Cutting apparatus and method for making an incision in a side wall of a cap

Abstract

A cutting apparatus (15) for making an incision in a side wall (21) of a cap (2) extending around a longitudinal axis (L) comprises: a cutting carousel (150), rotating about a first rotation axis (R1) and defining a movement 5 path followed by the cap (2), where the longitudinal axis (L) is parallel to the first rotation axis (R1); a loading station (151), configured to feed the cap (2) onto the cutting carousel (150) in a loading zone (C) of the movement path; a cutting device (152) configured to incise the side wall of the cap (2) in a cutting zone (T) located downstream of the loading zone 10 (C); an inspection device (153) configured to view an outside surface of the side wall (21) of the cap (2) in an inspection zone (I) located downstream of the cutting zone (T); a plurality of holding devices (154), disposed angularly about the first rotation axis (R1) and rotating about a second rotation axis (R2) parallel to the first rotation axis (R1), each 15 holding device (154) being configured to receive a cap (2) in the loading zone (C), to hold the cap (2) and to set it in rotation about the second rotation axis (R2), in the cutting zone (T) and in the inspection zone (I).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] CUTTING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING AN INCISION IN A SIDE WALL OF A CAP

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a cutting apparatus for making an incision in a side wall of a cap. This invention also relates to a method for making an incision in a side wall of a cap.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Typically, caps comprise a body and a tamper evident ring joined to each other by a connecting strip; the zone separating the cap body from the tamper evident ring (that is, the connecting strip) may be made with a series of incisions (or recesses) and bridges, that is to say, breakable connecting zones joining the body to the tamper evident ring and intended to tear when the cap is twisted off for the first time. In other types of caps, for example, those known as "tethered" caps, a permanent connecting zone of the tear strip does not tear and keeps the cap body attached to the tamper evident ring, thereby reducing litter in the environment. Like traditional caps, the connecting zone of tethered caps may include a series of incisions and bridges; alternatively, the connecting zone of tethered caps may be in the form of recesses, or narrow thickness portions which are less thick than the cap body and the tamper evident ring and which tear the first time the cap is twisted off of the container. For both traditional caps and tethered caps, the incisions or recesses must be of high quality not only to make opening the container easier for the user but also to prevent unwanted tearing before first use.

[0007] In this context, the following patent documents describe solutions for cutting and inspecting the caps: WO2024079616 (in the name of the present Applicant) and EP3911483.

[0008] Whatever the case, in this field, there remains the need for incised caps to be inspected before they are placed on the respective containers, using devices which are particularly simple and reduced in size.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The aim of this disclosure is to provide an apparatus and a method for making an incision in a side wall of the cap to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0011] In particular, the aim of this disclosure is to provide an apparatus which is relatively compact and which allows caps, in particular the incisions, to be effectively inspected.

[0012] This aim is fully achieved by the apparatus and method for making an incision in a side wall of a cap according to this disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.

[0013] Thus, the cap comprises a side wall. The side wall of the cap extends around a longitudinal axis, preferably between a first end and a second end. In particular, the cap comprises a transverse wall extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The transverse wall is connected to the side wall at the first end. At the second end, the side wall may comprise a tamper evident strip.

[0014] In particular, the cutting apparatus comprises a cutting carousel. The cutting carousel rotates about a first rotation axis. The cutting carousel defines a movement path of the cap. In particular, when it is in the movement path of the cutting carousel, the cap is disposed with its longitudinal axis parallel to the first rotation axis.

[0015] The cutting apparatus comprises a loading station, configured to feed the cap onto the cutting carousel. Preferably, the loading station is configured to feed the cap into a loading zone of the movement path. Preferably, the loading station is configured to receive a cap or a succession of caps. The loading station may be configured to transport the caps according to an ordered succession of caps along an infeed path. Thus, the loading station defines an infeed path. In particular, the infeed path is located upstream of the cutting carousel in a feed direction of the caps along the movement path. The loading station may comprise a linear conveyor, configured to transport the caps along a linear infeed path, or a carousel, configured to transport the caps along a rotary infeed path.

[0016] The cutting apparatus comprises a cutting device. The cutting device is configured to incise the side wall of the cap in a cutting zone of the movement path. Preferably, the cutting zone is located downstream of the loading zone in a feed direction of the caps along the movement path. Thus, the cap, transported by the loading station along the infeed path, is fed onto the cutting carousel into the loading zone and advances along the movement path towards the cutting zone.

[0017] The cutting apparatus comprises an inspection device, configured to view an outside surfacer of the side wall of the cap in an inspection zone of the movement path. In particular, the inspection zone is located downstream of the cutting zone in the feed direction of the caps along the movement path. Thus, while the cap is being transported by the cutting carousel, the outside surface of its side wall is cut by the cutting device, the cap advances towards the inspection zone, and there, the outside surface of its side wall is inspected by the inspection device. The inspection device is designed to inspect the cut made by the cutting device on the outside surface of the side wall of the cap.

