阅读说明：本技术 用于装配塑料物体的设备 (Device for assembling plastic objects ) 是由 A·F·布西纳罗 于 2018-04-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种用于装配塑料物体的设备(1),其中,塑料物体包括适用于联接到基部支撑件(6)的帽部(2),基部支撑件基本上至少部分地相对于帽部(2)呈相反形状,设备(1)包括：限定了装配路径(3a)和包括装配路径(3a)的装配平面(3b)的装配线(3)的至少一部分、以及多个主轴(30),主轴适用于通过装置(31)沿着装配路径(3a)移动,并且适用于以受控方式拾取帽部(2),其中,主轴(30)适用于将帽部(2)定位和推动到沿装配路径(3a)布置的基部支撑件(6)上,以及其中,设备(1)还包括定位装置(7)和控制单元(5),定位装置至少包括第一检测器(70)和第二检测器(71),控制单元包括适用于沿垂直于装配路径(3a)和装配平面(3b)的方向平移和旋转主轴(30)的辅助控制系统(53),并且包括适用于检测主轴(30)相对于所述装配路径(3a)的定向的第三编码器(54),其中,第一检测器(70)适用于检测第一定向(6a),第二检测器(71)适用于检测第二定向(2a),控制单元(5)适用于通过检测器(70、71)检测第一定向(6a)和第二定向(2a),并且适用于操作辅助控制系统(53),以使基部支撑件(6)和帽部(2)对准。(An apparatus (1) for assembling plastic objects is provided, wherein the plastic objects comprise a cap (2) adapted to be coupled to a base support (6), the base support being substantially at least partially of opposite shape with respect to the cap (2), the apparatus (1) comprising: at least a part of an assembly line (3) defining an assembly path (3a) and an assembly plane (3b) including the assembly path (3a), and a plurality of spindles (30) adapted to be moved along the assembly path (3a) by means of devices (31) and to pick up the caps (2) in a controlled manner, wherein the spindles (30) are adapted to position and push the caps (2) onto base supports (6) arranged along the assembly path (3a), and wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises positioning devices (7) comprising at least a first detector (70) and a second detector (71) and a control unit (5) comprising an auxiliary control system (53) adapted to translate and rotate the spindles (30) in a direction perpendicular to the assembly path (3a) and the assembly plane (3b), and comprising a third encoder (30) adapted to detect the orientation of the spindles (30) with respect to the assembly path (3a) 54) Wherein the first detector (70) is adapted to detect the first orientation (6a), the second detector (71) is adapted to detect the second orientation (2a), the control unit (5) is adapted to detect the first orientation (6a) and the second orientation (2a) by means of the detectors (70, 71), and to operate the auxiliary control system (53) to align the base support (6) and the cap (2).)

1. A device (1) for assembling plastic objects,

the plastic object comprises a cap (2) adapted to be coupled to a base support (6) substantially at least partially of opposite shape with respect to the cap (2), the apparatus (1) comprising: at least one part of an assembly line (3) of the cap (2) and the base support (6) defining an assembly path (3a) and an assembly plane (3b) comprising the assembly path (3a), and

the apparatus (1) comprising a plurality of spindles (30) adapted to be moved by means (31) along the assembly path (3a) and to pick up in a controlled manner a selected one between the cap (2) and the base support (6), the spindles (30) being adapted to position and push the cap (2) onto the base support (6) arranged along the assembly path (3a) on the assembly plane (3b) or the base support (6) onto the cap (2) arranged along the assembly path on the assembly plane,

characterized in that said device (1) comprises:

-a positioning device (7) comprising at least a first detector (70) and a second detector (71);

-a control unit (5) comprising an auxiliary control system (53) adapted to translate and rotate said spindle (30) in a direction perpendicular to said assembly path (3a) and to said assembly plane (3b), and comprising a third encoder (54) adapted to detect the orientation of said spindle (30) with respect to said assembly path (3a),

the first detector (70) being adapted to detect the first orientation (6a) of the base support (6) with respect to the assembly path (3a),

the second detector (71) being adapted to detect the second orientation (2a) of the cap (2) with respect to the assembly path (3a),

the control unit (5) is adapted to detect the first orientation (6a) of the base support (6) and the second orientation (2a) of the cap (29) by means of the detectors (70, 71), and to operate the auxiliary control system (53) to align the base support (6) and the cap (2).

