Apparatus and method for producing a locking ring on a closure cap for a container

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a locking ring on a closure cap for a container, in particular for a beverage bottle. The invention furthermore relates to an assembly which for producing a closure cap for a container comprises the apparatus, as well as to a method for producing a closure cap for a container.

[0002] In order to ensure for users when buying a container such as, for example, a beverage bottle, that the container is still in the original state and has not been previously deliberately or inadvertently opened, closure caps for containers of this type are in most instances provided with a locking ring. This locking ring is connected to a main part of the closure cap that fulfills the closure function by way of a predetermined breaking point such that the predetermined breaking point is inevitably damaged when the container is opened and the initial opening of the container can be reliably identified from the outside. In order to guarantee this securing function, the locking ring when extracting or unscrewing the cap part is held on the container at least until the predetermined breaking point breaks. To this end, the container in an extraction direction on a neck on which the closure cap sits usually has an undercut, for example in the shape of a bead, the locking ring engaging behind the latter from below, i.e. counter to an opening direction. As a result thereof, when the closure cap is being removed, the locking ring resists extraction on the bead of the container such that the predetermined breaking point is torn open. For this purpose, an encircling, occasionally interrupted, beading which is folded inward is typically configured on the locking ring, the locking ring engaging on the bead on the container from the rear by way of said beading. It is also known for a thickened portion instead of a beading to be provided on the locking ring.

[0003] In order to prevent the main part being able to be separated upon removal from the container, the predetermined breaking point can be configured in such a manner that a connection between the main part and the locking ring remains upon removal. In this case, upon removal of the main part, the opening of the container should be freely accessible, which is readily possible for example by designing the predetermined breaking point and the locking ring appropriately. Thus, in the context of an intended use, the main part is captively secured to the container via the locking ring. This is advantageous with a view to ecological sustainability, in particular with a view to reducing plastic waste which is disposed of in an uncontrolled manner, for example.

[0004] A closure cap of this type is described, for example, in US 2016/0288961 A1 (M. J. Maguire). Here, a plurality of cuts are introduced into a closure cap blank, said cuts forming a predetermined breaking point in such a manner that the main part of the closure cap upon breaking the predetermined breaking point remains connected to the locking ring by way of a plurality of webs.

[0005] Locking rings of this type are typically generated by cutting the predetermined breaking point into a closure cap blank. However, methods of this type are mostly imprecise, for example because the folded beading of the locking ring forms an imprecise cutting support surface. There is moreover the risk, for example, that the beading of the locking ring, or other parts, are damaged during cutting in the case of deviations in the closure cap blank, this potentially compromising the reliability of the closure cap thus produced. Other methods such as, for example, laser cutting, are complex and cost-intensive.

[0006] There is thus a requirement, in terms of a simple and reliable possibility, for producing a closure cap having a predetermined breaking point, said closure cap overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular permitting complex slot geometries of the predetermined breaking point to be produced in a reliable and simple manner.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to achieve an apparatus as well as a method associated with the technical field mentioned at the outset, said apparatus and said method enabling a reliable and cost-effective production of closure caps having a locking ring for containers.

[0008] The achievement of the object is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, an apparatus for producing a locking ring on a closure cap for a container, in particular for a beverage bottle, comprises a stationary cutting knife having a cutting blade which extends along a cutting section and of which the cutting edge profile corresponds to a slot geometry that is to be generated in a shell of a closure cap blank so as to be between a main part of the closure cap and the locking ring. The apparatus furthermore comprises a transport installation for transporting the closure cap blank along the cutting section, wherein the transport installation comprises a support mandrel for supporting the shell of the closure cap blank, in particular for supporting directly a shell internal side, in such a manner that the shell during a cutting procedure is rolled on the cutting blade, wherein the support mandrel has a rotatable mounting by way of which said support mandrel is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis oriented perpendicularly to the cutting section. The invention is distinguished in that a groove geometry which corresponds at least to the slot geometry to be generated is configured in a support portion of the support mandrel which during the cutting procedure lies opposite the cutting blade, wherein the apparatus comprises a synchronizing installation by means of which a movement of the transport installation along the cutting section is able to be synchronized with a rotating movement of the support mandrel about the rotation axis.

[0009] In the present context, the “cutting section” describes the portion of a section of a transport path of the closure cap blank during the cutting procedure, said transport path being defined by the transport installation. The cutting section here is disposed in a transport plane which is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel. The transport plane is typically aligned so as to be horizontal.

[0010] The “cutting knife” presently describes an assembly of one or a plurality of cutting blades which are typically configured so as to be elongate. The cutting blades typically have a plate which supports the cutting edges of the cutting blade. The cutting edges, when viewed in a projection parallel to the rotation axis of the support mandrel onto the transport plane, can be rectilinear or be curved, in particular concave when viewed from the plate.

[0011] The “slot geometry” describes the profile of one or a plurality of slotted portions which are to be generated on the closure cap blank, or are to be present on the completed closure cap, respectively. The slot geometry has interruptions, as a result of which connecting locations remain between the main part and the locking ring. The connecting locations here form supporting webs or holding webs, for example, which in the sense of predetermined breaking points are provided for separation in the case of the main part being fully or partially separated from the locking ring, and/or connecting portions which in the event of a partial separation are provided to remain, i.e. the main part in the connecting portion remains connected to the locking ring once said main part has been partially separated.