[0018] The apparatus comprises a plurality of holding devices. The plurality of holding devices are angularly disposed on a periphery of the cutting carousel around the first rotation axis so as to rotate as one with the cutting carousel about the first rotation axis. Preferably, the holding devices are equispaced from each other.

[0019] Preferably, each holding device rotates about a second rotation axis. In particular, the second rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis. Each holding device is configured to receive a cap in the loading zone. Each holding device is configured to hold the cap in the cutting zone and in the inspection zone. Each holding device is configured to set the cap in rotation about the second rotation axis, in the cutting zone and in the inspection zone.

[0020] Each holding device of the plurality of holding devices may define a support surface configured to receive the transverse wall of the cap. The cap may rest on the support wall via the internal side or the external side of the transverse wall. Each holding device may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein one of the upper portion or the lower portion defines the support surface and the other of the upper and lower portion is configured to be operatively inserted inside the cap to retain it. In particular, the holding device is configured for holding the cap at least during the incision of the lateral wall.

[0021] Thus, the cap is fed by the loading station to a holding device in the loading zone, and is transported and set in rotation by the holding device along the movement path in the cutting zone and in the inspection zone (the cap therefore rotates about both the first rotation axis the second rotation axis). In the cutting zone and in the inspection zone, while the cap rotates about the second rotation axis (that is, about the longitudinal axis), the cutting device makes an incision in the side wall and the inspection device inspects the side wall.

[0022] Therefore, the apparatus according to this invention allows making the incision in the side wall and inspecting the side wall on the same carousel (the cutting carousel) which transports and at the same time rotates the cap while it is being cut and while it is being inspected.

[0023] In particular, the cutting device comprises a knife, configured to make an incision on the lateral wall of the cap. The knife extends along a reference plane. The knife defines a cutting edge contained within the reference plane. The knife's reference plane is operationally arranged so that the knife's cutting edge is incident with the lateral wall of the cap, thus creating the incision. Preferably, the knife's reference plane is operationally arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap (or perpendicular to the first rotation axis of the cutting carousel). Therefore, during cutting, the knife is positioned with the reference plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap.

[0024] Preferably, with respect to the first rotation axis of the cutting carousel, the loading zone and the inspection zone are located at a mutual angular distance of between 55° and 335°, for example, at a distance of approximately 190°. Preferably, with respect to the first rotation axis of the cutting carousel, the loading zone and the cutting zone are located at a mutual angular distance of between 35° and 145°; more preferably, the mutual angular distance is approximately 75°.

[0025] In particular, the cutting zone defines an arc of the movement path of between 22° and 78°, preferably approximately 40°.

[0026] In particular, the inspection zone defines an arc of the movement path of between 22° and 78°, preferably approximately 40°.

[0027] The cutting zone extends angularly between a cutting start point and a cutting end point of the movement path; the angular distance between the loading zone and the cutting zone may be calculated considering the loading zone (which is preferably defined by a loading point) and the cutting start point.

[0028] The inspection zone extends angularly between an inspection start point and an inspection end point of the movement path; the angular distance between the loading zone and the inspection zone may be calculated considering the loading zone (which is preferably defined by a loading point) and the inspection start point.

[0029] In an embodiment, the inspection device is configured to capture a plurality of images. In particular, the plurality of images includes (at least) a first image and a second image. The first and second images are captured respectively at a first instant and at second instant which is temporally spaced from the first instant. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a control unit. The control unit may be configured to drive the capturing of the plurality of images. In particular, the control unit may be configured to drive the capturing of the plurality of images by the inspection system, preferably in synchrony with the rotation of the cap, so as to view respective portions of the side wall of the cap. In particular, the first image represents a first portion of the side wall of the cap and the second image represents a second portion of the side wall of the cap. The first portion of the side wall and the second portion of the side wall may be distinct or they may partly overlap. Generally speaking, the plurality of images represents a corresponding plurality of portions of the side wall of the cap. Preferably, the plurality of images may comprise a first image, a second image and a third image, representing respective portions of the side wall of the cap. In an example, the plurality of images comprises three or more images, representing respective portions of the side wall of the cap.

[0030] In an example, the inspection device includes (at least) one camera. The camera may be positioned along the inspection path. For example, the camera may be positioned at the inspection zone so as to define an optical axis oriented towards the cap to be inspected. In particular, the optical axis of the camera is oriented towards the cap so to view the lateral surface of the cap. In an example, the optical axis of the camera is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cap; more in particular, the optical axis of the camera is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap.

[0031] The camera may be configured to capture the plurality of images; in particular, the first image and / or the second image.

