WO2016181295A1

WO2016181295A1 - Assembly for making at least one eyelet on a star for the production of a cage for sparkling wine corks

Info

Publication number: WO2016181295A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/052652
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto BROSSA; Marco DUTTO; Marco PRESCIANOTTO
Original assignee: Mec Project Di Brossa Roberto
Priority date: 2015-05-12
Filing date: 2016-05-10
Publication date: 2016-11-17
Also published as: ITUB20150419A1

Abstract

Assembly (2) for making at least one eyelet (0) on a star (S) for the production of a cage (G) for sparkling wine corks; The assembly (2) comprising at least one processing mechanism (3) for carrying out at least one operation on the end of at least one arm (S1) of the star (S); at least one bending mechanism (5) for bending one end of at least one arm (S1) of the star (S) processed by the processing mechanism (3), for the purpose of making an eyelet (0) at the end of said at least one arm (S1); at least one transport mechanism (7) for moving at least one star (S) between said at least one processing mechanism (3) and said at least one bending mechanism (5). Each one of said at least one processing mechanism (3) and said bending mechanism (5) comprising actuator means (32, 33, 52) independently controlled through respective motor means (M1, M2, M3). Said at least one bending mechanism (5) bends one end of at least one arm (S1) of the star (S) directly on the star (S) exiting the processing mechanism (3).

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR MAKING AT LEAST ONE EYELET ON A STAR FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A CAGE FOR SPARKLING WINE CORKS

The present invention relates to an assembly for making metal cage eyelets for sparkling beverages .

The assembly according to the present invention is used in machines for the production of cork holding cages.

The assembly according to the present invention is particularly suitable for processing stars of metal wires having each a plurality of tips or arms having open loops at their peripheral ends and a tip having two crossed wires, also called whiskers.

Machines are known which are used for making cages for sparkling wine corks. Patent IT1072710 in the name of leas discloses a cage-making machine that comprises a first cutting station, wherein the individual arms are cut by cutting means to a preset dimension, and then, after intermediate operations such as bending the star to obtain a truncated conical shape, an eyelet is formed on the individual truncated arms .

Such a solution is unfavourable because there is a large amount of scraps resulting from the cutting of all the tips/arms of the star prior to forming the eyelet.

Moreover, the eyelet being formed after subjecting the arms of the star to additional operations, alignment problems may arise which may cause problems during the subsequent operations.

The solution proposed by ICAS's patent also suffers from the drawback that the finished product is subject to much variability, since reproducibility of the finished product is poor. This is not appreciated by final customers, who want to obtain metal cages that are all equal, so that they can be easily stacked and positioned on the necks of sparkling wine bottles.

Machines for making cages for sparkling wine corks are also known which comprise an eyelet forming station. According to this solution, the tips or arms of the star are suitably cut or pressed in order to close the loop, while at the same time a step of bending the pressed and cut end is carried out.

This solution does not allow a precise adjustment of the force to be applied for cutting and/or compressing the end of each arm and then bending it for making the eyelet. This latter solution has the drawback that the same force is always exerted on all ends of all stars entering said processing station. This solution subjects each end of the star to high pressures, resulting in defects in the appearance and shape of the finished product, which are not accepted by the final customer.

A solution is also known wherein, following the making of the star, the loops at the ends of the star thus obtained are used as eyelets for inserting the belt. This solution requires forming an eyelet only for the tip or arm with the two twisted wires ending into whiskers. In this solution as well, no control is effected on the force to be applied, since a cut must be made on the end that comprises the whiskers .

All prior-art solutions employ a cam transmission, which prevents an exact adjustment of the movements and forces to be applied during every single operation carried out on every single end of the star. This problem is particularly felt during the eyelet forming step. Furthermore, the use of a cam transmission requires the use of complex gear trains that are subject to wear, so that the machine will require constant maintenance.

The solutions currently available in the art suffer from the drawback that excessive pressures are generated on the ends of the cage arms, leading to abrasions on the metal wires. Said abrasions translate into defects that are visible on the final product.

The solutions of the prior art require moving complex elements for forming the eyelet, thus implying a considerable waste of energy because heavy portions of the machine have to be moved, in particular on the number of pieces manufactured per time unit.

The present invention aims at solving all of the above-mentioned problems suffered by the prior art, as well as many others, by providing an assembly for making at least one eyelet on a star for the production of cork cages for sparkling beverages, having full control over the force exerted for coupling the rings and/or cutting the ends or whiskers, and for forming the eyelet without incurring in the drawbacks of prior-art solutions.

One aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly for making at least one eyelet having the features set out in the appended claim 1.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a machine for the production of cork cages for sparkling bottle according to claim 10.

Further auxiliary features are set out in the appended dependent claims.

The features and advantages of the assembly and of the machine will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment of the assembly and from the annexed drawings, wherein:

• Figures 1A and IB show the assembly for making at least one eyelet, included in a device for being installed on a machine for the production of cork cages for sparkling beverages; in particular, Figure 1A is a first perspective view and Figure IB is a second perspective view of the assembly;

• Figure 2 shows one possible embodiment of a star that represents a semifinished product from which a part of the cage will be obtained, the star can be used by the assembly according to the present invention, in which the four arms of the star are shown, wherein three arms comprise loops at their peripheral ends, and one arm comprises whiskers, obtained by manufacturing the cage with metal wire;

• Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of the assembly shown in Figures 1A and IB; in particular, it shows the handling mechanism that comprises the shifting device and the retaining elements;

• Figure 4 is a sectional front view of the same detail shown in Figure 3 along plane 4-4, showing the processing mechanism for pressing the ends of the arms of the star and/or for cutting the whiskers at the end of one arm of the star;

• Figure 5 is a sectional front view, along plane 5-5, a detail of the assembly, showing the bending mechanisms for making the eyelet;

• Figure 6 is a sectional front view, along plane 6-6, of the whole assembly, showing the various parts thereof ; • Figure 7 shows a cage for sparkling beverage bottles made by means of a cage-making machine comprising an assembly according to the present invention;

• Figure 8 is an illustrative and simplified block diagram of the control system of the assembly according to the present invention.

With reference to the above-listed figures, the assembly, designated by reference numeral 2, is adapted for making at least one eyelet "0" on a star "S", preferably a planar one, made up of, for example, metal wire, for the production of a cage "G" for sparkling beverage corks.

Said planar star "S" comprises a plurality of arms having loops at their peripheral ends and one end with two twisted wires that define whiskers. Figure 2 shows an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment of a star "S" comprising four arms "SI" and made by means of a star- making station, for example comprised in a machine for producing cages "G". Figure 7 shows by way of non-limiting example one possible embodiment of cage "G", made by using an assembly 2 according to the present invention. In particular, a star "S" like the one shown in Figure 2 is used for making a cage "G" like the one illustrated in Figure 7.

Assembly 2 according to the present invention comprises at least one processing mechanism 3 for carrying out at least one operation on the end, in particular the peripheral end, of at least one arm "SI" of star "S".

Assembly 2 comprises at least one bending mechanism 5 for bending one end of at least one arm "SI" of star "S" on which a process has been carried out by processing mechanism 3, for the purpose of making an eyelet "0" at the end of said at least one arm "SI".

Assembly 2 further comprises at least one transport mechanism 7 for moving at least one star "S" between said at least one processing mechanism 3 and said at least one bending mechanism 5.

Figures 1A and IB show different perspective views of one embodiment of assembly 2 according to the present invention .

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each one of said at least one processing mechanism 3 and said bending mechanism 5 comprising actuator means (32, 33, 52) independently controlled through respective motor means (Ml, M2, M3) .

Said actuator means (32, 33, 52) are preferably configured for operating in the plane defined by said star (S) .

The present solution does not require a single central actuation system for transferring the motion to the actuator means via systems of cams and gear trains and idlers. The solution according to the present invention ensures precise control over the forces exerted on individual arms "SI" of star "S" during the different steps necessary for making eyelet "0" .

In assembly 2 according to the present invention, said at least one bending mechanism 5 bends one end, in particular the peripheral end, of at least one arm "SI" of star "S" directly on star "S" exiting processing mechanism 3.

Describing more in detail the construction of said at least one processing mechanism 3, it comprises at least two pressing devices 32, each one of which is used for pressing, in an independent manner, a peripheral end of at least one arm "SI" of said star "S". Said processing mechanism 3 allows processing at least two peripheral ends of the respective arms "SI" of the star in a substantially simultaneous manner, though still independently, in order to exert the pressure forces necessary for closing the loops comprised at the end of the arm, so as to avoid any appearance and shape defects on the arms "SI".