[0012] The “cutting edge profile” of the cutting blade in the present case describes the following two, generally superimposed, profiles of the cutting edge in their entirety: a longitudinal profile which describes the cutting edge profile along the cutting section, as well as a height profile which describes the cutting edge profile in a direction perpendicular to the cutting section and parallel to the rotation axis of the support mandrel. In order to generate the interruptions between individual slotted portions of the slot geometry, the longitudinal profile of the cutting blade can be correspondingly interrupted, for example. For example, if a serrated profile of the slot geometry is to be generated in the shell of the closure cap, the cutting blade has a corresponding serrated height profile. Should it be necessary for only weakened regions to be generated in addition to the slot geometry in the shell of the closure cap blank, i.e. regions in which the shell of the closure cap is scored but not cut through, there can also be a depth profile which describes the cutting edge profile in a direction perpendicular to the cutting section and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel.

[0013] The “transport installation” describes an apparatus which is configured in such a manner that the closure cap blank in the cutting edge can be transported past the cutting knife in such a manner that a cutting procedure, i.e. scoring, of the shell of the closure cap blank by the stationary cutting knife takes place. The support mandrel of the transport installation, by way of the support portion, typically engages in an interior of the closure cap blank in such a manner that the shell of the closure cap blank in a momentary cutting region is guided against the cutting blade from the interior by the support portion. The support region of the support mandrel in a momentary cutting region here supports the shell in particular by bearing directly on a shell internal side. “Bearing directly” here describes a direct contact between the support region of the support mandrel and the internal face of the shell portion at least in the momentary cutting region, i.e. in the shell portion in which a cutting procedure is currently taking place.

[0014] The transportation of the closure cap blank through the transport installation comprises a translatory movement along the transport path (advancing movement) as well as a rotating movement about a rotation axis which is parallel to or coaxial with the rotation axis of the support mandrel and is superimposed on this advancing movement. The rotating movement of the closure cap blank is supported or achieved by rotating the support mandrel about the rotation axis defined by the rotatable mounting. In this way, the shell of the closure cap blank can be rolled on the cutting blades while being transported along the cutting section.

[0015] The groove geometry according to the invention in the support region of the support mandrel corresponds at least to the slot geometry to be generated, i.e. the groove geometry is configured in such a manner that the latter in the course of a complete cutting procedure encompasses at least the profile of the entire cutting blade. This does not preclude that the groove geometry, for example for reasons of production, may also comprise further grooved portions which go beyond the slot geometry defined by the cutting knife or by the cutting blades of the latter, respectively. It is understood that the same grooved portions in the course of more than one revolution of the support mandrel during the cutting procedure may encompass different portions of the profile of the cutting blade.

[0016] The groove geometry is preferably configured on the shell face in the support portion of the support mandrel. During the cutting procedure, in particular in the momentary cutting region, the support portion, in particular by way of the shell face, preferably bears directly on an internal face of the shell of the closure cap blank. A largest radial external diameter of the support portion here is preferably smaller than a smallest radial internal diameter of the closure cap blank in order for the latter to be able to be readily placed on the support mandrel in the direction of the rotation axis, i.e. also along a longitudinal axis of said support mandrel, and be readily removed again from said support mandrel. In this case, the support portion, by virtue of the smaller diameter, by way of the shell face of the former rolls on the internal face of the shell of the closure cap blank during the cutting procedure. In this case, the support mandrel performs more than one revolution about the rotation axis thereof in order to complete an entire revolution of the closure cap blank. In principle, it is also conceivable for a largest radial external diameter of the support portion to largely correspond to a smallest radial internal diameter of the closure cap blank such that the closure cap blank can sit firmly on the support portion of the support mandrel. In this case, a complete revolution of the support mandrel corresponds to a complete revolution of the closure cap blank. The shell face of the support portion can be adapted to a profile of the internal face of the shell of the closure cap blank. In general, the shell face of the support portion, with the exception of a groove geometry which is potentially configured so as not to be a rotationally symmetrical on said support portion, is configured so as to be substantially rotationally symmetrical in terms of the rotation axis of the support mandrel.

[0017] According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a synchronizing installation by means of which a movement of the transport installation along the cutting section is able to be synchronized with a rotating movement of the support mandrel about the rotation axis. In this way, the advancing movement of the transport installation as well as the rotating movement of the support mandrel, in particular in the region of the cutting section, can be mutually coupled in such a manner that the groove geometry of the support mandrel in the momentary cutting region is moved past the cutting blade so as to be congruent with the cutting edge profile of the cutting blade; i.e. at any given time a portion of the groove geometry is disposed so as to be opposite the cutting edge of the cutting blade in the momentary cutting region. The closure cap blank here is entrained, inter alia, by way of the support region of the support mandrel and is likewise rolled in a synchronized manner on the cutting blades; i.e. said closure cap blank is imparted a corresponding advancing movement having a correspondingly superimposed, synchronized rotating movement.

[0018] The synchronizing installation can comprise a mechanical or an electronic coupling, for example. In mechanical terms, a synchronized coupling of the advancing movement of the transport installation to the rotating movement of the support mandrel can be reached by way of a gearbox, for example. In electronic terms, a correspondingly synchronized control of separate drives for the advancing movement of the transport installation and for the rotating movement of the support mandrel can be provided, for example. For example, an open-loop control or closed-loop control which by way of sensors obtains data pertaining to the current position and/or rotary position and correspondingly controls the respective drives by way of an open loop or a closed loop, respectively, is conceivable here.

[0019] The groove geometry configured in the support region has the advantage that the shell of the closure cap blank during the cutting procedure in the momentary cutting region is imparted a largely complete support which needs to be interrupted only in the region of the slot geometry to be generated, i.e. on the circumference of the groove geometry. At the same time, the cutting blade, or the cutting edge thereof, respectively, can penetrate the shell and engage, in particular in a non-contacting manner, in the groove geometry, i.e. be introduced into the groove in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel. A reliable and well-defined cut for generating the slot geometry is achieved in this way. In particular, there is no risk of, for example, the cutting knife, the transport installation, in particular the support mandrel, or regions, or parts, respectively, of the closure cap blank that are not provided for cutting being damaged despite a fully penetrating cut.