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said assembly line (3) is a rotary machine, said assembly path (3a) is at least a portion of a circle, and said device (31) comprises a shaft driving the shaft, said shaft being adapted to rotate about an axis centred on said assembly path (3a) and perpendicular to said assembly plane (3 b).

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detector (70, 71) is a camera adapted to detect a first image (60) of the base support (6) and a second image (23) of the cap (2), and the control unit (5) is adapted to compare the images (60, 23) with a sample image (8), the first image (60) and the sample image (8) defining the first orientation (6a) of the base support (6) with respect to the assembly path (3a), the second image (60) and the sample image (8) defining the second orientation (2a) of the cap (2) with respect to the assembly path (3 a).

4. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (5) calculates an angular displacement (β) between said first orientation (6a) of said base support (6) and said second orientation (2a) of said cap (2) calculated by comparing said images (60, 23) with said sample image (8), said auxiliary control system (53) rotating said main shaft (30) holding said cap (2) by said angular displacement (β) to align said base support (6) and said cap (2).

5. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said sample image (8) is an image of said cap (2) and said base support (6) in assembled configuration, and said first orientation (6a) and said second orientation (2a) are defined in a plane parallel to said assembly path (3a) and to said assembly plane (3 b).

6. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said auxiliary control system (53) comprises, for each of said spindles (30), a second actuator (53a) and a first actuator (53b), said second actuator (53a) being removably attached to said device (31) and being suitable for translating in said direction perpendicular to said assembly path (3a) and to said assembly plane (3b), said first actuator (53b) being removably attached to said spindle (30) and to said second actuator (53a) and being suitable for rotating said spindle (30) about said direction perpendicular to said assembly path (3a) and to said assembly plane (3 b).

7. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said second actuator (53a) is a linear brushless actuator and wherein said first actuator (53b) is a rotary brushless actuator.

8. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said spindle (30) is of the type selected between mechanical, electric or pneumatic.

9. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (5) comprises a control system (50) suitable for processing the signals coming from said detectors (70, 71) and from said third encoder (54), and for controlling said auxiliary control system (53).

10. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control system (50) comprises an electronic processor of a known type.

Technical Field

The object of the invention is an apparatus for assembling plastic objects of the type stated in the preamble of claim 1.

In particular, the object of the invention is a cutting device, for example for objects such as caps.

Background

As is known, the cap (cap) for food products has two main parts: a lid portion (lid portion) and a tamper evidence portion (tamper evidence portion) designed to demonstrate proper closure of the food container.

Examples of these are rings included in the cap (cap) of bottles for common liquids (e.g. beverages or water, etc.) which are separated from the cap portion by small recesses.

Between the notches are also tabs (tab) designed to break or tear when the bottle is opened for the first time.

The method ensures that the food in the container is protected before use by the user.

For the

Containers, such as those used for milk or juice, etc., the lid portion is typically separated from the tamper evidence portion by a plurality of tabs.

For example, to meet the minimum seal strength requirements imposed by law, three such tabs are necessary.

However, it can be observed that in the above examples, such a cap comprises only two tabs when provided to the end user.

This is due to the fact that, after the cap has undergone all the necessary processing, the intermediate tab is removed so as to enable the user to suitably open the cap to use the product and then replace it.

Furthermore, the caps used on the above-mentioned containers are generally subjected to a treatment in which they are coupled with the base support by screwing (crimping) or by a cold plastic deformation process.

