IT202000017884A1 - CAP, CAPPING HEAD AND CAPPING METHOD. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Attached to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION having the title

?CAP, CAPPING HEAD AND CAPPING METHOD?

The present invention relates to a stopper designed to be applied to a container, for example a glass bottle.

The present invention also has for object a capping head and a capping method for applying said cap to the container.

The context of this invention? that of caps which, once applied to the container, are removed by unscrewing, typically called twist-off caps.

Unlike other types of caps, twist-off caps do not require devices, such as corkscrews, for their removal from their respective containers, but only a twisting action generated by the hands of a user. The cap according to the invention can be used to close containers suitable for containing liquid or semi-liquid products.

The cap according to the invention? particularly, not exclusively, suitable for closing glass bottles.

To date, in the field of twist-off caps, there are different types of caps that can be removed by unscrewing, each with its own characteristics that make it particularly suitable for closing a specific container containing a specific product.

Said stoppers are characterized by the dimensions of the metal capsule which compose them, in particular in terms of the width of the face with the greatest development and the height of the lateral part or skirt, and by the external appearance of the capsule itself.

In the case of containers for food products, for example homogenized products or jams, particularly large metal capsules with low side walls are particularly suitable, suitable for creating vacuum closures thanks to the application of heat, preferably in the form of steam.

In the case of containers of non-pressurized liquids suitable for being contained in bottles, such as for example oil, smaller capsules but with high walls suitable for being removed or reapplied to the neck of the bottle by at least a 360° turn are particularly suitable. of the cap.

These stoppers are applied to the bottles by means of rotary capping heads equipped with external rollers configured to match and shape the side wall of the stopper, thus impressing on said side wall the typical thread, also visible on the outside, suitable for coupling with the thread present on the neck of the bottle.

Both of the capping methods indicated above are particularly laborious and slow, so as to represent a bottleneck for the entire plant in which they are used, degrading their performance.

In the case of containers of pressurized liquids suitable for being contained in bottles, such as for example beer or carbonated drinks, crown caps are particularly suitable, characterized by the presence of an almost identical sequence. homogeneous ridges and grooves in the lateral wall with respect to the central part.

The crown caps are applied to the relevant container by means of the action of a capping die which is lowered from above, coaxially with the container, to deform the side wall and guarantee the sealing of the closure.

The crown caps are characterized by a? High reliability? the seal of the closure, but present problems relating to ergonomics and safety in the operations of unscrewing and screwing: the alternation of ridges and grooves does not in fact guarantee sufficient comfort for the user in the operations of removing the cap and the presence of an edge live in the end part of the side wall exposes the user to the risk of cutting. Therefore, there is a particularly felt need in the field of metal closures to have a twist-off cap with an effective seal, but particularly ergonomic and safe for the user in the operations of removing and applying the cap itself.

Another need that is particularly felt in the metal closures sector? that of having a capping head and a particularly effective and fast capping method, so as not to jeopardize the efficiency of the entire system in which the capping head is used. inserted and in which this method is executed.

An object of the present invention ? that of proposing a twistoff cap that satisfies the aforementioned need, guaranteeing in particular the possibility? to cap a container effectively, ergonomically and safely.

Another purpose of the present invention? that of making available a capping head that is particularly effective and fast in capping operations.

Yet another object of the present invention? that of making available a capping method capable of effectively and rapidly applying a cap to a container.

Said aims are fully achieved by the object of the present invention , which is characterized by what is contained in the claims set out below.

These and other characteristics will become more evident from the following description of more? embodiments of the invention, illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawing tables, in which:

- figure 1A illustrates, according to a perspective view, the twist-off cap object of the invention in one embodiment thereof and applied to a container;

- figure 1B illustrates, according to a front view, the twist-off cap of figure 1A;

- figure 1C illustrates, according to a perspective view from above, the twistoff cap of figure 1A removed from the respective container;

- figure 1D illustrates, according to a perspective view from below, the twist-off cap of figure 1A removed from the respective container;

- figure 2A illustrates, according to a perspective view, the capping head which is also the object of the invention according to an embodiment;

- figure 2B illustrates, according to a front view, the capping head of figure 2A;

- figure 2C shows, according to a front view in section along the plane A-A, the capping head of figure 2B;

- figure 2D illustrates, according to a top view in section along the plane B-B, the capping head of figure 2B;

figure 3 illustrates, according to a perspective view, the capping head of figure 2A with some elements removed for greater clarity;

- figure 4A illustrates, according to a perspective view, a component of the capping head of which in figure 2A;

- figure 4B illustrates, according to a top view, the component of the capping head of figure 4A;

- figure 5A illustrates, according to a schematic view, a capping system comprising the capping head of figure 2A;

- figure 5B illustrates, according to a front view, the capping system of figure 5A;

- figure 5C illustrates a detail of figure 5B where for clarity of explanation ? a container and a not yet deformed cap have been added.