[0020] By virtue of the shell being, in particular directly, supported in the cutting region, the slot geometry can be generated in a particularly reliable manner with a high cutting precision. As opposed to solutions in the prior art, where the folded portion of the shell for forming the locking ring also had to assume a supporting function when generating the slot geometry, the closure cap blank can in particular also be machined without a folded shell.

[0021] In one preferred embodiment, the slot geometry to be generated comprises portions which in relation to the rotation axis of the support mandrel extend at an angle of less than 90°. In other words, this means that the slot geometry can comprise portions which are inclined in relation to the transport plane or, if desired, are perpendicular to the latter, that is to say are disposed so as to be parallel to the rotation axis of the support mandrel. Accordingly, the cutting edge of the cutting blade can have a height profile which comprises portions which can ascend or descend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. In this way, complex slot geometries which enable a diverse application of the apparatus according to the invention can be generated. Angular features of this type of the slot geometry have the advantage, in particular at the ends of slotted portions, that tearing or ripping of the slot, respectively, into further regions of the closure cap can be prevented or impeded, respectively. Moreover, as a result of angular features of this type, the slot geometry can be guided in such a manner, for example, that a convexity or a widening, respectively, for improved support can be achieved in regions with greater stress, for example in a wide interruption in the slot geometry that is provided as an articulated connecting point.

[0022] However, it is also conceivable that the slot geometry is of a simple configuration and comprises only portions which are disposed at an angle of 90° in relation to the rotation axis, i.e. rectilinear slotted portions parallel to the transport plane.

[0023] The cutting blade is preferably disposed relative to the support mandrel in such a manner that the cutting blade, in particular a cutting edge of the cutting blade, during the cutting procedure engages in the groove geometry of the support mandrel. It can be ensured in this way that the shell of the closure cap blank is completely cut through without the cutting knife, the transport installation, in particular the support mandrel, or regions or parts, respectively, of the closure cap blank that are not provided for cutting, being damaged. Alternatively however, the cutting blade during the cutting procedure can also remain radially outside the groove, wherein it is ensured by the groove that no damage takes place in the event of minor deviations in the radial direction.

[0024] An axial extent of the groove geometry of the support mandrel in the direction of the rotation axis, at least in portions that are aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel, is advantageously 0.2 to 0.8 mm, in particular 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The specifically preferred mass of the groove geometry depends, for example, on the width with which the slot geometry in the shell is to be configured, or which cutting width results from the cutting blades, respectively. A certain tolerance in the relative movement of the support mandrel in relation to the stationary cutting knife is also to be taken into account here. It has been demonstrated that an extent of 0.2 to 0.8 mm provides a sufficient support of the shell with sufficient space for the engagement of the cutting edge for most of the applications. However, a smaller extent of the groove geometry of 0.3 to 0.5 mm is preferable, by way of which a better support of the shell and thus ultimately a smoother cut can be achieved. A larger extent of the groove geometry may typically be required in portions which extend at an angle of less than 90° in relation to the rotation axis of the support mandrel, because additional space for the engagement of the cutting edges of the cutting blades has to be achieved by virtue of the rotating movement of the support mandrel.

[0025] The cutting knife can be configured so as to be modular and comprise one or a plurality of replaceable cutting elements which complement one another so as to form the cutting blade. For example, it can be achieved in this way that portions of the cutting knife which are subject to more wear, for example are blunted more rapidly, can be separately replaced. Likewise, a complex cutting-edge profile of the cutting knife can be simply constructed in a modular manner by assembling a plurality of rectilinear but relatively inclined portions of different cutting elements, for example.

[0026] In particular, portions having an angle of 90° in relation to the rotation axis of the support mandrel and portions having an angle of less than 90° can be provided by different cutting elements. A cutting element can preferably also comprise all of the portions of the cutting knife that are inclined by an angle of less than 90°, while the remaining portions are provided by one or a plurality of further cutting elements. In this way, the inclined portions which typically wear more rapidly can be conjointly replaced. In the case of a plurality of cutting blades of the cutting knife, the latter can likewise be provided by different cutting elements or comprise in each case a plurality of replaceable cutting elements. However, it is also conceivable that the cutting blade(s) of the cutting knife is/are integrally configured, for example configured as integral stamped-and-bent parts on which the cutting edges are configured.

[0027] In one preferred embodiment, the cutting knife can have a plurality of cutting blades which in the direction of the rotation axis of the support mandrel are disposed on top of one another, in particular so as to at least partially overlap. A multi-layer slot geometry can thus be simply generated in the course of only one complete revolution of the closure cap blank, for example. In this context, multi-layer describes a slot geometry which in the direction of the rotation axis of the support mandrel has slotted portions disposed at different heights.

[0028] In an embodiment which could be likewise preferable, depending on the requirement, the slot geometry is defined by at least 1.25 revolutions of the support mandrel, and the groove geometry of the support mandrel corresponds to a superimposition of the slot geometry during the at least 1.25 revolutions. The support region of the support mandrel during the cutting procedure here rolls on a shell internal side of the shell in such a manner that the support mandrel of the closure cap blank in the course of the 1.25 revolutions preferably performs exactly one full revolution. It is achieved in this way that the support portion can have an external circumference which is smaller than an internal circumference of the shell of the closure cap blank, introducing and/or extracting the support mandrel into or from, respectively, the interior of the closure cap blank thus being simplified. Moreover, generating different portions of the slot geometry in the course of more than one revolution can be advantageous in particular in a complex slot geometry which comprises intersecting slot portions, for example.

[0029] It is likewise conceivable that the closure cap blank per se carries out more than one complete revolution for carrying out a complete cutting procedure. It is understood that the cutting section in the case of a plurality of revolutions required for a complete cutting procedure typically comprises a longer portion of the transport path than in the case of a cutting procedure which requires only one revolution.