[0032] In an example, the camera is configured to capture the first image and the second image. Therefore, the control unit may be programmed to drive the capturing of the first image and of the second image in synchrony with the rotation of the cap, so that the cap rotates, between the first instant and the second instant, in such a way as to show the camera a first portion and a second portion of the cap. In the inspection zone, the cap is configured to perform one rotation; thus, while the cap performs the rotation, the camera captures the first image and the second image.

[0033] In an example, the inspection system includes an additional camera. The additional camera is positioned along the movement path in the inspection zone, angularly spaced from the camera. The additional camera may be configured to capture the second image and the first camera may be configured to capture the first image. In addition or alternatively, the additional camera may be configured to capture an additional first image and an additional second image (or a first image and a second image), where the additional first image is captured at an additional first time instant and the additional second image is captured at an additional second time instant which is temporally spaced from the additional first time instant. The additional first image and the additional second image represent, respectively, an additional first portion of the side wall and an additional second portion of the side wall of the cap. The additional first portion of the side wall and the additional second portion may be distinct or they may partly overlap. In this case, while the cap performs a rotation, the camera and the additional camera capture the first image and the second image or the first image, the second image, the additional first image and the additional second image.

[0034] Thus, the control unit may be configured to drive the capturing of the images by the camera and the additional camera, in synchrony with the rotation of the cap, so as to capture respective portions of the side wall of the cap.

[0035] The inspection device may also comprise a plurality of cameras (for example, three cameras or, preferably, four cameras) spaced from each other along the movement path in the inspection zone so that while the cap is being transported and rotated in the inspection zone, each camera captures an image representing a respective portion of the side wall of the cap.

[0036] In an embodiment, the inspection device includes a camera which is oriented along a viewing axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The inspection device may include an illuminator configured to illuminate the side wall of the cap. Preferably, the illuminator and the camera are mutually oriented at 90° from each other. The inspection device may then include a beamsplitter, located along the viewing axis of the camera. The beamsplitter has a front face directed towards the cap and a rear face opposite the front face. Preferably, the rear face is directed towards the camera. Preferably, the front face is directed towards the cap. In an example, the beamsplitter is configured to reflect the rays emitted by the illuminator towards the side wall of the cap. The beamsplitter may be configured to transmit the rays from the cap (that is, the rays incident on the cap and reflected by the cap itself) towards the camera. The beamsplitter may be configured to prevent the rays emitted by the illuminator from being transmitted directly towards the camera.

[0037] In an example, the inspection device includes a collimator. The collimator is configured to collimate the rays relative to the viewing axis. Preferably, the collimator is located in proximity to the illuminator.

[0038] In particular, the collimator comprises an aperture, configured to transmit the rays emitted by the illuminator having an angle of emission smaller than or equal to the diameter of the aperture itself, and a collimating lens (for example, a Fresnel lens).

[0039] In an example, the cutting apparatus comprises an actuator. The actuator is configured to make the cap rotate at a first speed in the cutting zone and at a second speed in the inspection zone, where the second speed is different from the first speed. Preferably, the first speed is less than the second speed, so that the cap rotates at a slower speed in the cutting zone compared to the rotation speed in the inspection zone. Via the same actuator or an additional actuator, the cap is transported into the cutting zone at a first tangential speed and into the inspection zone at a second tangential speed, where the second tangential speed is different from the first tangential speed.

[0040] In an example, each holding device comprises a lower element and an upper element, aligned with each other and movable along the second rotation axis. In particular, the lower element is configured to supportably receive an outside surface of the transverse wall of the cap. The lower element and the upper element are movable relative to each other along the second rotation axis, between an open configuration, in which the lower element and the upper element are spaced apart, and a closed configuration, in which the lower element and the upper element are close together. In the open configuration, the lower element receives the cap in the loading zone. In the closed configuration, the upper element is inserted into the cap to hold it supportably on the lower element. In particular, the cap is held supportably on the lower element in the cutting zone and in the inspection zone of the movement path.

[0041] Preferably, the actuator is connected to the upper element to set it in rotation about the second rotation axis, while, the lower element is configured to rotate idly about the second rotation axis, responsive to the rotation driven by the upper element.

[0042] This disclosure also provides a system for continuous cycle processing of caps, comprising a cutting apparatus according to one or more aspects set out in this disclosure. In particular, each cap has a plurality of tabs jutting from one end (the first end or the second end) of the side wall. The system comprises a bending apparatus. The bending apparatus is configured to bend the plurality of tabs of the cap towards the longitudinal axis. In particular, the bending apparatus includes a bending carousel which rotates about a rotation axis. The bending apparatus includes a plurality of bending devices. Each bending device is configured to receive a cap and to bend the plurality of tabs towards the longitudinal axis.