In one possible embodiment, assembly 2 comprises at least two processing mechanisms 3, e.g. arranged in series, preferably along a first axis "Y", each one of which can process two arms "SI" of the same star "S". In this embodiment, each processing mechanism 3 comprises two pressing devices 32. In a further embodiment, assembly 2 comprises at least two processing mechanisms 3, e.g. arranged between at least one bending mechanism 5, preferably along a first axis "Y", each one of which adapted to activate two arms "SI" of star "S". In this embodiment as well, each processing mechanism 3 comprises two pressing devices 32.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of said at least two pressing devices 32, comprised in a processing device 3, comprises also at least one cutting element 33, preferably only one. In one possible embodiment, the assembly comprises two processing mechanisms 3, one of which comprises two pressing devices 32, the other processing mechanism 3 comprises two pressing devices 32, one of said pressing devices 32 comprising also a cutting element 33. In general, said transport mechanism 7 comprises at least one shifting device 72 and at least two retaining elements 74, preferably fork-shaped. Each retaining element 74 for supporting said star "S". Said shifting device 72 can move at least one star "S" between said at least two retaining elements 74. In the exemplary embodiment, said shifting device 72 comprises two bars 721 comprising a plurality of recesses, not illustrated in detail, each one for housing one arm "SI" of the same star "S". Said shifting device 72 can make a movement, preferably a rotary-translational one, for grasping at least one star "S" arranged on a first retaining element 74, raising it, moving it towards a second retaining element 74, and positioning the same star "S", previously picked up, into a second retaining element 74. Said shifting device 72 essentially follows a closed path, interacting with said stars "S" solely for moving them in a predefined direction.

In the exemplary embodiment shown herein, said shifting device 72 can simultaneously handle a number of stars "S" at least equal to the number of retaining elements 74 comprised in transport mechanism 7.

Said retaining element 74, therefore, interacts in operation with said at least one shifting device 72.

Said at least one shifting device 72 is adapted to move said stars "S" along an axis, e.g. a first axis "Y", preferably in the direction opposite to that indicated by the axis itself, as shown by way of example in Figures 1A and IB.

Said shifting device 72 is actuated, for example, by a first actuator device 75. Said first actuator device 75 is adapted to drive said shifting device 72 following a closed path and making a substantially rotary-translational movement, for the purpose of shifting said stars between said at least one processing mechanism 3 and said processing mechanism 5, but it is also adapted to between the processing mechanisms 3, when required by the embodiment .

In the preferred embodiment, said retaining elements are aligned along a first axis "Y" . Also, at least one retaining element 74 is shaped as to make a transversal movement relative to the alignment axis of the same retaining elements. In addition, the movement made by at least one retaining element 74 is transversal also with respect to the movement made by stars "S" between the same retaining elements 74. The transversal movement of at least one retaining element 74 is such as to correctly arrange star "S" at said at least one processing device 3 and/or said at least one bending mechanism 5.

Said transversal movement comprises a vertical component along a second axis "Z". Preferably, said movement occurs along a longitudinal axis "L".

In the preferred embodiment, said retaining element 74 is moved by a second actuator means 76. In a further embodiment, said retaining element is moved by said first actuator means 75 via a cam system.

Said movement of retaining element 74 allows star "S" to be positioned quickly at processing mechanism 3 and/or bending mechanism 5. This solution avoids the need for moving processing mechanism 3 and/or bending mechanism 5, thereby reducing the execution time and simplifying the structure of assembly 2. In prior-art solutions, the handling mechanism could not make any further movement in addition to those for switching between the various stations, and therefore the single stations have to move the device capable of carrying out the operation, resulting in a slower process and higher machine production costs.

In general, said bending device 5 comprises at least two forming devices 52, each one of which adapted to bend, in an independent manner, a peripheral end of at least one arm "SI" of star "S" for forming eyelet "0" .

Said bending device 5 allows bending at least two peripheral ends of the respective arms "SI" of the star in a substantially simultaneous, but still independent, manner. The present solution allows exerting the bending force necessary for making eyelet "0" in such a way as to avoid any appearance and shape defects on arms "SI" and/or eyelet "0".

In one possible embodiment, assembly 2 comprises at least two bending devices 5, e.g. arranged in series, preferably along a first axis "Y", each one of which for acting upon two arms "SI" of star "S". In this embodiment, each bending device 5 comprises two forming devices 52.