With reference to the annexed figures 1A to 1D ? reference 1 has been indicated a twist-off type cap, hereinafter referred to simply as cap 1.

Specifically, the twist-off type cap 1 belongs to a type suitable for capping a container B at one of its openings A and for being removed from said container B by means of an unscrewing operation, which can also be performed by a hand user naked.

Preferably, cap 1 ? configured to be applied again to the container B by means of a screwing operation equal and opposite to that performed for the removal of the cap 1 from the container B itself.

Preferably, container B has a thread F close to the by dell?opening A.

The thread F is configured as one or more? surveys of helical shape that develop in the vicinity? of the opening A so as to ensure a sealed form coupling between the cap 1 and the container B.

Preferably, container B ? a bottle.

even more preferably, container B ? a glass bottle.

As illustrated in figures 1A to 1D, the cap 1 comprises a metal cap 2, preferably made of aluminum or steel.

Object of this description ? the cap 1 applied to container B, i.e. after the cap 1 itself has undergone the deformations due to the action of a capping head, which will come? described below as it too is the subject of the present description.

Said metal capsule 2 has a main axis Z of symmetry.

According to one aspect, the metal capsule 2 comprises a transversal wall 3.

As illustrated in figure 1C, said transversal wall 3 has a predominantly discoidal shape.

Preferably, the transversal wall 3 extends perpendicular to the main axis Z of symmetry of the capsule 2.

Specifically, the main axis Z intercepts the center of the transversal wall 3 and lies on a plane perpendicular to said transversal wall 3.

The transversal wall 3 ? bounded by a 3P perimeter, typically circular in shape.

According to one embodiment, the transversal wall 3 has a mainly flat disc-shaped shape.

According to another embodiment, the transversal wall 3 has a slightly concave discoidal shape.

According to yet another embodiment, the transversal wall 3 has a slightly convex discoidal shape.

According to another aspect, the metal capsule 2 comprises a side wall 4.

Said side wall 4 ? almost orthogonal to said transversal wall 3.

The side wall 4 extends from the perimeter 3P of said transversal wall 3.

Specifically, the side wall 4 extends in the normal direction, or almost normal, with respect to the transversal wall 3, thus defining an internal space for receiving the container B to be capped, advantageously in correspondence with the opening A.

Preferably, the side wall 4 has an extension greater than or equal to 9 mm along a direction parallel to the main axis Z of symmetry of the capsule 2.

This extension of the cap 1 makes it particularly suitable for closing glass bottles, which have an elongated neck in correspondence with the opening A to be capped by means of the cap 1.

Preferably, as illustrated in figures 1A to 1D, the side wall 4 has a curling 4C at one end thereof. distal to the transverse wall 3.

In the present description, the term curlinga means curling, inwards or outwards, of the side wall 4 achieved by known curling operations at its end. distal to the transverse wall 3.

Preferably, the curler 4C extends along the whole side wall 4 at its end? distal to the transverse wall 3.

Advantageously, the presence of the curling iron 4C does not expose any sharp edge of the cap 2 and reduces the risk of cutting for a user during the operations for removing the cap 1 from the container B by unscrewing.

As illustrated in figure 1D, the cap 1 comprises a plastic gasket 5.

Said plastic gasket 5 ? positioned inside the metal cap 2, at least partially in contact with an internal face of the transversal wall 3.

Preferably, the plastic gasket 5 extends, in contact with the internal face of the transversal wall 3, from an internal point of the transversal wall 3 itself up to the perimeter 3P.

Always preferably, the plastic gasket 5 ? in contact with at least a portion of the lateral wall 4 proximal to the transversal wall 3. When the cap 1 is applied to container B, called plastic gasket 5 ? configured to guarantee hermetic closure of the container B itself, isolating its contents from the external environment and avoiding the passage of air.

Advantageously, the presence of the plastic gasket 5 prevents contact with the external environment from contaminating the contents of container B.