[0043] Preferably, the system comprises a transfer carousel. The transfer carousel is configured to rotate about a fourth rotation axis and is located between the cutting apparatus and the bending apparatus (in particular, between the cutting carousel and the bending carousel). The transfer carousel may be configured to receive the caps from the cutting apparatus and to feed them to the bending carousel (or bending apparatus) or to receive the caps from the bending apparatus and to feed them to the cutting apparatus (in this case, the loading station comprises the transfer carousel).

[0044] Preferably, the loading station and the transfer carousel are located in the same midplane defined by an axis joining the first rotation axis to the third rotation axis. Thus, the cap is loaded onto the cutting carousel by the loading station, is transported along the movement path of the cutting carousel and then transferred from the cutting carousel to the transfer carousel and from the transfer carousel to the bending carousel.

[0045] In an example, the system comprises an outfeed station, configured to receive the cut and bent cap and to transport it along an outfeed path. The system may comprise an additional transfer carousel. The additional transfer carousel may rotate about a fifth rotation axis. The additional transfer carousel is preferably located between the bending carousel and the outfeed station, so as to receive the bent caps from the bending carousel and to feed them to the outfeed station.

[0046] In an embodiment, the system comprises a first inspection station, located at the transfer carousel and comprising a first camera, configured to view the outside surface of the transverse wall of the cap. Preferably, the first camera is a pericentric camera. The first camera is configured to inspect the plurality of tabs. The pericentric camera captures the entire side wall of the cap, whatever its orientation, that is to say, however the cap is turned about the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first camera is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap located at a first inspection position.

[0047] In an example, the system may comprise a second inspection station, located along the outfeed path. The second inspection station comprises a second camera, configured to view an inside surface of the side wall of the cap. Preferably, the second camera is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap located at a second inspection position. Preferably, the second camera is a pinhole camera or a fisheye camera. The second camera is directed towards the inside of the cap.

[0048] In an example, the system comprises a third inspection station. The third inspection station may be located along the outfeed path or, more preferably, at the additional transfer carousel. The third inspection station comprises a recognition camera, configured to detect characters printed on the inside surface of the transverse wall of the cap. The third inspection station may be configured to detect an ovalization and / or defects and / or a pressure block of the cap. Preferably, the recognition camera is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap located at a third inspection position. The third inspection station may be configured to view a tamper evident ring of the cap.

[0049] In an example, the system comprises a fourth inspection station, located along the outfeed path. The fourth inspection station comprises a plurality of side cameras, configured to view an outside surface of the side wall of the cap. Preferably, the plurality of side cameras defines a respective plurality of inspection axes oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cap located at a fourth inspection position.

[0050] In an example, the system comprises a fifth inspection station, located at the additional transfer carousel or at the transfer carousel or at the loading station. The fifth inspection station is configured to view the outside surface of the transverse wall of the cap. In particular, the fifth inspection station is configured to view a decoration on the outside surface of the transverse wall of the cap.

[0051] In particular, the control unit is connected to the plurality of side cameras to receive respective image data and to process the data in order to derive a developed image showing the side wall of the cap represented in a plane.

[0052] This disclosure also provides a method for making an incision in a side wall of a cap, where the side wall extends around a longitudinal axis.

[0053] The method comprises a step of providing a cutting carousel. The cutting carousel may be made according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Preferably, the cutting carousel rotates about a first rotation axis and defines a movement path of the caps, which are positioned with their longitudinal axes parallel to the rotation axis.

[0054] The method comprises a step, via a loading station, of feeding the cap onto the cutting carousel in a loading zone of the movement path. The loading station may be made according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0055] The method comprises a step, via a cutting device, of incising the side wall of the cap in a cutting zone of the movement path. In particular, the cutting zone is located downstream of the loading zone in a feed direction of the cap along the movement path. The cutting device may be made according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0056] The method comprises a step, via an inspection device, of inspecting the side wall of the cap in an inspection zone of the movement path. Preferably, the inspection zone is located downstream of the cutting zone in the feed direction of the caps along the movement path. The inspection device may be made according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. The method comprises a step of providing a plurality of holding devices. The holding devices are angularly disposed on a periphery of the cutting carousel around the first rotation axis so as to rotate as one with the cutting carousel about the first rotation axis. The holding devices may be made according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0057] The method comprises a step, via a holding device of the plurality of holding devices, of receiving a cap from the loading station in the loading zone. The method comprises a step, via a holding device of the plurality of holding devices, of holding the cap and rotating it about the second rotation axis in the cutting zone and in the inspection zone.