In order to perform such operations, in the state of the art, substantially automated machines are used which are able to process a plurality of parts (in particular a plurality of caps) in succession.

In particular, such machines comprise a rotating mechanism comprising a spindle arranged radially with respect to a central axis, suitable for picking caps from a continuous line of caps (continuous line) and for compressing said caps, comprising a lid portion and a tamper evidence portion, by means of a cold forming process onto a base support, which is generally rigid.

Furthermore, during rotation, a cutting blade arranged on each spindle is designed to remove an intermediate tab arranged between the cover part and the tamper evidence part.

When the processing is complete, the finished caps are transported back to the line, away from the processing machine.

The above-described prior art has several significant drawbacks.

In particular, the machine includes a large number of internal components that result in increased complexity and cost.

Furthermore, during coupling, misalignment may occur between the plastic objects, in particular between the cap and the support, which may lead to damage or incorrect coupling of said objects.

In particular, the need to make precise cuts to avoid breaking the side tabs connecting the cap portion and the tamper evidence portion results in a solution with a cutter on each spindle.

Each single spindle is therefore technically and economically expensive.

Furthermore, the mechanical connection between the rotating spindle and the actuator designed to operate the blade is complex and may lead to inaccuracies, which in the long term prevent a complete optimization of the production line.

Finally, the cutting system does not take into account the positioning of the cap and the positioning of the base support, thus causing undesirable damage, resulting in product loss and waste.

Disclosure of Invention

In this case, the technical purpose of the present invention is to develop a fitting device for plastic objects that is able to substantially overcome at least some of the inconveniences described above.

Within the scope of said technical purpose, an important object of the present invention is to provide a device that is able to simplify the system and, consequently, the structure of the rotating equipment (plant) for coupling the cap to the base support.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a mounting device for plastic objects which reduces the production costs of the processing machine.

Another object of the invention is to optimize the production of the caps by increasing the coupling speed.

Finally, another object of the invention is to limit the damage of the caps being processed, so as to reduce the number of rejects produced.

This technical and specific object is achieved by an assembly plant for plastic objects as claimed in the appended claim 1. Examples of preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows an assembly device and a cutting member for plastic objects according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cap suitable for handling by the assembly equipment;

figure 3 shows an assembly apparatus and a positioning device for caps according to the invention;

FIG. 4a shows an example of a comparison between images acquired by a detector according to the present invention;

FIG. 4b shows an example of a sample image according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a spindle including an auxiliary control system according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a control unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of one example of the operation of the cutting mechanism;

fig. 8 shows a view of the cap and the base support in an assembled configuration (assembly configuration) as viewed from above; and

fig. 9 shows a view of the cap and base support in the assembled configuration from above.

Detailed Description

In this document, measurements (values), values, shapes and geometric data (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) should be considered as being free of any measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors, and in any case, free of any slight differences between the values, measurements (values), shapes or geometric data associated therewith, when used with terms such as "about" or other similar terms such as "more or less" or "substantially". For example, when these terms are associated with a numerical value, it is preferred that the difference represent no more than 10% of the numerical value.

Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "primary," and "secondary" do not necessarily denote order, priority, or respective position, but may be used simply to distinguish one element from another. Unless otherwise stated, the measurements (values) and data provided in this document should be considered using the international standard atmospheric ICAO (ISO 2533). With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an assembly plant for plastic objects according to the invention.

The apparatus 1 is preferably adapted for processing plastic objects, such as, for example, caps 2.

The cap 2 is preferably a cap of known type, which is mainly used for closing

Containers, e.g. for fruit juice, milk, etc

A container.

Thus, the cap portion 2 may comprise a lid portion 20 and a tamper evidence portion 21.

The cap portion 20 is, for example, a cap comprising one or more parts, and preferably comprises parts defining a screw cap of known type.