According to another aspect, the side wall 4 comprises a plurality of of crests 41 and a plurality? of depressed areas 42.

Said plurality? of crests 41 and said plurality? of depressed areas 42 are present on an external face of the side wall 4.

Said plurality? of crests 41 and said plurality? of depressed areas 42 are distinguished by their radial distance from the main axis Z of symmetry of the capsule 2.

In the present description, the radial distance of an element from the main axis Z means the distance measured along a direction lying in a plane perpendicular to the main axis Z and joining the main axis Z to a point of the element is measuring radial distance.

Specifically, the plurality of crests 41 has a radial distance from the main axis Z greater than that of the plurality? of depressed areas 42.

In other words, the depressed areas 42 are more? close to the main axis Z with respect to the plurality? of ridges.

Said ridges 41 and depressed areas 42 are arranged alternately on said lateral wall 4, more? precisely alternating one-to-one.

The plurality? of ridges 41 has a main development direction Z1 along the side wall 4.

Preferably, the main development direction Z1 is almost? parallel to the main axis Z of symmetry of the capsule 2.

Always preferably, the plurality? of ridges 41 extends in the main development direction Z1 for a portion of side wall 4 equal to at least 70% of a length of the side wall 4 along said main development direction Z1.

even more preferably, the plurality? of ridges 41 extends in the main development direction Z1 for a portion of side wall 4 equal to at least 80% of the length of the side wall 4 along said main development direction Z1.

Advantageously, the presence of the plurality? of ridges 41 on the side wall 4 allows a user to have a better grip on the cap 1 during the operations of removal by unscrewing the cap 1 from the container B.

Indeed, the crests 41 decrease the possibility? sliding in the contact between the lateral surface 4 and the hands of a user who exerts a twisting torque to remove the cap 1 from the container B or to apply the same cap to the same container.

According to another aspect of the present description, the plurality of depressed areas 42 covers, on said lateral wall 4, an area at least triple with respect to said plurality? of crests 41.

In other words, the plurality of depressed areas 42 has, on said lateral wall 4, an extension equal to at least three times the extension, on the same lateral wall 4, of the plurality? of crests 41.

This ratio advantageously allows a better comfort for a user in gripping the cap 1 and in the operations of unscrewing or screwing the same cap object of the present description with respect to traditional crown caps.

Preferably, the number of crests 41 of the plurality? of crests 41 ? equal to the number of depressed areas 42 of the plurality? of depressed areas 42.

Preferably, this number ? between 7 and 15.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1A to 1D, the plug 1 has eleven ridges 41 and eleven depressed areas 42, spaced out according to a one-to-one sequence.

Still according to what has been illustrated, the side wall 4 comprises, in correspondence with the plurality of depressed areas 42, a plurality? of partially helical shaped reliefs 42R.

These reliefs 42R appear, in correspondence with an external face of the side wall 4, as protrusions in a radial direction with respect to the main axis Z of the capsule 2.

The same reliefs 42R appear, in correspondence with an internal face of the side wall 4, as grooves in a radial direction with respect to the main axis Z of the capsule 2.

In the present description, with radial direction with respect to the main axis Z we mean a semi-line which lies in a plane perpendicular to the main axis Z and has as its origin the point of intersection between the main axis Z and the lying plane of the same semi-line .

In use, i.e. when cap 1 ? applied to container B, the plurality? of reliefs 42R ? positioned in correspondence with a projection of the thread F of the container B according to a radial direction with respect to the main axis Z of symmetry.

In other words, when cap 1 ? applied to the container B, the thread F of the container B and plurality? of 42R pads match.

Advantageously, the plurality of protrusions 42R and the thread F are coupled by means of a form coupling and guarantee the sealing of the closure of the opening A of the container B.

This shape coupling guarantees the removal of the cap 1 solely by torsion, i.e. by means of a twisting couple, and avoids the accidental detachment of the cap 1 from the container B due to forces which do not cause a torsion.

The cap 1 described achieves the purposes mentioned above. In particular, the cap 1 guarantees an effective, ergonomic and safe closure of a container B.

This description also has as object a capping head 10 for closing a container B by means of the cap 1 of the twist-off type.

The capping head 10 ? illustrated in its entirety in Figures 2A and 2B. Specifically, when inserted in a capping system, the capping head 10 allows the cap 1 to be applied to the container B, deforming it and causing it to assume the shape described above.

This capping head 10 extends around a longitudinal axis X.