In a further possible embodiment, assembly 2 comprises at least two bending devices 5, preferably arranged between at least one processing mechanism 3, preferably along a first axis "Y", each one of which for acting upon two arms "SI" of star "S". In this embodiment as well, each bending device 5 comprises two forming devices 52.

In general, in the embodiment comprising two processing mechanisms 3 and/or two bending devices 5, said transport mechanism 7 comprises a transport element, not shown in detail, which can move star "S" in order to appropriately arrange it, in particular on retaining elements 74, for the purpose of allowing processing mechanisms 3 and/or bending devices 5 to properly carry out operations on the ends of arms "SI" of star "S". A similar solution can also be used when a single processing mechanism 3 and/or a single bending device 5 are used. This is made possible through the use of independent motor and/or actuator devices, so that the movements of the individual devices can be controlled as desired.

Said first actuator device 75 is adapted to move said shifting device 72 in order to move said stars "S" both between said at least one processing mechanism 3 and said actuating mechanism 5, but it is also capable of between bending mechanisms 5, when required by the embodiment.

In the preferred embodiment, said transport mechanism 7 comprises a shifting device 72, in turn comprising two bars 721, for moving a plurality of stars "S" between a plurality of retaining elements 7, preferably six or more, as shown by way of example in Figure 3. In the exemplary but non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 3, each retaining element 74 has a fork-like shape, since it comprises a central portion 741 and two branches 742. Said central portion 741 housing one end of an arm "SI" of star "S". Each one of the branches 742 of the fork is adapted to support an arm "SI" of star "S". Star "S" is arranged on said branches 742 by shifting device 72. Said branches 742 are so shaped as to let the peripheral ends of each arm "SI" associated therewith protrude from their outline, so as to allow processing mechanism 3 and/or bending mechanism 5 to act upon said end in order to make eyelet "0".

The handling mechanism comprises a second guide 77 substantially opposite to central portions 741, which can guide the end of arm "SI" of star "S" opposite arm to the arm inserted in central portion 741, while moving from one retaining element to the next. Said second guide 77 contributes to the guided movement of star "S" between the different retaining elements 74 and/or the devices comprised in assembly 2 according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the processing mechanism 3 that comprises two pressing devices 32, one of which further comprises a cutting element 33.

In said embodiment, the first pressing device 32 comprises a countering element 321, preferably adapted to keep a fixed position, and a pressing element 322, adapted to be driven by a motor means "Ml" towards said countering element 321, attempting to abut thereon.

During the processing, the end of the arm "SI" of the star "S" is interposed, e.g. by said transport mechanism 7, between said countering element 321 and said pressing element 322.

In particular, the end of arm "SI" of star "S" is interposed between said countering element 321 and said pressing element 322 by moving said retaining element 74, e.g. activated by means of said first actuator device 75 or said second actuator device 76.

When said pressing element 322 gets close to said countering element 321 it exerts a compressing force on the end of arm "SI", thus closing the loop at the end of arm "SI". Said motor means "Ml" is adapted to cause said pressing element 322 and/or said countering element 321 to make a longitudinal movement, preferably along an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis "L". Said motor means "Ml" is controlled by a control device 20, which, via at least one sensing device 21, can determine the force exerted on said end of arm "SI". For example, said sensing device 21 can determine the force exerted on said end of arm "SI" by said pressing element 322 and/or by said countering element 321.

As a predefined torque value is reached even if the pressing element 322 has not reached the end of its stroke, it will interrupt the processing by turning off motor means "Ml", in order not to apply any further compression force on the end of arm "SI" and to allow arm "SI" to be released .

Likewise, as far as the pressing device comprising said cutting element 33 is concerned, during the processing the end of arm "SI" of star "S" is interposed, e.g. by said transport mechanism 7, between a countering element 321 and a cutting element 331.

In particular, the end of arm "SI" of star "S" is interposed between said countering element 321 and said cutting element 331 by moving said retaining element 74, e.g. activated by means of said first actuator device 75 or said second actuator device 76.

When said cutting element 331 gets closer to said countering element 321, it will exert a cutting force on the end of arm "SI", thus cutting the whiskers at the end of arm "SI". Said motor means "Ml" is adapted to cause said cutting element 331 and/or said countering element 321 to make a longitudinal movement, preferably along an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis "L".

The same cutting element 331 is adapted for exerting a pressure force on the new end of arm "SI", in order to keep the wires that define the same arm "SI" close to each other also after the cutting operation.

