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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

- a) providing a closure cap blank;
- 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;
  - 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;
  - 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
  - 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
- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the schematic drawings used for explaining the exemplary embodiment:

FIGS. 1a-1c show a closure cap having a locking ring for closing a container;

FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view through a support mandrel of an apparatus according to the invention, said support mandrel having a closure cap blank with a non-folded shell;

FIG. 2b shows a fragment of a cross-sectional view through a support mandrel of an apparatus according to the invention, said support mandrel having a closure cap blank with a folded shell;

FIG. 3 shows a view of a cutting knife having two cutting blades as well as of a groove geometry of the support mandrel;

FIG. 4 shows a fragmented external view of the apparatus according to the invention in the region of a cutting section, without a closure cap blank;

FIG. 5 shows a combined external view with a partial sectional view of an apparatus according to the invention in the region of a cutting section, without a closure cap blank;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view along a rotation axis of a support mandrel looking onto a curved transport path of circular shape in a cutting section along a curved cutting knife;

FIG. 7 shows an apparatus according to the invention, having a transport installation comprising a rotary table and a stationary synchronizing ring; and

FIG. 8 shows an apparatus according to the invention, having a transport installation comprising a rotary table and having a separately driven synchronizing belt.

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

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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′.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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