Preferably, said longitudinal axis X coincides when the capping head 10? in action, with a vertical axis, ie an axis perpendicular to a horizontal plane on which the container B rests.

As illustrated, the capping head 10 comprises a hollow main body 11, illustrated in detail in figure 3.

In particular, the main body 11 comprises a cavity, preferably symmetrical around the longitudinal axis X.

The main body 11 therefore has a lower opening 11D and an upper opening 11U, arranged above the lower opening 11D with respect to a vertical extension direction V along the longitudinal axis X.

In the present description, if not further specified, the terms superior or above and inferior or below must refer to the position of an element along the longitudinal axis X in relation to the direction of vertical extension V (indicated in the annexed figures).

The main body 11 ? preferably composed of metallic material, for example steel.

In a preferred embodiment and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the main body 11 has the shape of a hollow cylinder.

When the main body 11 assumes three-dimensional shapes having a symmetry in their longitudinal development, the longitudinal axis X coincides with the axis of longitudinal symmetry.

Without losing generality, in other alternative embodiments, the main body 11 assumes hollow three-dimensional shapes.

According to what is illustrated in figure 3, the main body 11 has a plurality of furrows 14 on at least a part of its development along the longitudinal axis X.

Said grooves 14, in fact, are openings passing through the main body 11.

These grooves 14 extend along the main body 11 at least up to the lower opening 11D.

Preferably, said grooves 14 are made along the side wall of the main body 11.

Still according to what has been illustrated, the capping head 10 comprises a plurality of of ends? plugs 12 arranged below the main body 11 with respect to the vertical extension direction V along the longitudinal axis X. Specifically, the ends? plugs 12 are integrally connected to the main body 11.

As described in the following of the present description, during the use of the capping head 10, said ends? cappers 12 are configured to deform, by means of a radial pressure, at least part of the side wall 4 of the cap 1.

Do the furrows 14 also continue at the ends? capping 12, dividing each end? capping 12 from the others.

In other words, each end? plugging 12 is defined between a pair of adjacent grooves 14.

Preferably, these extremities? plugs 12 are made of the same metallic material of which ? constituted the main body 11, for example steel.

Preferably, the number of ends? plugging 12 ? between 7 and 15.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2A to 3, the capping head 10 comprises eleven ends plugs 12, spaced out by respective eleven grooves 14.

The extremities? cappers 12 have, on their inner face facing the longitudinal axis X, a capping profile 12P.

Preferably, the 12P capping profile? a concave capping profile.

Specifically, the capping profile 12P ? configured to give at least part of the side wall 4 of the cap 1 the shape described above.

Said capping profile 12P comprises a first profile 12P1 and a second profile 12P2.

Specifically, the first profile 12P1 and the second profile 12P2 have a concavity different.

In other words, the capping profile 12P presents, along its development, at least one change of concavity.

According to one aspect, the first 12P1 profile? arranged in a central area of the capping profile 12P.

The second profile 12P2 ? willing at the ends? of the 12P capping profile.

The first profile 12P1 is therefore included between two second profiles 12P2 along the development of the capping profile 12P.

In the cap 1 deformation operations, the first 12P1 profile of the end? plugging 12 ? fit to form a portion of the plurality? of depressed areas 42, while the second profile 12P2 ? fit to form a portion of the plurality? of crests 41.

In particular, the capping profile 12P ? configured to deform a portion of the side wall 4 of the plug 1 distal to the transversal wall 3 of the plug 1 itself.

In the embodiment represented in figure 3, the first profile 12P1 and the second profile 12P2 have the shape of arcs of circumference. In particular, the first profile 12P1 has the shape of a circumference arc having the center on the longitudinal axis X, while the second profile 12P2 has the shape of a circumference arc (almost equal to a quarter of a circumference) having a radius smaller than the circumference arc of the first 12P1 profile.

In alternative embodiments, the first profile 12P1 and the second profile 12P2 assume circular shapes which cover arcs of circumference greater or less than 180?.

In yet other embodiments, the first profile 12P1 and the second profile 12P2 assume polygonal shapes, for example triangular or trapezoidal.

Hybrid construction forms are also allowed, in which broken lines alternate with curved shapes, both circular and elliptical.

According to another aspect of the present description, the capping head 10 comprises an annular insert 13, illustrated separately in figures 4A and 4B.

Said annular insert 13 ? disposed internally to the plurality? of ends? plugs 12, as illustrated in figure 2A.