Said motor means "Ml" is controlled by a control device 20, which, via at least one sensing device 21, can determine the force exerted on said end of arm "SI" and/or the stroke of said cutting element 331. As the cutting element 331 reaches the end of its stroke, the processing will be interrupted by turning off the motor means, in order not to apply any further compression force and allow arm "SI" to be released.

In general, said motor means and/or actuator means may be electronic devices such as electric motors and/or pneumatic devices.

Said pressing element 32 are removably fixed to processing mechanism 3, so that they can be replaced. In particular, said countering element and/or said pressing element and/or said cutting element 331 are removable and can be quickly replaced, e.g. due to breaking and/or wear.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the bending mechanism 5 that comprises two forming devices 52.

In said embodiment, forming device 52 comprises at least one pivot pin 521, preferably two of them, each one adapted to define the point where the end of the respective arm "SI" is to be bent, and at least one rotation element 522, preferably two of them, each one adapted to be driven by a second motor means "M2" in order to bend, around said pivot pin 521, the end of the associated arm "SI" for the purpose of making eyelet "0".

During the processing, the end of arm "SI" of star "S" is placed at forming device 52, e.g. by said transport mechanism 7, in particular on said retaining element 74. Once star "S" has been properly positioned, said pivot pin 521 is placed near the end of the corresponding arm "SI". Pivot pin 521 is moved by a third motor means "M3", allowing said pin 521 to make a linear movement. Preferably, said third motor means "M3" is adapted to cause said pivot pin 521 to make a longitudinal movement, preferably along an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis "L" .

Following the positioning of pivot pin 521, said second motor means "M2" drives rotation element 522, which makes a rotary movement, preferably covering a circumference sector, preferably smaller than 180°.

Preferably, said second motor means "M2" is adapted to cause said rotation element 522 to make a rotary movement about an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis "L".

During the movement of rotation element 522, both retaining element 74 and pivot pin 521 are preferably held in a fixed position.

The movement of rotation element 522 exerts a bending force on the end of arm "SI", thus creating an eyelet "0" at the end of arm "SI".

Said rotation element 522 comprises a clutching element 524 into which the end of arm "SI" of star "S" is positioned, connected to a rotary shaft 523 driven by said second motor means "M2".

Said motor means (M2, M3 ) are controlled by a control device 20, which, via at least one sensing device 21, can determine the proper position of pivot pin 521 and/or of rotation element 522 for correctly making eyelet "0" at the end of arm "SI". In particular, a first sensing device can measure the stroke of pin 521, while a second sensing device can determine the angle of rotation of rotation element 522. When the preset stroke of pivot 521 is reached, said third motor means will stop the pin itself.

When the preset angle of rotation of the rotation element is reached, said second motor means will stop the rotation element 522.

Said rotation elements, and in particular said clutching elements 524, and said pivot pins 521 are removably fixed to bending mechanism 5, so that they can be replaced. In particular, said clutching element 524 and said pivot pin 521 are removable for a quick replacement, e.g. due to breaking and/or wear.

In general, assembly 2 according to the present invention comprises a control unit 20 for activating and controlling processing mechanism 3 and bending mechanism 5. In particular, said control unit 20 can activate and control both said pressing devices 32 and said cutting elements 33 of processing mechanism 3. Also, said control unit 20 can activate and control said forming devices 52 of bending mechanism 5.

Furthermore, said control unit 20 can activate and control said transport mechanism 7, in particular by activating and controlling said first actuator device 75 and said second actuator device 76.

In general, assembly 2 comprises at least one sensing device 21, electrically connected to said control unit 20. Said at least one sensing device 21 can at least return a datum that allows determining at least one force exerted on said end of arm "SI". The force exerted on said end of arm "SI" may be determined either directly, via force actuators, or indirectly, via motion and/or displacement and/or acceleration sensors. The data provided by said at least one sensing device 21 are then suitably processed and used by said control unit 20.

Figure 8 shows a general block diagram showing the electric and/or logic connections between the parts for the control and activation of assembly 2 according to the present invention. Figure 8 will not be described any further herein because the interaction among the various devices, necessary for controlling and activating them, is clear from the drawings and the previous description.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the assembly of Figure 1A, which shows other aspects of the assembly according to the present invention from another point of view, thus allowing the man skilled in the art to determine further characteristics of assembly 2 according to the present invention .

