CN113747995A

CN113747995A - Processing device for covers and/or cover parts

Info

Publication number: CN113747995A
Application number: CN202080029995.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·斯卡隆; A·贝鲁奇; A·F·布西纳罗
Original assignee: Remote Control Robot Co ltd
Current assignee: IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Priority date: 2019-04-23
Filing date: 2020-04-22
Publication date: 2021-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2040-04-22
Also published as: EP3959033A1; CN113747995B; IT201900006220A1; WO2020217187A1

Abstract

A processing device (1) for caps and/or parts of said caps is provided, comprising: a first machining portion (2) having a first machining direction (2a) and comprising at least one first machining member (20); a second machining section (3) spaced from the first machining section (2), having a second machining direction (3a) and comprising at least one second machining member (30); a rigid coupling device (4) configured to mechanically and firmly connect the processing parts (2, 3) so that the processing directions (2a, 3a) are always aligned with each other; a positioning member (5) configured to move the cover in order to place it on the first machining member (20) and/or to remove it from the first machining member (20); wherein the processing members (20, 30) are mutually movable between a spaced-apart position, in which the processing members (20, 30) are at a first predetermined distance, and an approximated position, in which the processing members (20, 30) are at a second predetermined distance, smaller than the first predetermined distance, and cooperate with each other to process the caps; wherein the device (1) is movable along the assembly path (6a) at least from a first point (a) to a second point (B) spaced from the first point (a), the positioning member (5) placing the cover on a first machining member (20) at the first point (a) and the second point (B), and wherein the machining members (20, 30) are in a close position when moving between the first point (a) and the second point (B) and the machining members (20, 30) are in a spaced position when the device (1) is at the first point (a) and the second point (B).

Description

Processing device for covers and/or cover parts

Technical Field

The invention relates to a processing device for covers and/or cover parts of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

In particular, the invention relates to a processing device for lids and/or lid parts, which may be a bending machine, a drilling machine or a cutting machine, primarily for the food industry.

Background

As is known, food lids are characterized by two main parts: a warranty seal that closes the outer shell and product to prove proper closure of the food container or to indicate that it has been opened.

One example of a warranty seal is a ring made of a polymeric material, a metal screw cap consisting of a metal screw cap on a common liquid bottle (such as soft drinks or water) and inserted by interlocking it with the closure shell.

As previously mentioned, the machining of the caps is generally carried out by highly automated machines capable of machining a plurality of parts (in particular caps) in series.

In particular, these machines may comprise linear or rotary mechanisms, comprising spindles, aligned in a line or arranged radially with respect to a central axis, designed for removing the caps or portions of caps from a continuous line, and designed for processing the caps themselves, or at least a portion of their components, along a processing line.

Once the process is complete, the completed lids are transported back to the production line away from the processing machine.

Typically, there is at least one cutting step and one coupling step during the cap production cycle.

In the cutting step, the gripping member removes a portion of the cover, usually the warranty seal, in order to cut the latter and prepare it for connection with the containment vessel.

Typically, the cutting is performed by a rotating blade centred with respect to the gripping member, and therefore both the gripping member and the cutting member are equipped with a rotating or static spindle which is synchronized and centred with respect to each other, in order to achieve a precise machining.

Also, the coupling step is performed by means of two gripping members which respectively remove the containment and warranty seal of the cover and connect them under pressure by means of the above-mentioned devices.

In this case, the two members also comprise spindles which must work in a synchronized manner and which must be centered with respect to each other in order to achieve precision cover machining.

The described prior art includes some significant drawbacks.

In particular, the gripping or machining members are static in order to ensure correct synchronization and centering between the elements. Therefore, when the processing is complicated, it is often necessary to use additional devices.

For example, if it is necessary to lock the lid containment in place to ensure a correct connection, it is necessary to add locking mechanisms on the machine, such as jaws, which increase the overall dimensions of the machine and, in any case, must also be synchronized to ensure correct execution of the entire process.