[0058] In an embodiment, the method comprises a step, via the inspection device, of capturing a plurality of images. The plurality of images may include a first image, captured at a first instant, and a second image, captured at a second instant, after the first. Preferably, the step of capturing the first image and the second image is carried out in synchrony with the rotation of the cap, so as to view respective portions of the side wall of the cap. In other words, the method comprises a step of capturing a first image at a first instant and a second image at a second instant, after the first. Preferably, the method comprises, between the first instant and the second instant, a step of rotating the cap about the longitudinal axis. The step of capturing the first image may be carried out by a camera. The step of capturing the second image may be carried out, at a second instant, by the same camera. Alternatively, the step of capturing the second image may be carried out, at a second instant, by an additional camera. In an example, the step of capturing the first image and the second image is carried out by the camera and the method comprises a step of capturing an additional first image and an additional second image, carried out by an additional camera.

[0059] Preferably, in the step of rotating, the cap rotates at a first speed in the cutting zone and at a second speed in the inspection zone. The method may comprise a step of driving the rotation of the holding devices about the second rotation axis at a first speed in the cutting zone and at a second speed in the inspection zone. The method may comprise a step of controlling the second rotation speed based on the images captured by the inspection device.

[0060] In an example, the inspection device includes a camera, oriented along a viewing axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a beamsplitter, located along the viewing axis and having a front face facing towards the cap and a rear face, opposite the rear face, and an illuminator, configured to illuminate the side wall of the cap, where the illuminator and the camera are mutually oriented at 90° to each other. The inspection device may comprise a collimator, located in proximity to the illuminator, so that the rays which illuminate the cap are collimated relative to the viewing axis. Thus, the method may comprise a step, via the illuminator, of illuminating the side wall of the cap; a step, via the beamsplitter, of reflecting the rays emitted by the illuminator towards the side wall of the cap; a step of transmitting the rays reflected by the cap towards the camera, and a step, via the camera, of capturing images.

[0061] Brief description of drawings

[0062] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] - Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cutting apparatus according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0064] - Figure 2 schematically illustrates a system for processing caps according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0065] - Figures 3A-3C illustrate portions of a system for processing caps according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0066] - Figure 4A shows a plan view of a system for processing caps according to one or more aspects of this disclosure and Figure 4B shows a cross section of the system of Figure 4A along the plane B;

[0067] - Figures 5A-and 5B show plan views of a system for processing caps according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0068] - Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a cap according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0069] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0070] The numeral 15 in the drawings denotes a cutting apparatus for making an incision in a cap 2. In particular, the cap 2 comprises a side wall 21 , extending around a longitudinal axis L between a first end 211 and a second end 212. The cap 2 comprises a transverse wall 22, extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L and connected to the side wall 21 at the first end 211. At the second end 212 of its side wall 21 , the cap 2 may comprise a plurality of tabs 23 jutting from the second end 212. In particular, the cutting apparatus 15 is configured to make an incision in the side wall 21 of the cap 2.

[0071] The cutting apparatus 15 comprises a cutting carousel 150 rotating about a first rotation axis R1 and defining a movement path followed by the cap. The cutting apparatus 15 comprises a loading station 151 , configured to feed the cap 2 onto the cutting carousel 150 in a loading zone C.

[0072] The cutting apparatus 15 comprises a cutting device 152 configured to incise the side wall 21 of the cap 2 in a cutting zone T of the movement path. The cutting zone T is located downstream of the loading zone C in a feed direction of the caps along the movement path.

[0073] The cutting apparatus 15 comprises an inspection device 153 configured to view an outside surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2 in an inspection zone I of the movement path. The inspection zone I is located downstream of the cutting zone T. Thus, the cutting zone T is interposed between the loading zone C and the inspection zone I.

[0074] The cutting apparatus 15 comprises a plurality of holding devices 154, angularly disposed on a periphery of the cutting carousel 150, around the first rotation axis R1. Each holding device 154 is configured to receive a cap 2 from the loading station 151 in the loading zone C. The holding device 154 is configured to transport the cap 2 along the movement path, in particular in the cutting zone T and in the inspection zone I. The holding device 154 is configured to rotate about a second rotation axis R2 parallel to the first rotation axis R1 , where the second rotation axis R2 coincides with the longitudinal axis L when the holding device 154 receives the cap 2. Thus, the holding device 154 is configured to transport the cap 2 and set it in rotation about the second rotation axis R2 in the cutting zone T and in the inspection zone I. As it rotates about the second rotation axis R2 (that is, about the longitudinal axis L), the side wall 21 and the cutting device 152 come into contact so that the cutting device 152 incises the side wall 21 of the cap 2 in the cutting zone T. As it rotates about the second rotation axis R2 (that is, about the longitudinal axis L) in the inspection zone I, different portions of the side wall 21 face towards the inspection device 153 so that the inspection device 153 views the side wall 21 of the cap 2 in the inspection zone I. Preferably, the cap 2 rotates in the inspection zone I so that the side wall 21 is progressively made to face the inspection device 153. The inspection device 153 captures a plurality of images, representing the side wall 21 of the cap 2 extending in a plane.