[0030] The synchronizing installation preferably comprises a synchronizing mechanism which mechanically synchronizes an axle of the rotatable mounting of the support mandrel with a movement of the transport installation along the cutting section. A mechanical synchronizing mechanism typically comprises a gearbox which couples the axle, i.e. an axle member or a shaft, of the support mandrel to the advancing movement of the transport installation. The gearbox here can comprise, for example, components that interact in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, such as gearwheels, friction rollers, annular internal toothings or traction means drives such as, for example, V-belts/timing belts or chains, etc. The gearbox is typically designed in such a manner that there is a positive coupling between the rotating movement of the axle and the advancing movement of the transport installation. The synchronizing mechanism preferably comprises a ring which is stationary in relation to the transport installation and has an internal toothing on which a gearwheel rolls at least in the region of the cutting section when the transport installation moves, said gearwheel interacting with the axle of the rotatable mounting of the support mandrel and being in particular fixedly connected to the axle.

[0031] Of course, the gearbox can also have a coupling apparatus by way of which the two movements can be decoupled when required, for example for servicing.

[0032] It is likewise conceivable that the synchronizing installation is electrically implemented, for example by correspondingly controlling separate drives for the advancing movement of the transport installation and the rotating movement of the support mandrel. To this end, the synchronizing installation preferably comprises a first electric motor for driving an axle of the rotatable mounting of the support mandrel, a second electric motor for the movement of the transport installation along the cutting section, i.e. for the advancing movement of the transport installation, and a control apparatus for synchronizing a movement of the first motor and of the second motor. For example, servomotors, stepper motors or linear motors, or combinations thereof by way of which the desired movements can be achieved can be used as electric motors here. The synchronizing installation can comprise, for example, a separately driven timing belt which synchronizes the rotating movement of the support mandrel with the advancing movement of the transport installation by way of a sprocket sitting on the axle of the support mandrel. Alternatively, each support mandrel can also have a separate drive, for example.

[0033] Depending on the requirement, the synchronizing installation preferably also comprises one or a plurality of sensors, by way of which a rotary position of the axle of the support mandrel and/or a position of the transport installation can be monitored or measured, for example. The corresponding measurements can be evaluated by the control apparatus, as a result of which a continual adjustment of the synchronization can take place. It is likewise understood that the control apparatus can be configured as a closed-loop control.

[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the transport installation is configured as a rotary table, wherein a plurality of support mandrels are preferably disposed along a circumference of the rotary table. The cutting blade of the cutting knife here preferably extends along the circumference of the rotary table. A rotation axis of the rotary table is preferably disposed so as to be parallel to the rotation axes of the support mandrels, wherein the support mandrels are moved past the cutting blade when the rotary table rotates. The rotary table can have two support structures which are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in a largely parallel manner and perpendicular to the rotation axis, for example, and on which the support mandrels can be mounted directly or indirectly. The axles of the support mandrels, by way of one of the end regions thereof, here can be rotatably mounted on one of the support structures, for example. However, the rotary table can also advantageously be configured in such a manner that the axles of the support mandrels are only unilaterally mounted on the rotary table. It is understood that a support or guide for the closure cap blanks that supports or guides, respectively, said closure cap blanks along the transport path can be present as part of the rotary table per se or as a separate, for example stationary, part. A support surface here is preferably disposed so as to be parallel to the transport plane at least in the region of the cutting section.

[0035] The invention furthermore relates to an assembly for producing a closure cap for a container, comprising an apparatus for producing a locking ring as presently described, as well as an apparatus for generating an inward-folded portion of the shell of the closure cap. Inward folding here describes folding of the shell portion, in particular of a portion of the locking ring, in a direction which is directed toward the interior of the closure cap.

[0036] The apparatus for generating the inward-folded portion in the processing direction is preferably disposed downstream of the apparatus for producing the locking ring. The closure cap having the slot geometry generated in the apparatus according to the invention can thus be fed by the transport installation of said apparatus, for example, or by a further transport system, to the downstream apparatus for generating the folded portion. In this case, the locking ring already generated by the slot geometry is at least in portions folded inward such that the production of the closure cap can be completed with the folding. Alternatively, the apparatus for generating the inward-folded portion can in the processing direction also be disposed so as to be upstream of the apparatus for producing the locking ring. In this case, a shell portion which after the production of the slot geometry lies in the region of the locking ring can be folded inward beforehand. According to the invention, the already inward-folded portion does not compromise the cutting procedure because the support mandrel by way of its support region in the momentary cutting region also in this case bears in each case, in particular directly, on the shell internal face.

[0037] The inward-folded part of the locking ring in both cases ultimately forms a protrusion which encircles the inside of the shell and is configured as an annular and optionally interrupted beading. When placed on the container, for example on a bottleneck, the beading engages from behind a bead configured on the container and in the sense of a barb thus blocks the locking ring from being extracted. It can thus be ensured that the locking ring remains on the container when the main part of the closure cap is fully or partially separated from the locking ring, i.e. the predetermined breaking point provided by the slot geometry is broken.

[0038] Instead of being formed by an inward-folded part of the locking ring, the protrusion can also be formed by a thickened shell portion. A folding of the shell portion can be dispensed with in this case. However, the slot geometry can be generated in the same way as in the variants with a beading.