In contrast, the tamper evidence part 21 is an element on the outside of the lid part 20 adapted to ensure that the product contained in the food container is not tampered with.

The tamper evidence portion may include an aperture for coupling to an external element.

Preferably, the lid portion 20 and the tamper evidencing portion 21 are two distinct elements connected by one or more tabs 22.

In particular, the lid portion 20 and the tamper evidence portion 21 are connected by at least three tabs 22, and more suitably by three tabs 22.

Preferably, the device 1 is adapted to cut at least one of the tabs 22, more suitably the tab 22 arranged in the central zone.

In particular, the central tab 22 is cut due to the fact that: before the cap 2 is coupled to the base support, the cap 2 is designed to ensure compliance with the standard strength requirements established by current regulations.

Furthermore, the cap 2 is preferably adapted to be coupled to the base support 6. Said base support 6 is substantially at least partially of opposite shape with respect to the cap 2.

In particular, the base support 6 comprises a portion of known type suitable for screwing the cap 2 and preferably a portion suitable for inserting a plurality of projections (protuberance) in holes provided in the tamper evidence portion 21.

Preferably, the apparatus 1 is suitable for connecting the base support 6 and the cap 2 by means of a cold forming process.

Basically, the cap 2 and the base support 6 are connected, for example by pushing them together, and in this way the lid portion 20 is forced to engage the thread on the base support 6 and deform the projections by compression to connect the tamper evidence portion 21 to the base support 6.

However, the device 1 may be used to achieve coupling in other ways. For example, the cap 2 and base support 6 may be screwed together. The apparatus 1 further comprises at least a part of an assembly line 3.

The assembly line 3 may comprise conveyor rollers of known type, or other types of devices suitable for defining the assembly path 3 a.

Thus, the assembly line 3 defines an assembly path 3a along which the plurality of base supports 6 and the caps 2 move.

The (assembly) line 3 also defines an assembly plane 3 b.

The fitting plane 3b is substantially a plane including the fitting path 3 a. In particular, preferably, in a preferred configuration, the base support 6 moves along the assembly path 3a and the assembly plane 3b, while the cap 2 moves along the assembly path 3a, but can move on a variable plane parallel to the assembly plane 3 b.

Alternatively, the cap 2 moves along the assembly path 3a and the assembly plane 3b, while the base support 6 moves along the assembly path 3a, but may move on a variable plane parallel to the assembly plane 3 b.

In this alternative configuration, preferably, the base support 6 and the cap 2 are substantially inverted with respect to the preferred configuration.

Preferably, therefore, the apparatus 1 defines a transport configuration, in which the caps 2 travel along the fitting path 3a substantially specularly reflective (specularly), with respect to the corresponding base supports 6, along a plane parallel to and at a distance from the fitting plane 3b, and an assembly configuration, in which the caps 2 approach the respective base supports 6, or vice versa, while moving, and therefore occupy a position along a plane substantially close to the fitting plane 3 b.

Preferably, the assembly line 3 is constituted by a rotating machine, so that the assembly path 3a is at least a portion of a circle.

However, the assembly line may also be a straight line machine, and the assembly path 3a is substantially straight.

The apparatus 1 further comprises means 31 and a plurality of spindles 30.

The means 31 are part of the apparatus adapted to move the spindle 30 along the assembly path 3 a.

Preferably, the device 31 comprises a drive shaft suitable for rotating about an axis central with respect to the assembly path 3a and perpendicular to the assembly plane 3 b.

In particular, the means 31 rotate the spindle 30 and preferably comprise a brushless motor. However, the device 31 may also involve other solutions, such as a mechanical linkage including gears and belts or other systems, for example.

Furthermore, the device 31 preferably comprises a second encoder 32, which second encoder 32 is adapted to detect the position, the velocity and the angular acceleration of the device 31.

The second encoder 32 is preferably of a type known in the art.