Alternatively, mechanically independent clamping or machining members may be provided so that they can be moved independently and perform even the most complex machining in a single pass.

However, although the machining cycle is faster, the main disadvantage is the increased risk of defective covers due to misalignment of the machined parts.

Disclosure of Invention

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a device for machining a cover part that is able to substantially overcome at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In the context of said technical task, an important object of the present invention is to obtain a cover part machining device that makes it possible to ensure the centering of the various clamping or machining members without using additional mechanical means.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a machining device that makes it possible to maintain the centering between the different components even at high machining speeds.

The technical task and the specified objects are achieved with a processing device as defined in the appended claim 1.

Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a side sectional view of a lid and/or lid component processing device according to the invention in a preferred configuration; and

fig.2 shows a simplified diagram of a part of a cover processing device comprising a cover and/or a processing device of a cover part according to the invention.

Detailed Description

In this document, when measured values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) are associated with "approximately" or other similar terms (such as "almost" or "substantially"), they are to be understood as being free of measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors, and most importantly, as being free of slight differences in the values, measured values, shapes or geometric references associated therewith. For example, if associated with a value, these terms preferably indicate a deviation of no more than 10% of the value itself.

Furthermore, when terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "primary," and "secondary" are used, they do not necessarily identify an order, priority, or relative position, but they may be used simply to more clearly distinguish the different components from one another.

Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data reported herein are to be considered to be made in the International Standard atmospheric ICAO (ISO2533: 1975).

With reference to the figures, a processing device for lids and/or lid parts according to the invention is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 1.

The device 1 can be designed to perform a number of different machining operations depending on its components. In general, the apparatus 1 is preferably part of a lid processing device 10.

The apparatus 10 is preferably an apparatus designed for processing caps of various types, for example screw caps for glass bottles and the like, for example for closing paper and/or plastic packages, for example of the type manufactured by tetra pak

Companies produce packages for holding fruit juice or milk, etc.

Preferably, the cap being machined generally comprises at least two parts: a closure housing (e.g., made of metal) and a warranty seal (e.g., made of a polymeric material).

The closure housing is part of a cap designed to close the bottle. It may be made of various materials, such as a polymeric material or a metal, more specifically aluminum, and may or may not include internal threads. Typically, but not necessarily, the cap may also include a knurled or porous portion to improve the effectiveness of the grip and to enable the user to easily twist the cap.

However, the warranty seal is preferably an annular portion, for example made of a polymer, which may be interlocked with the interior of the closure shell at the edge of the shell.

The apparatus 10 should preferably comprise at least one device 1 and at least a part of the assembly line 6.

The assembly line 6 is preferably a conveyor capable of moving the covers or cover parts along a predetermined trajectory.

In particular, the assembly line 6 may be composed of a plurality of elements designed to define an assembly path 6 a.

The assembly path 6a may be defined by conveyor rollers or other gripping elements that are moved and designed for transporting objects thereon.

In the prior art, there are many examples on the market of different assembly lines 6 defining different assembly paths 6 a.

The assembly line 6 also defines an assembly plane 6 b.

The assembly plane 6b comprises the assembly path 6a and is preferably a plane along which the cover or cover part is placed.

For example, if the assembly line 6 comprises conventional conveyor belt rollers, the assembly plane 6b is defined by the belt surface on which the rollers move, while the assembly path 6a is defined by the direction of movement of the belt applied on the rollers.

The assembly path 6a may therefore be rectilinear on the assembly plane 6b, or else follow a trajectory on a circular arc, for example, for the assembly line 6, which moves cyclically on its own axis with the device 1.

In any case, along at least a portion of assembly path 6a, apparatus 10 preferably includes one or more devices 1.

The device 1 therefore preferably defines a transfer station included in the apparatus 10 itself.