[0075] Each holding device 154 comprises a lower element 154B and an upper element 154A, aligned with each other and movable along the second rotation axis R2. In particular, the lower element 154B is configured to supportably receive an outside surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cap 2, in an open configuration, where the lower element 154B and the upper element 154A are spaced apart. The upper element 154A is inserted into the cap 2 to hold it supportably on the lower element 154B, in a closed configuration, where the lower element 154B and the upper element 154A are close together. Preferably, the upper element 154A is driven and as the cap 2 moves into the cutting zone T and into the inspection zone I, when the upper element 154A and the lower element 154B are in the closed configuration, the upper element 154A sets the lower element 154B in rotation about the second rotation axis R2.

[0076] As to the inspection device 153, this comprises a camera 153A, oriented along a viewing axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and an illuminator 153D. In particular, the camera 153A and the illuminator 153D are mutually oriented at 90° and the inspection device 153 comprises a beamsplitter 153C, located along the viewing axis of the camera 153A and configured to reflect the rays from the illuminator 153D towards the cap 2. The beamsplitter 153C has a front face directed towards the cap 2 and towards the illuminator 153C and a rear face, opposite the front face, directed towards the camera 153A. The beamsplitter 153C reflects the rays emitted by the illuminator 153D towards the cap 2 so as to illuminate the outside wall 21. The beamsplitter 153C receives the rays reflected by the cap 2 and transmits them to the camera 153A. The inspection device 153 comprises an aperture 153E, located in proximity to the illuminator 153D so as to transmit the rays emitted by the illuminator 153D having an angle of emission smaller than or equal to the diameter of the aperture itself. The inspection device 153 comprises a collimating lens 153F located between the aperture and the beamsplitter 153C to collimate the rays from the illuminator 153D through the aperture 153E along directions parallel to each other. Thus, the collimated rays are reflected by the beamsplitter 153C towards the side wall 21 of the cap 2.

[0077] The cutting apparatus 15 may form part of a system 1 for processing caps 2. Thus, the system 1 comprises a cutting apparatus 15 according to one or more features set out in this disclosure, and a bending apparatus 11. The bending apparatus 11 includes a bending carousel 110 which rotates about a third rotation axis R3, parallel to the first rotation axis R1 . The bending apparatus 11 comprises a plurality of bending devices 114, angularly disposed on a periphery of the bending carousel 110, around the third rotation axis R3. Each bending device 114 is configured to bend the plurality of tabs 23 of the cap 2 towards the longitudinal axis L. Interposed between the cutting apparatus 15 and the bending apparatus 11 there is a transfer carousel 120 which rotates about a fourth rotation axis R4. The transfer carousel 120 is configured to transport the caps from the cutting apparatus 15 to the bending apparatus 11 (in particular, between the cutting carousel 150 and the bending carousel 110). The system 1 may comprise a first inspection station 121 , located at the transfer carousel 120 and configured to view the transverse outside wall 22 of the cap 2 through a pericentric camera aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2.

[0078] The system 1 may comprise an outfeed station 130 and an additional transfer carousel 140. The additional transfer carousel 140 is rotatable about a fifth rotation axis R5 and is configured to receive the bent caps 2 from the bending carousel 110 and to transfer them onto the outfeed station 130. The outfeed station may comprise a conveyor belt. The outfeed station 130 is configured to receive the caps 2 from the additional transfer carousel 140 and to transport them along an outfeed path. On the outfeed path, the system 1 comprises a second inspection station 131. comprising a second camera, preferably a pinhole or fisheye camera, aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 to view an inside surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. At the additional transfer carousel 140 or on the outfeed path, the system 1 comprises a third inspection station 132, comprising a recognition camera, aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 to view characters printed on the inside surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cap 2. In particular, the third inspection station 132 is configured to detect an ovalization and / or defects and / or a pressure block of the cap 2. On the outfeed path, the system 1 comprises a fourth inspection station 133, comprising a plurality of side cameras disposed with their optical axes transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2, to view the side wall 21 of the cap. At the additional transfer carousel 140 or at the transfer carousel 120 or at the loading station 151 , the system 1 comprises a fifth inspection station 134, configured to view the outside surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cap 2. The data for the apparatus of this disclosure are provided in the table below: It is noted that the 360° development of a cap of De = 25 or more, on a radius Rp of 45 or less is completed in 78° or more; this creates a variation in the distance between cap and camera such that the image cannot be focused correctly with the lenses commonly used in industrial contexts. Correct focusing is possible with customized lenses but owing to the size of such lenses, it would not be possible to develop machines having a footprint comparable to that of current machines; producing customized lenses would make the system more expensive. An Rpof 500 or more would mean constructing a cutting apparatus which is very large and expensive. For Tt less than 10, the production speed is limited to 4000 caps / minute or more; moreover, the drive linkage of the cap rotation and translation system is, to date, difficult to produce. For Tt greater than 130, the production speed is limited to 600 caps / minute or more. For caps with De between 25 and 65 an Rpgreater than 500 is used to obtain an angle a less than 22. An angle a greater than 78 produces a variation in the distance between the cap and the camera such that the image cannot be focused correctly with the lenses commonly used in industrial contexts. Where Nimm is less than or equal to 3, perspective deformation prevents the checks carried out from identifying small size defects. Where Nimm is greater than or equal to 24, a camera with a high frame rate (greater than 500 images per second) is necessary to obtain a production speed greater than 2400 caps / minute. Cameras with a frame rate greater than 500 are available on the market but their resolution is not high enough to identify defects on the tamper evident strip.