[0039] The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a closure cap for a container using an assembly as presently described, said method comprising the following steps:

• • [0040] a) providing a closure cap blank;
  • [0041] b) producing a locking ring by generating a slot geometry in the shell of the closure cap blank in a cutting procedure by rolling the shell along a cutting blade of a stationary cutting knife, said cutting blade extending along a cutting section and the cutting edge profile of the former corresponding to the slot geometry to be generated;
    • [0042] wherein the shell while rolling is supported by support mandrel which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis oriented perpendicularly to the cutting section;
    • [0043] wherein a groove geometry which corresponds to the slot geometry to be generated is configured in a support portion of the support mandrel which during the cutting procedure lies opposite the cutting blade and by way of which the support mandrel in a momentary cutting region bears, in particular directly, on a shell internal face of the shell; and
    • [0044] wherein a rotating movement of the support mandrel takes place so as to be synchronized with an advancing movement of the shell along the cutting section; and
  • [0045] before or after the production of the locking ring by generating a slot geometry according to step b), an inward-folded portion of the shell is in particular generated.

[0046] If the inward-folded portion is generated before the production of the locking ring, post-machining of the already cut closure cap can be dispensed with. If the inward-folded portion is generated only after the production of the locking ring, the closure cap blank is provided in the non-folded state. After the locking ring has been produced by generating the slot geometry in the apparatus according to the invention, the closure cap having the introduced slot geometry is fed to the apparatus for generating a folded portion. Proceeding from the shell of the closure cap, the locking ring produced by the generated slot geometry is folded inward in this apparatus for generating a folded portion.

[0047] A non-folded shell of the closure cap here is understood to be a shell that is configured so as to be single-layered in the radial direction, i.e. that no portions of the shell are disposed so as to overlap in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel.

[0048] In that the support mandrel in the momentary cutting region by way of the support region according to the invention bears, in particular directly, on a shell internal face, the shell is supported by the support mandrel during the cutting procedure. The support region thus forms a well defined cutting support surface for generating the slot geometry. The cutting blade can in particular completely penetrate the shell and, for example, engage in the groove geometry without other parts of the closure cap or of the support mandrel being able to be damaged. The synchronization of the rotating movement with the advancing movement of the shell along the cutting section here preferably takes place in such a manner that a portion of the groove geometry is disposed opposite the cutting blade at every moment during the cutting procedure in the momentary cutting region of the cutting edge.

[0049] When carrying out the method, the cutting blade, in particular the cutting edge thereof, is preferably brought to engage with the groove geometry in the support portion of the support mandrel during the cutting procedure.

[0050] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention are derived from the detailed description hereunder and the entirety of the patent claims.

[0061] In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference signs in the figures.

[0062] FIGS. 1a to 1c show a closure cap 1 for closing a container. FIG. 1a shows a lateral view, FIG. 1b shows an oblique view, and FIG. 1c shows a cross section through a primary axis A of the closure cap 1. Without limiting the generality, with a view to a simplified illustration reference hereunder is made to a bottle with a bottleneck instead of a container in general, said bottle being able to be closed by the closure cap 1. The corresponding application in containers of a different shape can be concluded directly therefrom.

[0063] The closure cap 1 comprises a circular end side 2 as well as a shell 3 which is largely in the shape of a tubular connector and extends away from the end side 2 so as to be concentric with the primary axis A of the closure cap 1. The shell 3 in the shape of a tubular connector at a longitudinal end is terminated in the direction of the primary axis A by the end side 2, the latter being disposed so as to be concentric with the shell 3. With the exception of a slot geometry 6 present in the shell 3 (see below) as well as an internal thread potentially present in the shell 3 (not illustrated), the closure cap 1 is configured so as to be substantially rotationally symmetrical in terms of the primary axis A.

[0064] The shell 3 can be subdivided into three longitudinal portions 3.1 to 3.3. The shell portion 3.1 conjointly with the end side 2 forms a main part 4 of the closure cap 1, said main part 4 closing the opening of the bottleneck. The main part 4 on the inside of the shell 3 typically has a connection means such as an internal thread or a snap-fit means (not shown) by way of which said main part can be fastened to the bottleneck by being screwed or snap-fitted to the latter. A longitudinal fluting which facilitates the manual removal of the main part 4 from the bottleneck, for example by a screwing movement, is present on the external side on the shell portion 3.1.

[0065] The shell portion 3.3 forms a locking ring 5 which remains on the bottleneck when the main part 4 is removed from the bottle. Toward an open end of the shell 3 the shell portion 3.3 has a sub-portion 3.3a which is provided for folding into an interior 1.1 of the closure cap 1. The sub-portion 3.3a is illustrated in a non-folded state of the locking ring 5 in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The cross section according to FIG. 1c shows the closure cap 1 of FIGS. 1a and 1b after the sub-portion 3.3a has been folded inward and forms an inward-protruding beading. The inward-protruding beading is provided for engaging from behind an undercut in the form of a bead or a notch configured on the bottleneck. The locking ring 5 by way of the beading can hook onto the undercut of the bottleneck and be secured against extraction.

[0066] The slot geometry 6 which presently comprises two partially encircling slots 6.1 and 6.2 which are not contiguous is configured between the main part 4 and the locking ring 5. The slots 6.1 and 6.2 are configured on the shell 3 so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction A. Because the slot geometry 6 is thus configured in two layers, this creates the further shell portion 5.2 which forms an intermediate ring between the main part 4 and the locking ring 5. It is understood that the shell portion 5.2 and thus the intermediate ring is dispensed with in the case of a single-layer slot geometry 6, i.e. should only the slot 6.1 be present. The slot geometry 6 is produced by means of an apparatus according to the invention and at least partially acts as a predetermined breaking point for entirely or partially separating the main part 4 from the locking ring 5 when the main part 4 is initially removed from the bottleneck.

[0067] FIG. 1a in a superimposed manner shows the developed slot geometry 6 in order for the profile thereof to be better visualized. FIG. 1b shows the slot geometry 6 as the latter is configured on the closure cap 1.