In the exemplary but non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the drawings, assembly 2 according to the present invention is supported by support elements 23, at least one, but preferably two, to which all the elements of assembly 2 are fastened for their proper positions. Said support elements 23 comprise, on one end, a first flange to which assembly 2 is connected, and a second flange for connecting assembly 2 to a machine for making cages "G".

Assembly 2 is preferably arranged along an axis "L", which is inclined relative to said first axis "Y", said second axis "Z" and a third axis "X" . Said first, second and third axes (Y, Z, X) define an orthogonal three- dimensional plane.

This layout of assembly 2 ensures a correct processing on arms "SI". Assembly 2 according to the present invention is so configured that each device or element (32, 33, 52, 72, 74) comprised in the respective mechanisms (3, 5, 7) comprised in assembly 2 can be driven by an independent motor means and/or actuator device (Ml, M2, M3 , 75, 76) . In particular, each motor means and/or actuator device comprised in a device (32, 33, 52, 72, 74) is independent from the other motor means and/or actuator devices comprised in the same device (32, 33, 52, 72, 74) .

In particular, the axes of said motor means or actuator devices (Ml, M2, M3, 75, 76) are aligned with the devices or elements (32, 33, 52, 72, 74) comprised in the respective mechanisms (3, 5, 7) comprised in assembly 2.

This solution allows eliminating idlers or gear trains, thus reducing the risk of failures and wear. Moreover, direct control of the devices, in particular in the absence of gear trains and/or idlers, by the motor means and/or actuators ensures higher accuracy and safety, while also improving the speed of execution of the movements involved.

In summary the assembly according to the present invention can be used on machines for the production of cork holding cages "G". In particular assembly 2 according to the present invention is adapted to receive stars "S" made by a star forming assembly. The star thus generated will preferably have 4 arms, three of which having open loops at their peripheral ends and one having two crossed wires called whiskers. Stars "S" thus generated are prepared for being moved by transport mechanism 7, in particular said shifting device 72, more in particular a pair of bars 721 having suitable retaining hooks. At each movement of shifting device 7, stars "S" are moved from one retaining element 74 to the next in the predetermined direction, the various stars being stopped during the backward motion in assembly 2, so that they can advance.

In general, a star "S" is moved by said shifting device 72 until it reaches a processing device 3. At this processing mechanism 3, retaining element 74 near processing mechanism 3 is moved in order to arrange star "S", which has arrived in said retaining element 74, near pressing devices 32, as previously described. Instead of moving retaining element 74, it is conceivable to move said countering element 321 and said pressing element 322 in order to cause them to adapt to the position of the arm "SI".

Once star "S" has been positioned, said first motor means "Ml" is turned on in order to activate the pressing devices 32 and cutting elements 33, for the purpose of, respectively, closing the loops at the ends of the arms and cutting said whiskers.

The present solution provides full control over the thrust forces exerted on the wires at the ends of individual arms "SI" of star "S", which in prior-art solutions underwent strong pressures, resulting in a finished part with appearance and shape defects. The present solution also allows building an assembly 2 with a single support for the whole assembly and with only limiting the movement to a few moving elements of assembly 2, whereas in prior-art solutions it was necessary to move the entire eyelet forming station, which acted both as a coupler and as an eyelet forming unit. In the solution according to the present invention, also bending mechanism 5 provides full control over the formation of an individual eyelet "0" . In fact, said bending mechanism 5 comprises said second motor means "M2", which is controlled independently, thus allowing eyelets "0" to be formed on individual arms "S" of the star by defining for each one of them the degree of closure to be effected. Preferably, in the preferred embodiment, during the activation of said second motor means "M2", shaft 523 of forming device 52 is turned by the motor, it being supported by bearings, e.g. rolling bearings, while the other elements of forming device 52 remain still in the predefined position. This facilitates the making of eyelet "0" , while also reducing the energy consumption.

This solution also facilitates the next of processing star "S" for producing cage "G".

In particular, the assembly according to the present invention is particularly suitable for inclusion in a machine for the production of cages "G" for corks to be associated with sparkling beverage bottles, which machine comprises at least one station for forming a star "S". In particular, at least one station of the machine comprises at least one assembly 2 for making at least one eyelet "0" on a star "S" in accordance with the present invention.

Assembly 2 according to the present invention is also innovative compared to prior-art solutions, in that it completely eliminates the need for a rotary transmission system made up of gears that are subject to wear and difficult to machine, especially in the eyelet forming part, since the second motor means is positioned in alignment with the shaft of the forming device. This solution removes all offsets that resulted in friction and stresses causing increased wear.