Specifically, as shown in figure 3, the extremities? plugs 12 comprise a seat 12S for placing said annular insert 13.

Preferably, said seat 12S ? a recess of annular shape that affects all the extremities? capping 12.

As illustrated in detail in figures 4A and 4B, the annular insert 13 comprises a plurality of of sectors 13S and a plurality? of relief grooves Preferably, each pair of adjacent sectors 13S ? separated by a relief groove 13G.

In the embodiment illustrated in particular in figure 4B, the sectors 13S have on their inner face facing the longitudinal axis X a profile having the shape of an arc of circumference with center on the longitudinal axis X itself.

In the same embodiment, the relief grooves 13G have on their inner face facing the longitudinal axis X a profile having an angled shape.

However, other embodiments are permitted for the profile of the sectors 13S and/or of the relief grooves 13G.

Preferably, the number of sectors 13S of the plurality? of sectors 13S ? equal to the number of ends? plugging 12 of the plurality? of ends? plugs 12. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2A, the annular insert 13 comprises eleven sectors 13S and eleven grooves 13G, arranged in alternation one-to-one.

In the cap 1 deformation operations, the sectors 13S are configured to form, together with the first profiles 12P1, the plurality of depressed areas 42, while the grooves 13G are configured to form the plurality? of ridges 41, collaborating with the second profiles 12P2.

Preferably, the plurality? of 13G exhaust grooves ? positioned at a projection of said plurality? of grooves 14 on the annular insert 13 in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the capping head 10.

In other words, when the capping head 10 ? assembled, the relief grooves 13G and the grooves 14 are aligned in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X, as illustrated in detail in figure 2D. Preferably, the annular insert 13 comprises, in correspondence with one of its external faces, a plurality of of protuberances 13P, protruding in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

Always preferably, plurality? of ends? capping 12 includes a plurality? of holes 15.

In the embodiment of the annexed figures, the holes 15 are obtained in the plurality of capping heads 12 in correspondence with the grooves 14. However, other positionings are permitted.

Advantageously, the plurality of holes 15 ? overlooking the 12S headquarters.

The plurality? of bumps 13P ? configured to be inserted in said plurality? of holes 15 and to effect a shape coupling between the annular insert 13 and the plurality? of ends? capping 12.

The shape coupling between the annular insert 13 and the plurality? of ends? capping 12 allows, advantageously, a more? stable of the annular insert 13 inside the plurality? of capping heads 12 and prevents the annular insert 13 from coming out of the seat 12S during the capping operations.

According to one embodiment, the annular insert 13 is made of an elastomer.

Preferably, the? elastomer of which? composed, the annular insert 13 has a hardness between 90 and 100 IRHD (International Rubber Hardness Degrees) on the international scale of the hardness of elastomers, equivalent to a hardness between 90 and 100 Sh on the Shore A scale.

Advantageously, the use of a highly hard elastomer makes it possible to have an annular insert 13 which guarantees a high number of cappings, a high quality of capping and, after each capping, a return to its original shape.

Materials more soft, such as Teflon, guarantee good quality? elastic but not a sufficiently high number of cappings. Other materials more hard do not guarantee instead good properties? elastic and fail to return to their original shape after the capping operations.

Will I come now briefly described a capping system 100, illustrated in figures 5A to 5C, comprising the capping head 10.

As represented in the sectional view of figure 5B, the capping system 100 comprises a device 101 for retaining the cap 1 on the opening A of the container B.

Said retention device 101 ? entirely contained within the capping head 10 and occupies almost the entire cavity? inside the main body 11 of the capping head 10.

The holding device 101 comprises a first spring and an abutment piston, operatively connected to each other and configured to keep the cap 1 in position during the capping operations.

Advantageously, the presence of the retention device 101 makes it possible to reduce the risk that the cap 1 moves during the capping operations and, consequently, reduces the danger of a faulty closure of the container B.

According to another aspect, the capping system 100 comprises an internal casing 102, which houses at least a part of the capping head 10 inside it.

Preferably, said inner casing 102 is made of metallic material, such as steel.

Said inner casing 102 comprises a lateral surface 103 and an upper surface 104, extending in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the capping head 10.

Preferably, said inner casing 102 has the shape of a cylinder open on one of its two flat faces.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the capping system 100 comprises a stop ring 105.

Said check ring 105 ? arranged below the inner casing 102 along the longitudinal axis X in relation to the vertical extension direction V.