[0068] The slot 6.1 delimits the main part 4 in the longitudinal direction A and, with the exception of a wide interruption 6.1a, is largely configured so as to be completely encircling. The wide interruption 6.1a forms a connection point between the intermediate ring, formed by the shell portion 3.2, and the main part 4, said connection point not being provided for separation when the main part 4 is removed. The further profile of the slot 6.1 has a plurality of narrow interruptions 6.1b which provide holding webs or supporting webs, respectively, between the main part 4 and the intermediate ring formed by the shell portion 3.2. The holding webs or supporting webs, respectively, form predetermined breaking points which are provided for separation, i.e. are broken, when the main part 4 is initially removed from the bottleneck. The slot 6.1 at the ends directed toward the interruption 6.1a is angled toward the end side 2, i.e. has end portions 6.1c which have an angle of less than 90° in relation to the direction A.

[0069] The slot 6.2 only partially encircles the shell 3 and has a wide interruption 6.2a which in FIG. 1a is disposed on that side of the closure cap 1 that faces away, i.e. in terms of the longitudinal axis A is opposite the interruption 6.1a (indicated behind the shell portion 3.3a in FIG. 1c). The wide interruption 6.2a forms a connection point between the intermediate ring, formed by the shell portion 3.2, and the locking ring 5, said connection point not being provided for separation when the main part 4 is removed. The further profile of the slot 6.2 has a plurality of narrow interruptions 6.2b which provide holding webs or supporting webs, respectively, that act as predetermined breaking points between the intermediate ring, formed by the shell portion 3.2, and the locking ring 5. The slot 6.2 in the region of the interruption 6.1a of the first slot 6.1 has a convexity 6.2c which is directed away from the main part 4 and is composed of a portion that is offset so as to be parallel in relation to the primary profile of the slot 6.2 in the direction of A, as well as two connection portions which are inclined in relation to A. With the exception of the interruptions 6.2b, the slot 6.2 including the convexity 6.2c is configured so as to be contiguous.

[0070] After an initial removal of the main part 4, i.e. when the holding webs or supporting webs 6.1b and 6.2b have been separated or broken, respectively, the main part 4 via the intermediate ring formed by the shell portion 3.2 thus remains connected to the locking ring 5 by way of the connection points formed by the wide interruption 6.1a of the slot 6.1 and the wide interruption 6.2a of the slot 6.2. The main part 4, the intermediate ring and the locking ring 5 after the initial removal can thus be mutually pulled apart in a zigzag fashion, wherein the connection points formed by the wide interruptions 6.1a and 6.2a serve as an articulated connection between the parts. This makes possible a main part 4 of the closure cap 1 which is easy to remove and replace and by way of the intermediate ring remains captively connected to the locking ring 5 anchored to the bottleneck. It is moreover ensured that an initial opening of the container, i.e. an initial removal of the main part 4, can be directly identified by a consumer.

[0071] FIG. 2a shows in fragments a schematic cross-sectional view through a support mandrel 12 of a transport installation 11 of an apparatus 10 according to the invention during a cutting procedure. A closure cap blank 1A, from which the closure cap 1 is produced by introducing the slot geometry 6 with slots 6.1 and 6.2 by the apparatus 10, in the illustration of FIG. 2a by the support mandrel 12 in the region of a cutting section S (cf. FIG. 3, for example) of the apparatus 10 is transported along a transport path past a stationary cutting knife 13. To this end, the support mandrel 12 by way of a support region 12.1 engages in the interior 1.1 of the closure cap blank 1A.

[0072] A largest radial diameter d of the support mandrel 12 in the support region 12.1 is smaller than the largest radial diameter D of an axial end-side opening of the closure cap blank 1A. The end-side opening presently is determined by the non-folded sub-portion 3.3a of the shell portion 3.3. It is ensured in this way that the support mandrel 12 in a loading region of the apparatus 10 (not shown) in which the closure cap blank 1A is acquired by the transport installation 11 can be easily introduced into the interior 1.1. Likewise, the support mandrel 12 can again be easily moved out of the interior 1.1 for removing the completed closure cap 1 in a removal region (not shown). The rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12 and the primary axis A of the closure cap blank 1A are mutually offset, i.e. not disposed so as to be coaxial, by virtue of the smaller diameter d.

[0073] The support region 12.1 has a circular-cylindrical portion 12.2 by way of which the support mandrel 12 in a momentary cutting region disposed at the cutting knife 13 bears directly on an internal side of the shell 3, in particular in the shell portion 3.2, of the closure cap blank 1A. The support mandrel 12 is disposed on a rotary table 14 of the apparatus 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis B (cf. FIGS. 6 and 7, for example). The rotary table 14 here ensures an advancing movement along the transport path T, while a rotation of the support mandrel 12 or of the support region 12.1, respectively, about the rotation axis B facilitates a superimposed rotation of the closure cap blank 1A. The support portion 12.1 rolls on the internal side of the shell 3 when the support mandrel 12 rotates about the rotation axis B. The momentary transport path T at least in the region of the cutting section S is aligned so as to be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis B and in the illustration of FIG. 2a is perpendicular to the drawing plane. The longitudinal axis A of the closure cap blank 1A is disposed so as to be parallel to the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12. A support surface 16 supports the closure cap blank 1A at the end side 2 and prevents the closure cap blank 1A slipping in the direction of B. The locking ring 5 of the closure cap blank 1A is not folded during the cutting procedure, i.e. the sub-portion 3.3a of the shell portion 3.3 has not been folded into the interior 1.1 of the closure cap blank 1A and from the end side 2 extends so as to point in the direction of A.

[0074] The stationary cutting knife 13 is disposed on a holding structure 15 of the apparatus 10 which is stationary in relation to the rotary table 14 in such a manner that a cutting blade 13.2 of the cutting knife 13 in the region of the shell 3 protrudes into the transport path of the closure cap blank 1A. A contact face 15.1 of the holding structure 15 serves for supporting the closure cap blank 1A on an external side of the shell portion 3.1 (cf. also FIGS. 4 and 5), said supporting being directed laterally, i.e. perpendicularly to the rotation direction B.