If the cover is of the type described above, the apparatus 10 can comprise a device 1 dedicated to cutting the warranty seal and a corresponding assembly line 6, as well as a device 1 dedicated to connecting the closure shells and the warranty seal. The latter is therefore preferably operatively connected to two assembly lines 6, one of which transports warranty seals from the cutting device 1 and the other of which transports closure shells.

The apparatus 1 preferably comprises at least a first processing section 2 and a second processing section 3.

The

processing sections

2, 3 may be two movable (i.e. control-operated) parts of the apparatus 1, or only one of them may be movable.

In any case, the

processing sections

2, 3 preferably comprise at least some moving parts.

In particular, the first machining part 2 defines a first machining direction 2 a.

The first machine direction 2a is the direction along which at least a part of the first machine part 2 moves. The first machine direction 2a is preferably perpendicular to the ground; however, it may have a different orientation, e.g. parallel to the ground or incident on the ground.

Furthermore, when the device 1 is comprised in the apparatus 10, the first machine direction 2a is preferably perpendicular to the assembly plane 6 b.

In more detail, the first processing part 2 includes a first processing member 20.

For example, the first processing member 20 may be a clamping element (e.g., a jaw), or a cutting blade or a plate designed for applying pressure in a predetermined direction, or a support element (e.g., a plate).

The first processing part 2 further comprises a first motor mechanism 21.

The first motor means 21 is preferably a semi-locomotive configured to move the machining member 20 at least in the first machining direction 2 a.

The first motor means 21 preferably comprise at least one moving piston in the first machine direction 2a and a cam motor designed for cyclically driving the moving piston.

Further, the first motor mechanism 21 may also rotationally move the processing member 20 about the first processing direction 2 a.

In this case, the processing member 20 may include a rotating portion.

Similarly, in particular, the second machining section 3 defines a second machining direction 3 a.

The second machine direction 3a is the direction along which at least a part of the second machine part 3 moves. The second machine direction 3a is preferably perpendicular to the ground; however, it may have a different orientation, e.g. parallel to the ground or incident on the ground.

Furthermore, when the device 1 is comprised in the apparatus 10, the second machine direction 3a is preferably perpendicular to the assembly plane 6 b.

In more detail, the second processing part 3 further comprises a second processing member 30.

For example, the second processing member 30 may be a clamping element (e.g., a jaw), a cutting blade or a plate designed to apply pressure in a predetermined direction, or a support element (e.g., a plate).

The second processing part 3 further comprises a second motor mechanism 31.

The second motor means 31 is preferably a semi-locomotive arranged to move the second machining member 30 at least in the second machining direction 3 a.

The second motor means 31 preferably comprise at least one moving piston in the second machine direction 3a and a cam motor designed for cyclically driving the moving piston.

Furthermore, the second motor mechanism 31 can also rotationally move the second processing member 30 about the second processing direction 3 a.

In this case, the second processing member 30 may include a rotating portion.

Therefore, preferably, the

processing portions

2, 3 substantially face each other.

In a preferred configuration, for example, the first processing section 2 is arranged below the second processing section 3.

In any case, the second processing section 3 is preferably spaced apart from the first processing section 2. In particular, the two

machining sections

2, 3 are spaced apart from each other in the first machining direction 2a and/or the second machining direction 3 a.

Furthermore, in a preferred configuration of the device 1, only one of the

machining members

20, 30 comprises a portion rotating about the first machining direction 2a or the second machining direction 3a, respectively.

More specifically, the first processing member 20 preferably defines a support element for the cover or cover component, and the second processing member 30 is one of the choices between a cutting device designed for cutting at least a part of the cover or cover component or a coupling device designed to exert pressure on the cover or cover component for a predetermined time.

An example of this type is shown in fig.1, in which a first motor mechanism 21 moves a ring arranged in the processing member, which ring is designed in particular as a closed housing around the lid.

In any case, the first processing member 20 and the second processing member 30 are preferably configured to cooperate.

In particular, they are mutually movable in such a way as to achieve at least one spaced position and one close position.