Furthermore, since the processing mechanism is separate from the bending mechanism, it is now possible to control the pressure to be exerted on the wires of the star arms .

In addition, with this solution it is possible to check the wear of the forming devices and possibly replace them, unlike prior-art solutions in which, when one of the elements used for pressing the loop wore out, it was necessary to replace the entire eyelet forming station.

Any features illustrated in the annexed drawings but not described in the present description should be considered to fall within the scope of the present patent application, since they can be clearly inferred from the drawings .

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Assembly 2

Control unit 20

Sensing devices 21

Support elements 23

Processing mechanism 3

Pressing devices 32

Countering element 321

Pressing element 322

Cutting device 33

Cutting element 331

Bending mechanism 5

Forming device 52

Pivot pin 521

Rotation element 522

Shaft 523

Clutching element 524

Transport mechanism 7

Shifting device 72

Bars 721

Retaining element 74

Central portion 741

Branches 742

First actuator device 75

Second actuator device 76

Guide 77

Cage G

Motor means (Ml, M2, M3)

Longitudinal axis L

Eyelet 0

Star S Arm

First axis Second axis Third axis

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. Assembly (2) for making at least one eyelet (0) on a planar star (S) of metal wire for the production of a cage (G) for sparkling beverage corks;

said star (S) comprising a plurality of arms having loops at their peripheral ends, and one end having two crossed wires defining whiskers;

said assembly (2) comprising:

• at least one processing mechanism (3) for carrying out at least one operation on the end of at least one arm (SI) of the star (S) ;

• at least one bending mechanism (5) for bending one end of at least one arm (SI) of the star (S) processed by the processing mechanism (3), for the purpose of making an eyelet (0) at the end of said at least one arm (SI) ;

• at least one transport mechanism (7) for moving at least one star (S) between said at least one processing mechanism (3) and said at least one bending mechanism ( 5 ) ;

each one of said at least one processing mechanism (3) and said bending mechanism (5) comprising actuator means (32, 33, 52) independently controlled through respective motor means (Ml, M2, M3 ) ;

said actuator means (32, 33, 52) being configured for operating in the plane defined by said star (S);

said at least one bending mechanism (5) bends one end of at least one arm (SI) of the star (S) directly on the star (S) exiting the processing mechanism (3);

characterized in that: said at least one processing mechanism (3) comprises least two pressing devices (32), each one of which is used for pressing, in an independent manner, a peripheral end of at least one arm (SI) of said star

(S) ;

• at least one of said at least two pressing devices (32) comprises a cutting element (33) .

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein said handling mechanism (7) comprises:

least one shifting device (72), and

- at least two retaining elements (74), each one having a fork-like shape and being adapted to support said star (S); said shifting device (72) being adapted to move at least one star (S) between said at least two retaining elements (74) .

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein said at least two retaining elements (74) are aligned along a first axis (Y) , and at least one of them is so shaped as to make a transversal movement relative to the alignment axis (Y) , in order to correctly arrange the star (S) at said at least one processing mechanism (3) or at said at least one bending mechanism (5) .

4. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein said bending device (5) comprises at least two forming devices (52), each one for bending, in an independent manner, a peripheral end of at least one arm (SI) of the star (S) for forming the eyelet (0) .

5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each device or element (32, 33, 52, 72, 74) comprised in the respective mechanisms (3, 5, 7) comprised in the assembly (2) is driven by an independent motor means or actuator device (Ml, M2, M3 , 75, 76) .

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the axes of said motor means or actuator devices (M2, M3, 75, 76) are aligned with the devices comprised in the mechanisms (3, 5, 7) comprised in the assembly (2) .

7. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control unit (20) is comprised for activating and controlling the processing mechanism (3), the bending mechanism (5) and the transport mechanism (7) .

8. Assembly according to claim 7, wherein said assembly comprises at least one sensing device (21) capable of returning a datum that allows determining the force exerted on said end of the arm (SI) ; said at least one sensing device (21) being connected to said control unit.

9. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pressing elements (32) are removably fixed to the processing mechanism (3), so that they can be replaced.

10. Machine for the production of cork cages to be associated with sparkling beverage bottles, comprising at least one station for forming a star (S);

characterized in that at least one station of the machine comprises at least one assembly (2) for making at least one eyelet (0) on a star (S) in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9.