[0079] Ntc must be at least equal to 1 camera; a value of Ntc equal to 4 results in a vision system which is approximately 4 times more expensive. Fitting 4 cameras into the space in which the capsule performs the 360° rotation is difficult and would require designing a very complex and expensive optical system.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cutting apparatus (15) for making an incision in a side wall (21 ) of a cap (2), the side wall (21 ) extending around a longitudinal axis (L), the cutting apparatus (15) comprising:- a cutting carousel (150), rotating about a first rotation axis (R1) and defining a movement path followed by the cap (2) positioned with its longitudinal axis (L) parallel to the first rotation axis (R1 );- a loading station (151 ), configured to feed the cap (2) onto the cutting carousel (150) in a loading zone (C) of the movement path;- a cutting device (152) configured to incise the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2) in a cutting zone (T) of the movement path, the cutting zone (T) being located downstream of the loading zone (C) in a feed direction of the caps (2) along the movement path;- an inspection device (153) configured to view an outside surface of the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2) in an inspection zone (I) of the movement path, the inspection zone (I) being located downstream of the cutting zone (T) in the feed direction of the caps (2) along the movement path; a plurality of holding devices (154), disposed angularly on a periphery of the cutting carousel (150) around the first rotation axis (R1 ) so as to rotate as one with the cutting carousel(150) about the first rotation axis (R1 ), wherein each holding device (154) rotates about a second rotation axis (R2) parallel to the first rotation axis (R1 ) and is configured to receive a cap (2) in the loading zone (C), to hold the cap (2) and to set it in rotation about the second rotation axis (R2), in the cutting zone (T) and in the inspection zone (I).

2. The cutting apparatus (15) according to claim 1 , wherein:- the cap (2) includes a transverse wall (22) connected to the lateral wall (21 ), and- each holding device (154) comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein one between the upper portion and the lower portion defines a support surface, to receive the transverse wal of the cap (2), theother of the upper and lower portion is configured to be operatively inserted inside the cap (2) to retain it, so to hold it during the incision of the lateral wall (21 ).

3. The cutting apparatus (15) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting device (152) comprises a knife, extending along a reference plane and defining a cutting edge contained within the reference plane, the reference plane being operatively arranged so that the cutting edge of the knife is incident with the lateral wall of the cap (2)4. The cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, relative to the first rotation axis (R1) of the cutting carousel (150):- the loading zone (C) and the inspection zone (I) are located at a mutual angular distance of between 55° and 335°, and- the loading zone (C) and the cutting zone (T) are located at a mutual angular distance of between 35° and 145°.

5. The cutting apparatus (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inspection device (153) is configured to capture a plurality of images, including a first image and a second image captured, respectively, at a first instant and at a second instant which is temporally spaced from the first instant, the apparatus (15) comprising a control unit configured to drive the capturing of the first and second images by the inspection system (153) in synchrony with the rotation of the cap (2), so as to view respective portions of the side wall (21) of the cap (2).

6. The cutting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the inspection device (153) includes a camera (153A) configured to capture the first image and the second image.

7. The cutting apparatus (15) according to claim 6, wherein the inspection device (153) includes an additional camera, positioned along the movement path in the inspection zone (I) and angularly spaced from the camera (153A), wherein the camera (153A) is configured to capture the first image and the additional camera is configured to capture the second image.

8. The cutting apparatus (15) according to claim 6, wherein the inspection device (153) includes:- a camera (153A), oriented along a viewing axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L);- a beamsplitter (153C), located along the viewing axis, and having a front face directed towards the cap (2) and a rear face opposite the front face;- an illuminator (153D), configured to illuminate the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2), where the illuminator (153D) and the camera (153A) are mutually oriented at 90° to each other;- a collimator, located in proximity to the illuminator (153D), so that the rays which illuminate the cap (2) are collimated relative to the viewing axis.