The spindle 30 is therefore moved along the assembly path 3a by means of the device 31, and the spindle 30 is suitable for picking up the cap 2 or the base support 6 in a controlled manner.

In particular, the spindle 30 picks up the cap 2 or the base support 6 from the outside of the part of the assembly line 3 that is not the apparatus 1.

Each spindle 30 picks up a single cap 2 or base support 6, and therefore the capacity of the apparatus 1 (capacity) depends on the number of spindles 30.

Preferably, there are a plurality of spindles 30, for example 24, although their number may vary depending on the size of the apparatus 1.

The spindle 30 is able to pick up the cap 2 or base support 6 by means of a coupling system of known type, which may be mechanical, electric or pneumatic.

For example, the spindle 30 may comprise jaws suitable for gripping the caps 2, or may have pneumatic means suitable for generating a vacuum to attach the caps 2 to the portion generally facing the assembly path 3 a.

Furthermore, the main shaft 30 is suitable for pushing the cap 2 to connect it to the base support 6, or vice versa, arranged along the assembly path 3a on the assembly plane 3 b.

Preferably, when the spindle 30 moves the cap 2 from the transport configuration to the assembly configuration, the spindle 30 picks up the cap 2 in the manner described above.

The device 1 further comprises positioning means 7 and a control unit 5. Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise additional means, for example additional means for handling plastic objects, such as caps.

Thus, the apparatus 1 may (although need not) include a cutting mechanism 4.

For example, if a cutting mechanism 4 is present, it is adapted to cut at least a portion of the tab 22 on the cap portion 2.

Preferably, the cutting mechanism 4 is particularly adapted to cut the central tab 22 when the spindle 30 carries the cap 2 or base support 6 in an assembled configuration.

In fact, the cutting is preferably carried out when the base support 6 and the cap 2 have been connected to each other and properly positioned.

The cutting mechanism 4 may alternatively cut one side tab 22 or more than one tab.

Furthermore, preferably, the cutting mechanism 4 is not attached to any spindle 30. Furthermore, the apparatus 1 preferably comprises only one cutting mechanism 4, since, advantageously, the cutting mechanism 4 can cooperate with each spindle, so as to cooperate with each base support 6 and cap 2 at a fixed position along the assembly path 3 a.

Therefore, preferably, the cutting mechanism 4 is preferably movably attached to the portion of the assembly line 3 close to the path 3 and the assembly planes 3a, 3 b.

The cutting mechanism 4 thus defines a cutting direction 4 a.

The cutting direction 4a is substantially the direction along which the cutting mechanism 4 and a part of the cap 2 are in contact.

Preferably, the cutting direction 4a defines an angle α with the assembly plane 3 b. The angle a is preferably comprised between 20 and 70 degrees, and more suitably 45 degrees.

The cutting mechanism 4 further comprises a moving device 40 and a cutting member 41.

The moving unit (means)40 is preferably adapted to move the cutting member 41 in the cutting direction 4a so as to allow the cutting member to come into contact with a portion of the tab 22.

Thus, the moving unit 40 defines a moving axis 40 a.

For example, the movement axis 40a is perpendicular to the cutting direction 4a, and the movement unit comprises an alternator 40b and a support 40 c.

Said alternating machine 40b is any device suitable for rotating about a movement axis 40a, in particular for changing a rotary motion into an alternating motion, while the support 40c is preferably suitable for releasably coupling the cutting member 41. In particular, the alternating machine is preferably an eccentric cam able to translate the support 40c in a reciprocating motion along the cutting direction 4a when it rotates about the movement axis 40 a.

In particular, the movement of the alternator 40b is transmitted to the support 40c by means of the transmission unit 40 d.

Preferably, the transfer unit 40d is operatively connected to the alternator 40b and to the support 40c, the transfer unit 40d being constituted by a common crank mechanism. Thus, the transfer unit may be a rod articulated along the support 40c and a portion of the alternator 40 b.