[0075] A groove geometry 7 which presently comprises two grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 is configured in the support region 12.1 on the circular-cylindrical portion 12.2. The groove geometry 7, i.e. the grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 are configured and disposed in such a manner that the portions of a cutting edge of the cutting blade 13.1 or 13.2 (cf. also FIG. 4 or 5) that are in each case disposed in the momentary cutting region protrude into one of the grooved portions 7.1 or 7.2. The cutting blade 13.1 or 13.2 in the momentary cutting region here penetrates the shell 3, in particular in the shell region 3.2, and generates a local portion of the slots 6.1 and 6.2, respectively, of the slot geometry 6 of the closure cap 1.

[0076] FIG. 2b shows a partial view of an apparatus 10′ which corresponds substantially to the apparatus 10. As opposed to the apparatus 10, the apparatus 10′ is however provided for cutting a closure cap blank 1A′ which has a sub-portion 3.3a′ of a shell portion 3.3′ of a shell 3′ that has already been folded inward prior to the cutting procedure. A cylindrical portion 12.2′ of the support mandrel 12′ directly supports the internal side of a shell 3′ of the closure cap blank 1A′. The support region 12.1′ of a support mandrel 12′ of the apparatus 10′ here is configured in such a manner that there is room for receiving the already folded sub-portion 3.3a′. Moreover, the apparatus 10′ in the illustration of FIG. 2b is situated in the region of the cutting section S in which, in the momentary cutting region, portions of both cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 protrude in each case simultaneously into grooved portions 7.1′ and 7.2′, respectively, of the support mandrel 12′. The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 penetrate this momentary cutting region at the same time as a shell section 3.2′ of the shell 3′ of the closure cap blank 1A′.

[0077] FIG. 3 in an upper region shows a schematic view of the cutting knife 13 having two cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2, and in a lower region shows an illustration of the corresponding groove geometry 7 of the support mandrel 12 having grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2. A height profile of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 here corresponds to the superimposed illustration of the slots 6.1 and 6.2 of FIG. 1a. The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 by way of their primary direction are aligned in the direction of the transport path T and by way of the overall length thereof define the cutting section S. The primary direction of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 is aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12. The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 are disposed on top of one another in the direction of B and partially overlap in a projection along the rotation axis B.

[0078] The lower cutting blade 13.1 comprises two portions which are separated by a wide interruption 13.1a. Each of these portions has a plurality of narrow interruptions 13.1b. Portions 13.1c1 which are angled at the end side and which are inclined in relation to the direction B, i.e. have an angle β<90°, are configured toward the wide interruption 13.1. The length of the cutting blade 13.1 in the primary direction thereof along the transport path T is sized in such a manner that said length corresponds at least to the length of an external circumference of the shell 3 of the closure cap blank 1A. The slot 6.1 is generated by the cutting blade 13.1, wherein the slotted regions generated by the end regions 13.1d and 13.1e are mutually adjacent, or slightly overlap, respectively, after a complete revolution of the closure cap blank 1A. The cut 6.1 generated by the cutting blade 13.1 is thus configured so as to be continuous on the external ends that face away from the wide interruption 6.1a. The wide interruption 13.1a of the cutting blade 13.1 generates the interruption 6.1a of the slot 6.1, while the narrow interruptions 13.1b generate the narrow interruptions 6.1b.

[0079] The cutting blade 13.2 in the transport direction T is disposed so as to be centric above the cutting blade 13.1. The cutting blade 13.2 in the region of the wide interruption 13.1a has a convexity 13.2c in the direction of the rotation axis B. The convexity 13.2c is assembled from three cutting edge portions 13.2c1 and 13.2c2. The cutting edge portions 13.2c1 are inclined in relation to the direction B, i.e. have an angle α<90°. The cutting edge portion 13.2c2 which runs perpendicularly to the direction B is disposed between the inclined cutting edge portions 13.2c1. The convexity 13.2c generates the convexity 6.2a of the slot 6.2. The cutting blade 13.2 outside the convexity 13.2c has a plurality of narrow interruptions 13.2b which generate the interruptions 6.2b in the slot 6.2.

[0080] The cutting blade 13.2 overall is configured so as to be shorter than the cutting blade 13.1 and thus covers only part of the external circumference of the closure cap blank 1A. The wide interruption 6.2a of the slot 6.2 thus results by virtue of the portions 13.2a along S that are free of cutting edges.

[0081] The lower portion of FIG. 3 shows the corresponding grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 of the support mandrel 12 which are configured in the support region 12.1, in particular in the circular-cylindrical shell portion 12.2. The view of FIG. 3 here shows the circular-cylindrical shell portion 12.2 rolling on an imaginary plane. A length of a circumference U of the circular-cylindrical shell portion 12.2 is shorter than the cutting section S. The cutting section S presently corresponds substantially to a length of an external circumference of the shell 3 of the closure cap blank 1A. In the course of a complete revolution of the closure cap blank 1A, the support mandrel 12 thus performs more than one revolution about the rotation axis B of the latter. In the course of a complete revolution of the support mandrel 12, the cutting blade 13.1 is thus only partially covered by the grooved portion 7.1. In the course of a previous or a subsequent, respectively, revolution of the support mandrel 12, the end regions 13.1d and 13.1e of the cutting blade 13.1 that are aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation direction B are therefore covered by end regions 7.1e and 7.1d, respectively, of the grooved portions 7.1 that are likewise aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation direction B (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3).