In the spaced position, the first processing member 20 and the second processing member 30 are at a first predetermined distance.

In the closed position, wherein the first 20 and second 30 tooling members are located at a second predetermined distance less than the first predetermined distance. In the latter position, the first machining member 20 and the second machining member 30 cooperate with each other to machine the cap.

The device 1 advantageously comprises coupling means 4.

The coupling means 4 is configured to mechanically connect at least a part of the first processing portion 2 and at least a part of the second processing portion 3.

The coupling means 4 are preferably rigid and configured to mechanically and securely connect the first and

second machining parts

2, 3 such that the first and

second machining directions

2a, 3a are always aligned with each other.

In particular, they preferably define a C-shape constituting a single piece, otherwise known as swan neck.

The coupling means 4 thus connect the

processing parts

2, 3 in such a way that the first processing direction 2a and the second processing direction 3a are always aligned with each other.

In particular, when the device 1 is included in the apparatus 10, the

machining directions

2a, 3a are both perpendicular to the assembly plane 6b, and therefore the coupling means 4 preferably define a C-shape along a plane perpendicular to the assembly path 6 a.

Furthermore, the coupling means 4 preferably comprises at least two positioning holes 40.

The locating holes 40 are suitably arranged at the ends of the C-shape.

The positioning holes are preferably designed to accommodate at least a part of the first processing part 2 and at least a part of the second processing part 3, respectively. In this way, the

processing parts

2, 3 can be kept locked facing each other.

Specifically, the positioning hole 40 is preferably centered in the

machine directions

2a, 3 a.

Thus, the positioning hole 40 defines an end of the guide 41.

The guide 41 is essentially a preferred trajectory defined by the positioning hole 40, within which positioning hole 40 the machined lid is passed through by the

machining parts

2, 3. Thus, the guide 41 substantially defines the alignment portion of the

processing sections

2, 3.

The machining guide 41 is preferably and suitably also centered with respect to the

machining directions

2a, 3 a.

Then, when the cover or the lid member is disposed in the guide 41, it is processed.

In addition to what has been described, the device 1 also comprises a positioning member 5.

The positioning member 5 is preferably substantially a machining element in addition to the

machining parts

2, 3 and may be machined together with the

machining parts

2, 3 or alternatively with the

machining parts

2, 3.

The positioning member 5 is preferably configured to move the cover in order to place it on the first processing member 20 and/or to remove it from the first processing member 20. +

The positioning member 5 also preferably defines a direction of movement 5 a.

The direction of movement 5a is essentially the direction along which the positioning member 5 can be moved to machine a cover or lid part through the device 1.

The direction of movement 5a is preferably incident in the

machine direction

2a, 3 a. More suitably, the moving direction 5a is perpendicular to the

machine direction

2a, 3 a.

If the device 1 is part of an apparatus 10, the direction of movement 5a is preferably parallel to the mounting plane 6b or aligned with the mounting plane 6 b. Furthermore, it is preferably incident suitably perpendicularly to the assembly path 6 a.

The positioning member 5 is thus designed to move in the direction of movement 5a to interact with the cover or cover part. In particular, the positioning member 5 preferably interacts with the cover or cover part within a predetermined time interval.

In particular, the positioning member 5 preferably interacts with the cover within the guide 41.

In this regard, for example, the positioning member 5 may comprise a clamp designed to lock a cover or lid component in a predetermined position on the first tooling member 20 using friction. In this case, the positioning member 5 is basically a means for positioning the cover in the guide 41 so as to enable correct machining by means of the

machining parts

2, 3. For example, the positioning member 5 places the cover or parts thereof in a central position with respect to the

machine direction

2a, 3 a.

The positioning member 5 may then be arranged at the free end of the device 1 or partly encapsulated in the coupling device 4.

The coupling device 4 preferably comprises a through cavity 42.

The through cavity 42 preferably extends in the direction of movement 5a within the coupling device 4 and is designed to accommodate at least a portion of the positioning member 5.