9. The cutting apparatus (15) according to claim 8, wherein the collimator includes an aperture (153E), configured to transmit the rays emitted by the illuminator (153D) having an angle of emission smaller than or equal to the diameter of the aperture itself, and a collimating lens (153F).

10. The cutting apparatus (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an actuator configured to make the cap (2) rotate at a first speed in the cutting zone (T) and at a second speed, different from the first speed, in the inspection zone (I).

11. A system (1 ) for continuous cycle processing of caps (2), wherein each cap (2) has a plurality of tabs (23) jutting from one end of the side wall (21 ), the system (1 ) comprising:- a cutting apparatus (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 10;- a bending apparatus (11 ), including a bending carousel (110), rotating about a third rotation axis (R3), and a plurality of bending devices (114), each bending device (114) being configured to receive a cap (2) and to bend the plurality of tabs (23) towards the longitudinal axis (L);- a transfer carousel (120), rotating about a fourth rotation axis (R4), located between the cutting apparatus (15) and the bending apparatus (11 ) and configured to receive the caps (2) from the cutting apparatus (15) and to feed them to the bending apparatus (11 ),wherein the loading station (151 ) and the transfer carousel (120) are located in the same midplane defined by an axis joining the first rotation axis (R1) to the third rotation axis (R3).

12. The system (1 ) according to claim 11 , comprising:- an outfeed station (130), configured to receive the cut and bent cap (2) and to transport it along an outfeed path;- an additional transfer carousel (140), rotatable about a fifth rotation axis (R5), located between the bending carousel (110) and the outfeed station (130) and configured to receive the bent caps (2) from the bending carousel and to feed them to the outfeed station (130).

13. The system (1 ) according to claim 12, comprising one or more of the following elements:- a first inspection station (121 ), located at the transfer carousel (120) and comprising a first camera, configured to view the outside surface of the transverse wall (22) of the cap (2);- a second inspection station (131 ), located along the outfeed path and comprising a second camera which is configured to view an inside surface of the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2);- a third inspection station (132), located at the additional transfer carousel (140) and comprising a recognition camera, configured to detect characters printed on the inside surface of the transverse wall (22) of the cap (2) and / or configured to detect an ovalization and / or defects and / or a pressure block of the cap (2);- a fourth inspection station (133), located along the outfeed path and comprising a plurality of side cameras, and configured to view an outside surface of the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2);- a fifth inspection station (134), located at the transfer carousel (120) or at the additional transfer carousel (140) or at the loading station (151 ) and configured to view the outside surface of the transverse wall (22) of the cap (2).

14. A method for making an incision in a side wall (21 ) of a cap (2), wherethe side wall (21 ) extends around the longitudinal axis (L), the method comprising the following steps:- providing a cutting carousel (150), rotating about a first rotation axis (R1) and defining a movement path followed by the cap (2) positioned with its longitudinal axis (L) parallel to the first rotation axis (R1 );- via a loading station (151 ), feeding the cap (2) onto the cutting carousel (150) in a loading zone (C) of the movement path;- via a cutting device (152), incising the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2) in a cutting zone (T) of the movement path, the cutting zone (T) being located downstream of the loading zone (C) in a feed direction of the caps (2) along the movement path;- via an inspection device (153), inspecting the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2) in an inspection zone (I) of the movement path, the inspection zone (I) being located downstream of the cutting zone (T) in the feed direction of the cap (2) along the movement path;- providing a plurality of holding devices (154), angularly disposed on a periphery of the cutting carousel (150) around the first rotation axis (R1 ) so as to rotate as one with the cutting carousel (150) about the first rotation axis (R1 );- via a holding device (154) of the plurality of holding devices (154), receiving a cap (2) from the loading station (151 ) in the loading zone (C), holding the cap (2) and rotating it about a second rotation axis (R2) parallel to the first axis (R1 ) in the cutting zone (T) and in the inspection zone (I).

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising a step, via the inspection device (153), of capturing a plurality of images, including a first image, captured at a first instant, and a second image, captured at a second instant, after the first, carried out in synchrony with the rotation of the cap (2), so as to view respective portions of the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, in the step ofrotating, the cap (2) rotates at a first speed in the cutting zone (T) and at a second speed in the inspection zone (I).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the inspection device (153) includes: - a camera (153A), oriented along a viewing axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L);- a beamsplitter (153C), located along the viewing axis, and having a front face directed towards the cap (2) and a rear face opposite the front face;- an illuminator (153D), configured to illuminate the side wall (21 ) of the cap (2), where the illuminator (153D) and the camera (153A) are mutually oriented at 90° to each other;- a collimator, located in proximity to the illuminator (153A), so that the rays which illuminate the cap (2) are collimated relative to the viewing axis.

Images