Alternatively, the moving unit 40 may be constituted by a member rotating in an alternating motion, said member comprising a gear interacting with the support 40 c. Thus, in this case, the support is constituted by a portion, for example comprising a cavity, which is adapted to interact with a surface of the rotary gear.

The cutting member 41 is preferably a blade. The blade may be of any kind, as long as it is suitable for cutting e.g. polymeric materials, especially of the type used for common surgical knives.

The positioning device 7 preferably comprises a first detector 70 and a second detector 71.

In particular, the detectors 70, 71 are preferably cameras suitable for detecting the first image 60 and the second image 23, respectively.

Preferably, the first image 60 is an image of the base support 6 and the second image 23 is an image of the cap 2.

In particular, the images 60, 23 are preferably sections (sections) of the base support 6 and the cap 2, respectively, in a plane parallel to the assembly plane 3 b.

The control unit 5 is preferably adapted to control the movement of the device 1 and to acquire signals from components of the device 1.

Preferably, the control unit 5 is adapted to control and operatively interact with the cutting mechanism 4, the spindle 30 and the positioning device 7.

The control unit 5 thus comprises a control system 50, a motor 51 and an auxiliary control system 53.

If a motor 51 is present in the apparatus 1, the motor 51 is preferably operatively connected to the moving unit 40 and is therefore adapted to move the cutting member 41. The motor 51 is a rotary motor, for example of brushless or electric or mechanical type.

Preferably, the first encoder 52 is linked to the motor 51.

The first encoder 52 is a device of a type known in the art and is adapted to detect the position, velocity and angular acceleration of the motor 51.

Therefore, the control system 50 is preferably a device adapted to control at least the motor 51 and the device 31.

Preferably, the control system 50 comprises an electronic processor adapted to interact with the first encoder 52 and the motor 51.

Preferably, the electronic processor comprises an electronic board of known type and/or a digital controller of known type.

Furthermore, the control system 50 is adapted to interact with the second encoder 32, in particular, the control system 50 is adapted to synchronize the first encoder 52 and the second encoder 32.

In particular, the control system 50 is adapted to control the motor 51 such that a complete rotation cycle of the motor 51 corresponds to the time it takes for the assembly line 3 to pass (cover) the distance comprised between the two spindles 30 along the assembly path 3 a.

In this way, the cutting mechanism 4 advances and places the cutting member 41 in contact with a portion of the tab 22 (specifically, with the central tab) on each pass of the spindle 30.

Preferably, to perform this action, the main shaft 30 brings the cap 2 from the transport configuration to the assembly configuration.

The auxiliary control system 53 is adapted to bring the cap 2 from the transport configuration to the assembly configuration.

Preferably, the secondary control system 53 is adapted to translate and rotate the spindle 30 in a direction perpendicular to the assembly path 3a and to the assembly plane 3b and comprises a third encoder 54.

The third encoder 54 is preferably an encoder of a known type suitable for detecting the orientation of the spindle 30 with respect to the assembly path 3 a.

Specifically, the assist control system 53 includes a second actuator 53a and a first actuator 53 b. The second actuator 53a is preferably removably attached to the device 31 and is adapted to translate in a direction perpendicular to the assembly path 3a and to the assembly plane 3 b.

The second actuator 53b may be a linear actuator of known type or may comprise a barrel cam adapted to guarantee translation.

Thus, preferably, the second actuator 53a is adapted to allow the spindle 30, and therefore the cap 2, to be switched from the transport configuration to the assembly configuration.

The first actuator 53b is preferably removably attached to the spindle and removably attached to the second actuator 53a, and is adapted to rotate the spindle 30 about a direction perpendicular to the assembly path 3a and the assembly plane 3 b.

Preferably, the second actuator 53a is a linear brushless actuator, while the first actuator 53b is a rotary brushless actuator.

Preferably, the secondary control system 53 comprises a first actuator 53b and a second actuator 53a for each spindle 30.