The reference ring 105 develops in a circular direction in an almost flat plane. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

In other words, in use, the abutment ring 105 projects radially with respect to the inner casing 102, as shown in figure 5B, also performing a support function for the inner casing 102 itself.

The capping system 100 further comprises a capping ring 106 located below the abutment ring 105 substantially close to the capping system. of the plugging appendages 12.

Still according to what is illustrated in figure 5B, the capping system 100 comprises an external casing 107, containing the internal casing 102 inside it.

In particular, the inner casing 102 is movable along the longitudinal axis X inside the outer casing 107.

Preferably, said outer casing 107 ? made of metallic material, such as steel.

Said external casing 107 comprises an external (lateral) surface and an (upper) abutment surface, extending in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the capping head 10.

Preferably, said outer casing 107 has the shape of an open cylinder (bottom) on one of its two flat faces.

The capping system 100 subsequently comprises a second spring, contained inside the external casing 107 externally with respect to the internal casing 102, operatively active between the upper surface 104 and the abutment surface, respectively of the internal casing 104 and of the ?outer casing 107.

The capping system 100 further comprises a third spring, contained inside the external casing 107 externally with respect to the internal casing 102, operatively active between the abutment surface of the external casing 107 and the abutment ring 105.

The purpose of these first and second springs? that of contrasting the movement along the longitudinal axis X of the internal casing 102 inside the external casing 107, in particular of contrasting the upward movement of the internal casing 102 and of the abutment ring 105 inside the? outer casing 107.

According to another aspect, the capping system 100 comprises an actuator M, of the substantially known type, operatively connected to the outer casing 107 (to move the latter).

Said actuator M ? arranged above with respect to the outer casing 107 and ? configured to exert a force along the longitudinal axis X. Preferably, said actuator M ? of the mechanical type comprising, for example, a cam mechanism which allows the descent and ascent movements of the capping system 100.

It should be noted that the actuator M, during use, moves only the outer casing 107 directly: the particular configuration of the capping system 100 makes it possible to that, when the capping system 100 encounters the cap 1 placed on the container B, other elements of the same capping system 100 are moved with respect to the outer casing 107, how will it be? better described in the rest of the description.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a capping method for closing a container B by means of a cap 1 of the twist-off type, comprising the steps which will be described below, remains defined.

First, a step for preparing the previously described capping system 100 and comprising the capping head 10, also previously described.

Subsequently, the capping method provides for a phase for preparing the cap 1 comprising the metal cap 2 and the plastic gasket 5 arranged inside said cap 2.

The capsule 2 in turn comprises the transversal wall 3 and the side wall 4, which has not yet been deformed and therefore has a smooth annular shape.

The capping method subsequently envisages a step for positioning the undeformed cap 1 on the container B with said side wall 4 arranged around an opening A of said container B having a thread F.

In particular, the side wall 4 is positioned so as to face the thread F present on the container B.

Furthermore, the capping method comprises a step for preparing the container B below the capping head 10 according to the vertical extension direction V along the longitudinal axis X.

In this phase, the container B, with the cap 1 arranged in correspondence with its opening A to be capped, is placed under the capping head 10.

The capping head 10 and the container B, in particular its opening A, are aligned along the longitudinal axis X.

Subsequently, the capping method involves a movement step along the longitudinal axis X of the capping head 10 above the container B and the cap 1.

This phase also provides for the positioning of the plurality? of ends? plugs 12 around the lateral wall 4 of the plug 1 itself.

In this phase, the capping system 100 finds the cap 1 at the top, in particular through the retention device 101, which has the purpose of keeping the cap 1 covering the opening A of the container B.

The extremities? plugs 12 are arranged around the lateral wall 4 without contacting it and/or exerting any force on the lateral part itself.

The capping method then envisages a phase of applying pressure in the opposite direction to the direction of vertical extension V along the longitudinal axis X.

This pressure is preferably impressed by the actuator M of the capping system 100.

Finally, does the capping method include a phase of elastic deformation of the ends? capping 12, due to the pressure impressed during the phase of exerting a pressure.

This elastic deformation brings the extremities? cappers 12 to approach radially along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

This movement continues up to the abutment of the plug 1, in particular in correspondence with the side wall 4, which deforms plastically.

This deformation involves the closure, by means of the cap 1, of the container B.

Observe, as a result of the pressure exerted during the exercise phase of a force, the extremities? capping elements 12 approach the side wall 4 of the cap in a radial manner.

