutment surface (22a, 22b); A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the receiving cavity (23, 24, 25; 26) comprises a single groove (26) configured to at least partially receive the first blade (41), the second blade (42) and the cutting means (51); A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The engagement portion (21) is at least one first groove (23) in a circumferential direction, configured so that the first blade (41) is at least partially received within the first groove (23) to maintain a first distance (S23) between a bottom of the first groove (23) and a cutting edge of the first blade (41) when the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4) to avoid contact between the bottom and the cutting edge; at least one second groove (24) arranged vertically spaced apart from the first groove (23), the second groove (24) being circumferentially oriented and configured such that the second blade (42) is at least partially received within the second groove (24) so ​​as to maintain a second distance (S24) between the bottom of the second groove (24) and the cutting edge of the second blade (42) when the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4) to avoid contact between the bottom and the cutting edge; at least one intermediate portion (25) in the circumferential direction and disposed between the at least one first groove (23) and the at least one second groove (24); the at least one intermediate portion (25) is configured such that when the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the cutting means (51) faces the intermediate portion (25) and a third distance (S25) is maintained between the outer surface of the intermediate portion (25) and the cutting edge of the cutting means (51) to avoid contact between the outer surface of the intermediate portion (25) and the cutting edge of the cutting means (51); A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the at least one abutment surface (22a, 22b) includes a first abutment surface (22a) and a second abutment surface (22b); the first abutment surface (22a) and the second abutment surface (22b) are vertically spaced apart; The first groove (23) and the second groove (24) are arranged vertically between the first abutment surface (22a) and the second abutment surface (22b); When the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the cutting edge of the first blade (41) is closer to the rotation axis (R) than the first abutment surface (22a) so that the first blade (41) penetrates completely through the thickness of the cap (1) without contacting the bottom of the first groove (23); 9. The cutting device of claim 8.

10. When the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the difference between half the diameter of at least one of the abutment surfaces (22a, 22b) and half the diameter of the intermediate portion (25) is at least two or three times the third distance (S25), and the third distance (S25) is within the range of 0.02 mm to 0.20 mm; A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The cutting device includes a first adjusting means configured to change the position of the cutting device (4) along a transverse direction to the forward movement path so as to move the cutting device (4) closer to and / or further away from the forward movement path in order to adjust the first distance (S23; S23'), the second distance (S24; S24') and the third distance (S25; S25'), A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The cutting device includes a second adjusting means configured to independently change the position of the first blade (41) and the second blade (42) from the cutting means (51) along a transverse direction to the forward path so as to move the first blade (41) and the second blade (42) closer to and / or further away from the forward path in order to adjust the first distance (S23; S23') and the second distance (S24; S24'), A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The second adjusting means is configured to vary the relative positions of the first blade (41) and the second blade (42) transversely to the forward path so as to move the first blade (41) and the second blade (42) independently closer to and / or further away from the forward path in order to adjust the first distance (S23; S23') and the second distance (S24; S24') independently of each other, 13. The cutting device of claim 12.

14. The second adjusting means includes a third adjusting means configured to vary the relative positions of the cutting means (51) and the first blade (41) and the second blade (42) along a transverse direction to the forward path so as to move the cutting means (51) closer to and / or further away from the first blade (41) and the second blade (42) independently of the forward path, in order to adjust the third distance (S24; S24') independently from the first distance (S23; S23') and the second distance (S24; S24'), A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The first adjustment means, the second adjustment means, and / or the third adjustment means include one or more micrometric screws. A cutting device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. When the cap (1) rolls on the cutting device (4), the cutting means (51) protrudes from the side wall (12) of the cap (1) toward the rotation axis (R) by an excess distance (A) selected based on the thickness of the side wall (12), the excess distance (A) being 10% to 40% of the thickness of the side wall (12). A cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The first blade (41) and / or the second blade (42) protrude from the side wall (12) of the cap (1) toward the rotation axis (R) by a further excess distance (B) selected based on the excess distance (A), and the further excess distance (B) is 120% to 250% of the excess distance (A).

17. The cutting device of claim 16.

18. A cap cutting method, comprising: feeding the cap (1) along an advancement path to a cutting zone (40) in which a cutting device (4) is arranged; Engaging the cap (1) with the engagement portion (21) of the spindle (2; 2'); rolling the cap (1) on the cutting device (4), During the rolling, one or more circumferential cuts are made in the cap (1) by at least one first blade (41) of the cutting device (4), one or more circumferential cuts are made in the cap (1) by at least one second blade (42) of the cutting device (4) spaced apart from the first blade (41), and one or more vertical and / or oblique cuts are made in the cap (1) by a cutting means (51) arranged in a zone between the at least one first blade (41) and the at least one second blade (42); During rolling, the first blade (41) is at least partially received in a circumferential receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26), the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26) being obtained on the engagement part (21), maintaining a first distance (S23; 23') between a first outer surface of the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26) and the cutting edge of the first blade (41), avoiding contact between the first outer surface and the cutting edge; the second blade (42) is at least partially received in the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26), maintaining a second distance (S24; S24') between the second outer surface of the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26) and the cutting edge of the second blade (42), avoiding contact between the second outer surface and the cutting edge; the cutting means (51) is at least partially received in the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26) and maintains a third distance (S25; S25') from the outer intermediate surface of the receiving hollow (23, 24, 25; 26) to avoid contact between the outer intermediate surface and the cutting means; an outer interface surface interposed between the first outer surface and the second outer surface; method.

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