Thus, the through cavity 42 operates like a slot in which the positioning member 5 can move forward or backward.

Advantageously, the device 1 can be moved along the assembly path 6a at least from a first point a to a second point B spaced apart from the first point a. Of course, the apparatus 1 may be stationary when the apparatus 1 is operating in an installation 10 with a mobile assembly line 6, and objects moving from the assembly line 6 along the assembly path 6a will move relative to the apparatus 1.

Since the concept of movement is relative to the reference system employed, the apparatus 1, whether mobile or fixed, can be moved from point a to point B relative to another component of the apparatus 10.

In any case, the positioning member 5 preferably places the cover on the first processing member 20 when the device 1 is located at the first point a.

When the device 1 is located at the second point B, the positioning member preferably removes the cover from the first processing member 20.

Further, suitably, the first machining member 20 and the second machining member 30 are in the close position during the movement between the first point a and the second point B.

In contrast, when the device 1 is located at the first point a and the second point B, the first processing member 20 and the second processing member 30 are preferably in a spaced position.

In this way, the operation of the device 1 is substantially such that when the working

members

20, 30 are brought close to working, the positioning member 5 firmly fixes the lid in position, whereas when the working

members

20, 30 are separated or moved, the positioning member 5 can be moved in the direction of movement 5a so as to clamp or unclamp, and if necessary, to move or position the lid.

The invention therefore also includes a novel method for processing a cover and/or a cover part.

The method according to the invention is preferably implemented using the apparatus 1 and/or the device 10 as described above.

In particular, the method includes at least the steps of preparing, placing, processing, and removing.

In the preparation step, the first processing part 2 and the second processing part 3 are preferably prepared.

The

processing sections

2, 3 are defined as described above.

During the placing step, the lid is placed on the first tooling part 2, in particular on the first tooling member 20, by means of the positioning member 5.

In the machining step, when the first machining member 20 and the second machining member 30 are brought close together, the cover is machined by cooperation therebetween.

Then, in the removing step, the cover is removed from the first processing member 20 by the positioning member 5.

The steps of placing, machining and removing the cover are advantageously carried out by moving the first machining part 2, the second machining part 3 and the positioning member 5 along the assembly path 6a from the first point a to the second point B.

Thus, as previously described, in a first point a the cover is placed on the first tooling member 20, in a second point B the cover is removed from the tooling member 20 and moved between the first point a and the second point B, the first tooling member 20 and the second tooling member 30 cooperating in a close position by tooling the cover.

The machining device according to the invention for caps and/or parts of said caps 1 has significant advantages.

In fact, the machining device 1 can ensure that the

machining members

20, 30 are in a central position, without using additional active mechanical means or adopting solutions in which the two members do not operate independently.

The centering is ensured by the static members and the use of the positioning members 5, coordinated with the above-mentioned

machining portions

2, 3, makes it possible to increase the machining speed of the caps passing through the inside of the guides, and therefore the device 1 makes it possible to increase the production efficiency of any equipment comprising the device 1, without requiring greater energy consumption.

The C-coupling means 4 also enable coupling of different machined parts that may constitute linear and circular assembly paths.

The invention may be varied within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the claims.

In this context, all details may be replaced with equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be any.

Claims

1. A machining device (1) for caps and/or parts of said caps, comprising:

-a first machining portion (2) having a first machine direction (2a) and comprising at least one first machining member (20);

-a second machining section (3) spaced from the first machining section (2), having a second machine direction (3a) and comprising at least one second machining member (30);

-rigid coupling means (4) configured to mechanically and firmly connect the first machining part (2) and the second machining part (3) so that the first machining direction (2a) and the second machining direction (3a) are always aligned with each other;

-a positioning member (5) configured to move a cover in order to place it on the first machining member (20) and/or to remove it from the first machining member (20);