This capping method and the related capping head 10 therefore advantageously allow a container B to be capped by compression and not by rotation, as occurs in the capping methods with twistoff caps known to date.

Advantageously, a capping by compression of a twist-off cap makes it possible to achieve greater efficiency in the capping process, as such the capping by rotation is considerably more efficient. slow. Furthermore, the capping head 10 can? be advantageously inserted within the capping systems used today for types of capping other than the twist-off one: this gives considerable flexibility? of the production plants.

Will I come now described pi? in detail the capping sequence of a container B with a cap 1 by means of the capping system 100 comprising the capping head 10 object of the invention.

The first step provides for the preparation of the cap 1 with the transversal wall 3 to close the opening A of container B and the side wall 4 arranged in correspondence with the thread F of the container B.

This container B, with the cap 1 suitably arranged, is positioned below the capping system 100, i.e. below the capping head 10 along the longitudinal axis X.

In particular, this position is aligned along the longitudinal axis X, i.e. vertically, with the capping head 10 and with the retention device 101.

Subsequently, the capping sequence provides for the actuation of the actuator M, which causes the downward translation of the capping system 100 along the longitudinal axis X (in the opposite direction to the vertical extension direction V).

During the translation of the capping system 100, the holding device 101 contacts and holds the cap 1 in position while the ends? plugs 12 are positioned around the side wall 4 of the plug 1 itself.

Moving further downwards along the longitudinal axis X under the action of the pressure of the actuator M, the capping system 100 encounters the resistance of the container B and the capping head 10, being movable inside the outer casing 107 together to the inner casing 102, the abutment ring 105 and to the retention device 101, substantially stops its downward translation.

At the same time, the outer casing 107 continues its downward translation along the longitudinal axis X and therefore said second and third springs, being active between the outer casing 107 and, respectively, the inner casing 102 and the feedback 105, they contract (that is, they compress).

In particular, the third spring, being operatively active between the abutment surface of the outer casing 107 and the abutment ring 105, exerts a return elastic force which translates into a downward thrust of the abutment ring 105.

This thrust is transferred to the capping ring 106, which contacts the abutment ring 105 at the bottom.

Under the action of this force, the capping ring 106 (which enjoys high slip properties thanks to the materials of which it is made) moves downwards, interposing itself between the capping appendices 12 and the external casing 107.

However, near of the capping appendages 12, the outer circumference of the capping appendages themselves is greater than that of the capping ring 106.

The capping ring 106 exerts radial inward pressure on the ends of the cap. plugging 12, which causes the narrowing of the grooves 14 and therefore the radial approach of the ends themselves? cappers 12 to the longitudinal axis X.

Thus, the ends plugs 12 and the annular insert 13 meet the plug 1 at the lateral surface 4, which is radially deformed in a plastic way until it assumes the shape shown in figures 1A-1D.

In particular, the depressed areas 42 are created in correspondence with the first profiles 12P1 and the sectors 13S and, due to the abutment with the thread F, the reliefs 42R are created.

In other words, the plurality of reliefs 42R ? the result of the impression of the thread F of the container B following the compression exerted by the capping head 10 on the side wall 4 of the cap 1.

Instead, the crests 41 are created in correspondence with the second profiles 12P2 and the grooves 13P.

Preferably, this deformation does not affect the curling iron 4C, which remains substantially unchanged even after the action of the capping head 10.

In other words, preferably, the plastic deformation performed by the capping head 10 does not affect the curling iron 4C.

Once concluded by plastic deformation of the cap 1, the third spring also comes into action which hinders the action of the actuator M and prevents further translation of the entire capping system 100 from damaging container B.

Finally, the actuator M reverses the translation motion and causes the capping system 100 to rise again.