[0082] FIGS. 4 and 5 show in fragments an external view (FIG. 4) as well as a combined external view with a partially sectional view (FIG. 5) of the apparatus 10 according to the invention in the region of the cutting section S, without a closure cap blank 1A. The support mandrel 12 of the transport installation 10 is moved in a translatory manner along a transport direction T (advancing movement V). At the same time, the support mandrel 12 by way of the support region 12.1 rotates about the rotation axis B thereof in such a manner that the groove geometry 7, which is configured in the circular-cylindrical shell face 12.2 of the support region 12.1, by way of grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 rolls so as to be congruent on the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 of the cutting knife 13. The groove geometry 7 here has a profile which covers the cutting edge profile on the circumference of the support region 12.1 in the course of more than one revolution of the support mandrel 12 (cf. also FIG. 3, for example). The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 in the momentary cutting region here engage in the grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2, respectively (cf. also FIG. 5, for example).

[0083] The contact face 15.1 has a toothing which interacts with the longitudinal fluting of the external side of the shell portion 3.1 in such a manner that the closure cap blank 1A in an advancing movement V of the support mandrel 12 is conjointly rotated along the transport direction. The toothing of the contact face 15.1 thus acts as an internal toothing in which the longitudinal fluting engages in the manner of a gearwheel. A spacing of the support mandrel 12 from the contact face 15.1 as well as from the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 is sized in such a manner that the closure cap blank 1A can be disposed or jammed between the support region 12.1 and the contact face 15.1 as well as the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the transport path T is curved, preferably in a circular manner, at least in the region of the cutting section S. The cutting knife 13, i.e. in particular the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2, are correspondingly curved and follow the profile of the transport path T.

[0084] The cutting knife 13 can be of modular construction and have in particular an easily replaceable cutting edge module 13.3 in which the inclined portions 13.1c1 and 13.2c1 are disposed. Because these portions according to experience are subjected to greater wear, it is advantageous for at least this region to be designed so as to be separately replaceable.

[0085] FIG. 6 schematically shows a plan view along the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12 on the transport path T along a path curved in a circular manner. The cutting knife 13, or the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 thereof, respectively, are curved so as to correspond to the transport path T such that the support mandrel 12 on the movement path thereof during the advancing movement V of the transport installation 10 is moved along the latter at a constant spacing from the cutting knife 13. At the same time, the support mandrel 12 rotates in a rotating movement R about the rotation axis B thereof. The transport path T in the region of the cutting knife 13 defines the cutting section S.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the apparatus 10 according to the invention having the transport installation 11 which comprises the rotary table 14 and the support mandrel 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the support mandrel 12 is mounted on the rotary table 14 (illustrated by dashed lines). The rotary table 14 here is only schematically indicated and can comprise one or a plurality of support structures on which the support mandrel 12 is mounted on one or a plurality of counter-bearings 14.1 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis B in relation to the rotary table 14. The support mandrel 12 can however also have a housing, for example, in which the rotatable mounting is configured and which is fixedly anchored to the rotary table 14.

[0087] The rotary table 14 is mounted on a stationary holding structure (not shown) of the apparatus 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis C. A rotating movement r of the rotary table 14 about the rotation axis C defines the advancing movement V of the support mandrel 12 of the transport installation 11 along the transport path T. In the embodiment of the apparatus 10 having the rotary table 14, the transport path T is thus circular. It is understood that a plurality of support mandrels 12 can be disposed along the circumference so as to be rotatably mounted on the rotary table 14, said support mandrels 12 being simultaneously moved along the transport path T and successively passing the cutting section S.

[0088] A gearwheel 12.4 is fixedly disposed so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis B on an axle member 12.3 of the support mandrel 12, said axle member 12.3 being disposed so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis B. The gearwheel 12.4 rolls on an internal toothing 17.1 of a ring 17 which is stationary in relation to the rotary table 14. In this way, it can be achieved that the rotating movement R of the support mandrel 12 is synchronized with the advancing movement V defined by the rotating movement of the rotary table 14. The rotating movements R and r here have opposite directions of rotation. In a suitable configuration of the toothing, the synchronization can be chosen in such a manner that the shell face 12.2 of the support mandrel 12, comprising the groove geometry 7, is rolled exactly on the cutting knife 13 such that the cutting edges of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 in the momentary cutting region can in each case be disposed in the grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2. The gearwheel 12.4, conjointly with the ring 17, thus form parts of a synchronizing installation of the apparatus 10 that is easy to configure. In the case of a plurality of support mandrels 12, the gearwheels 12.4 of all support mandrels 12 can roll on the same ring 17 such that the latter couples the rotating movements R of the support mandrels 12 about the respective rotation axes B.

[0089] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 in which synchronizing of the rotating movements R and r of the support mandrel 12 or of the rotary table 14 (not illustrated in FIG. 8), respectively, is achieved by way of a separate drive 18. The drive 18 drives a timing belt 19 which runs across sprockets 12.5 of a plurality of support mandrels 12 that are mounted on the rotary table 14 so as to be rotatable about local rotation axes B. The timing belt 19, in a direction opposed to the rotating direction of the rotating movement r of the rotary table 14, runs externally across the sprockets 12.5 such that the support mandrels 12 rotate in an opposite direction of rotation to r about the respective rotation axis B. The timing belt 19 thus couples the rotating movement of all support mandrels 12 about the respective rotation axis B thereof and rotates conjointly with the rotary table 14. Independent synchronizing of the rotating movements R of the support mandrels 12 with the advancing movement V of the transport installation 11 can be achieved by controlling the drive 18.

[0090] Summarizing, it is to be observed that a particularly reliable and cost-effective production of closure caps having a locking ring for a container is enabled by way of an apparatus according to the invention, wherein complex slot geometries for generating a predetermined breaking point between the main part and the locking ring are able to be generated.