-the first machining member (20) and the second machining member (30) are mutually moved between spaced-apart positions, wherein the first machining member (20) and the second machining member (30) are at a first predetermined distance and brought close together positions, wherein the first machining member (20) and the second machining member (30) are at a second predetermined distance smaller than the first predetermined distance,

-said first machining member (20) and second machining member (30) cooperate with each other to machine the caps when they are in said approached position;

-the device (1) is characterized in that

-the device (1) is movable along an assembly path (6a) at least from a first point (A) to a second point (B) spaced apart from said first point (A),

-the positioning member (5) places the cover on the first machining member (20) in the first point (A),

-said positioning member (5) removes said cover from said first processing member (20) at said second point (B), and

-said first and second machining members (20, 30) being in said approached position when moving between said first and second points (a, B) and in said spaced position when said device (1) is located at said first and second points (a, B).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a smaller motor mechanism (21) configured to move said first processing member (20) along said first processing direction (2 a).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (1) further comprises a larger motor mechanism (31) configured to move said second processing member (30) in said second processing direction (3 a).

4. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the motor means (21, 31) each comprise at least one moving piston in the machine direction (2a, 3a) and a cam motor designed for cyclically driving the moving piston.

5. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning member (5) is movable in a movement direction (5a) perpendicular to the first and second machine directions (2a, 3a) and is designed to interact with the cover or the cover part within a predetermined time interval.

6. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said coupling means (4) comprise a through cavity (42) extending along said movement direction (5a) and designed to house at least a portion of said positioning member (5).

7. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the machining members (20, 30) comprises a portion rotating around at least one of the first machining direction (2a) or the second machining direction (3b), respectively.

8. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first processing member (20) defines a support element for the cover or the cover part, the second processing member (30) being one of the group consisting of a cutting device designed for cutting at least a part of the cover or the cover part or a coupling device designed for applying a pressure to the cover or cover part for a predetermined time.

9. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning member (5) comprises a clamp designed to lock the cover or the cover part using friction at a predetermined position on the first machining member (20).

10. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said assembly path (6a) follows a trajectory lying on a circular arc.

11. A cap tooling device (10) comprising at least a part of an assembly line (6) of caps, the assembly line (6) of caps defining an assembly plane (6b) comprising the assembly path (6a) and at least one apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the apparatus (1) being arranged on the assembly plane (6b) in such a way as to ensure that the tooling directions (2a, 3a) are perpendicular to the assembly plane (6b) and the coupling means (4) are located on a plane perpendicular to the assembly path (6 a).

12. A method for processing a lid and/or a lid component, comprising the steps of:

-preparing a first working portion (2) configured to define a first working direction (2a) and having at least one first working member (20);

-preparing a second working portion (3) spaced from said first working portion (2), configured to define a second working direction (3a) and having at least one second working member (30);

-placing a cover on the first machining member (20) by means of a positioning member (5);

-machining the cap by cooperation between the first machining member (20) and the second machining member (30) when the first machining member (20) and the second machining member (30) are brought close together;

-removing the cover from the first machining member (20) by means of the positioning member (5);

it is characterized in that

-performing the steps of placing the cover and of machining and removing the cover by moving the first machining portion (2), the second machining portion (3) and the positioning member (5) along an assembly path (6a) from a first point (a) to a second point (B), so that at the first point (a) the cover is placed on the first machining member (20) and at the second point (B) the cover is removed from the machining member (20), whereas in the movement between the first point (a) and the second point (B) the first machining member (20) and the second machining member (30) cooperate in a close position by machining the cover.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that said machining step comprises the sub-step of moving said first machining member (20) in said first machining direction (2a) by means of a smaller motor mechanism (21).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said machining step comprises the sub-step of moving said second machining member (30) in said second machining direction (3a) by means of a larger motor mechanism (31).

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, characterized in that in the step of placing a cover on the first machining member (20), a positioning member (5) is moved along a movement direction (5a) perpendicular to the first and second machining directions (2a, 3a) and interacts with the cover or the cover part within a predetermined time interval.