Claims (15)

1. A cap (1) of the twist-off type, for closing a container (B) which has a thread (F) near the? of one of its openings (A) to be plugged, comprising: - a metal capsule (2), having a main axis (Z) of symmetry, comprising in turn a transversal wall (3) with a discoidal shape and a side wall (4), almost orthogonal to said transverse wall (3) and extending from a perimeter (3P) of said transverse wall (3); - a plastic gasket (5), positioned inside the metal cap (2) and at least partially in contact with an internal face of said transversal wall (3); said plug (1) being characterized in that the side wall (4) comprises a plurality of crests (41) and a plurality? depressed areas (42), arranged alternately on said lateral wall (4); said lateral wall (4) comprising, in correspondence with the plurality? of depressed areas (42), a plurality? of reliefs (42R) of partially helical shape. 2. The cap (1) of the twist-off type according to the previous claim, wherein each crest of the plurality of crests (41) has a main development direction (Z1) almost? parallel to the main axis (Z) of symmetry of the metal cap (2). 3. The cap (1) of the twist-off type according to the previous claim, wherein each crest of the plurality of ridges (41) extends in the main development direction (Z1) for a portion of side wall (4) equal to at least 70% of a length of the side wall (4) along said main development direction (Z1). 4. The cap (1) of the twist-off type according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality? of depressed areas (42) covers, on said lateral wall (4), an area at least triple with respect to said plurality? of ridges (41). 5. The cap (1) of the twist-off type according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (4) has an extension greater than or equal to 9 mm along a direction parallel to the main axis (Z) of symmetry. 6. The cap (1) of the twist-off type according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (4) has a curling (4C) at one end thereof. distal to the transverse wall (3). 7. The cap (1) of the twist-off type according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of ridges (41) of the plurality of crests (41) ? equal to the number of depressed areas (42) of the plurality? of depressed areas (42), and the number of ridges (41) ? between 7 and 15. 8. A capping head (10) for closing a container (B) by means of a twist-off type cap (1), comprising: - a hollow main body (11) which extends around a longitudinal axis (X) of the capping head (10) itself; - a plurality? of ends? plugs (12), integral with the main body (11) and arranged below the main body (11) with respect to a vertical extension direction (V) along the longitudinal axis (X), presenting on their internal face facing the ?longitudinal axis (X) a concave capping profile (12P); - an annular insert (13), arranged inside the plurality? of ends? capping plugs (12), which comprise a seat (12S) for placing said annular insert (13); said capping head (10) being characterized in that said annular insert (13) comprises a plurality of sectors (13S) and a plurality? of relief grooves (13G), each pair of adjacent sectors (13S) being separated by a relief groove (13G). 9. Capping head (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the annular insert (13) is? made using an elastomer, having a hardness between 90 and 100 IRHD. 10. Capping head (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the number of sectors (13S) of the plurality? of sectors (13S) ? equal to the number of ends? capping (12) of the plurality? of ends? plugging (12). 11. Capping head (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the capping profile (12P) comprises a first profile (12P1), arranged in the central region of the capping profile (12P), and a second profile (12P2), disposed at the ends? of the capping profile (12P); said second profile (12P2) presenting a concavity? different from the first profile (12P1). 12. Capping head (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 11 comprising a plurality of of furrows (14), extending at the plurality? of ends? plugging (12) and at least partially in correspondence with the main body (11), each groove of the plurality? of furrows (14) being interposed between a pair of extremities? plugging (12) adjacent; said plurality? of relief grooves (13G) being positioned in correspondence with a projection of said plurality? of grooves (14) on the annular insert (13) in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of the capping head (10). 13. Capping head (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein said plurality? of ends? capping (12) includes a plurality? of holes (15) and in which the annular insert (13) comprises, in correspondence with one of its external faces, a plurality? of protuberances (13P), called plurality? of protuberances (13P) being configured to be inserted in said plurality? of holes (15) and to make a shape coupling between the annular insert (13) and the plurality? of ends? plugging (12). 14. Capping head (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the number of ends? capping (12) of the plurality? of ends? plugging (12) ? between 7 and 15. 15. Capping method for closing a container (B) using a twist-off type cap (1) comprising the steps of: - providing a capping system (100) comprising a capping head (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 14; - preparing the cap (1) comprising a metal cap (2) and a plastic gasket (5) arranged inside said cap (2); said capsule (2) in turn comprising a transversal wall (3) and a side wall (4); - positioning the cap (1) on the container (B) with said side wall (4) arranged around an opening (A) of said container (B) having a thread (F); - arranging said container (B) below the capping head (10) according to the vertical extension direction (V) along the longitudinal axis (X); - move the capping head (10) above the container (B) and the cap (1) and position the plurality? of ends? plugs (12) around the side wall (4) of the plug (1) itself; - apply pressure in the opposite direction to the direction of vertical extension (V) along the longitudinal axis (X); - elastically deform the extremities? plugs (12), which approach radially along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), until they meet the plug (1) so? to plastically deform the side wall (4) and close the container (B) by means of the cap (1).