Preferably, the control system 50 is adapted to process signals arriving from the third encoder 54, the detectors 70, 71 and to control the auxiliary control system 53.

In particular, the control system 50 preferably defines a sample image 8 for each assembled cap 2 and base support 6.

Preferably, the sample image 8 is an image of the cap 2 and base support 6 in the assembled configuration.

The sample image 8 is in particular a control image of the images 60, 23. The detectors 70, 71 acquire a first image 60 and a second image 23, respectively, and the control unit 5 is adapted to compare the images 60, 23 with the sample image 8.

Preferably, the first image 60 and the sample image 8 define a first orientation 6a, while the second image 23 and the sample image 8 define a second orientation 2 a.

The first orientation 6a defines the orientation of the base support 6 with respect to the assembly path 3a, and the second orientation 2a defines the orientation of the cap 2 with respect to the assembly path 3 a.

Preferably, the sample image 8 defines the first orientation 6a and the second orientation 2a in a plane parallel to the assembly path 3a and the assembly plane 3 b.

Furthermore, the control unit 5 calculates an angular displacement β between the first orientation 6a of the base support 6 and the second orientation 2a of the cap 2, calculated by comparing the images 60, 23 with the sample image 8.

Preferably, the auxiliary control system 53 holds the main shaft 30 of the cap 2, which has acquired the second image 23, in rotation by an angle equal to the angular displacement β, so as to align the base support 6 and the cap 2.

The function of the assembly device for the cap 1 described above in the structural sense is as follows.

The apparatus 1 allows a plurality of base supports 6 arriving from a part of the assembly line 3 to move along the assembly path 3 a. At the same time, the spindle 30 picks up the plurality of caps 2 in a synchronized manner.

During the transport configuration, the first detector 70 acquires a first image 60 of the base support 6 passing in front of the first detector 70, and the second detector 71 acquires a second image 23 of the cap 2 passing in front of the second detector 71. The images 60, 23 are compared with the sample image 8 to define a first orientation 6a and a second orientation 2 a.

Once the orientation is obtained, the control unit 5 calculates the angular displacement β between the orientations 6a, 2 a.

If an angular displacement β is present, the control unit, in particular the control system 50, moves the auxiliary control system 53, in particular the second actuator 53 b.

When the main shaft 30 has rotated by an angle equal to the angular displacement β (measured) by means of the third encoder 54, the first actuator 53a moves the cap 2 towards the base support 6 and pushes the two parts to join them together. Once the base support 6 and the cap 2 have been coupled, the spindle 30 rotates the coupled cap 2 and base support 6 so that the orientations 6a, 2a are substantially perpendicular to the assembly path 3a to allow the cutting mechanism 4 to cut the at least one tab 22 when driven by the motor 51.

As it rotates, the motor 51 translates the cutting member 41 in the cutting direction 4a, then allows the blade to return to the retracted position.

When the cutting member 41 is in the forwardmost position, it contacts and cuts, for example, the central tab 22 of the cap 2.

At the end of this step, the cap 2 and the base support 6 are removed by the apparatus 1 along the rest of the assembly line 3.

The device 1 according to the invention achieves some important advantages.

In fact, the apparatus is able to improve the precision with which the system couples the cap and the base support.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it optimizes the processing of plastic objects such as caps and increases the processing speed of the machine.

In a particular example, this operation optimizes the cutting of the caps and increases the cutting speed if the apparatus 1 is provided with a cutting mechanism.

Therefore, another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the production cost of the processing machine.

In summary, another advantage of the invention is that it limits damage to the caps being processed, thereby reducing the amount of waste produced.

Modifications and variations may be made to the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims.

For example, assembly path 3a may be linear rather than circular, and device 31 may include a track along which spindle 30 moves.

All the details may be replaced with equivalent elements and all other materials, shapes and sizes are encompassed within the scope of the invention.