APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A LOCKING RING ON A CLOSURE CAP FOR A CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a locking ring on a closure cap for a container, which apparatus comprises a stationary cutting knife with a cutting blade extending along a cutting path, the cutting profile of which cutting blade corresponds to a slot geometry, to be created in a lateral surface of a closure cap blank, between a main part of the closure cap and the locking ring. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a transport device for transporting the closure cap blank along the cutting path, wherein the transport device has a supporting mandrel for supporting the lateral surface of the closure cap blank such that the lateral surface is rolled over the cutting blade during a cutting operation, wherein the supporting mandrel has a rotatable mount, with which it is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation oriented perpendicularly to the cutting path. The invention is distinguished by the fact that, in a supporting portion of the supporting mandrel, which is located opposite the cutting blade during the cutting operation, a groove geometry is formed, which corresponds at least to the slot geometry to be created, wherein the apparatus comprises a synchronization device by means of which a forward feed of the transport device along the cutting path is able to be synchronized with a rotational movement of the supporting mandrel about the axis of rotation. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such an apparatus and to a method to be carried out on such an arrangement.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing a locking ring on a closure cap for a container, comprising: a) a stationary cutting knife having a cutting blade which extends along a cutting section and of which the cutting edge profile corresponds to a cutting geometry that is to be generated in a shell of a closure cap blank so as to be between a main part of the closure cap and the locking ring; b) a transport installation for transporting the closure cap blank along the cutting section, wherein the transport installation comprises a support mandrel for supporting the shell of the closure cap blank, in particular for supporting directly a shell internal side, in such a manner that the shell during a cutting procedure is rolled on the cutting blade, wherein the support mandrel has a rotatable mounting by way of which said support mandrel is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis oriented perpendicularly to the cutting section; wherein c) a groove geometry which corresponds at least to the slot geometry to be generated is configured in a support portion of the support mandrel which during the cutting procedure lies opposite the cutting blade; and d) the apparatus comprises a synchronizing installation by means of which an advancing movement of the transport installation along the cutting section is able to be synchronized with a rotating movement of the support mandrel about the rotation axis.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot geometry comprises portions which in relation to the rotation axis of the support mandrel extend at an angle of less than 90°.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting blade is disposed relative to the support mandrel in such a manner that the cutting blade during the cutting procedure engages in the groove geometry of the support mandrel.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an axial extent of the groove geometry of the support mandrel in the direction of the rotation axis, at least in portions that are aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support mandrel, is 0.2 to 0.8 mm.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting knife is configured so as to be modular and comprises a plurality of replaceable cutting elements which complement one another so as to form the cutting blade.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting knife has a plurality of cutting blades which in the direction of the rotation axis of the support mandrel are disposed on top of one another, in particular so as to at least partially overlap.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot geometry is defined by at least 1.25 revolutions of the support mandrel about the rotation axis of the latter, and in that the groove geometry of the support mandrel corresponds to a superimposition of the slot geometry during the at least 1.25 revolutions.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the synchronizing installation comprises a synchronizing mechanism which mechanically synchronizes an axle of the rotatable mounting of the support mandrel with a movement of the transport installation along the cutting section.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the synchronizing installation comprises a first electric motor for driving an axle of the rotatable mounting of the support mandrel, a second electric motor for the movement of the transport installation along the cutting section, and a control apparatus for synchronizing a movement of the first electric motor and of the second electric motor.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport installation is configured as a rotary table, wherein a plurality of support mandrels are disposed along a circumference of the rotary table, and in that the cutting blade of the cutting knife extends along the circumference of the rotary table.

11. An assembly for producing a closure cap for a container, comprising: a) an apparatus for producing a locking ring as claimed in claim 1; b) an apparatus for generating an inward-folded portion of the shell of the closure cap.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the apparatus for generating the inward-folded portion of the shell of the closure cap in the processing direction is disposed downstream of the apparatus for producing the locking ring.

13. A method for producing a closure cap for a container, comprising the following steps: a) providing a closure cap blank; b) producing a locking ring by generating a slot geometry in the shell of the closure cap blank in a cutting procedure by rolling the shell along a cutting blade of a stationary cutting knife, said cutting blade extending along a cutting section and the cutting edge profile of the former corresponding to the slot geometry to be generated; wherein the shell while rolling is supported by a support mandrel which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis oriented perpendicularly to the cutting section; wherein a groove geometry which corresponds to the slot geometry to be generated is configured in a support portion of the support mandrel which during the cutting procedure lies opposite the cutting blade and by way of which the support mandrel in a momentary cutting region bears, in particular directly, on a shell internal face of the shell; and wherein a rotating movement of the support mandrel takes places so as to be synchronized with an advancing movement of the shell the along the cutting section.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein, before or after the production of the locking ring by generating a slot geometry as claimed in step b), an inward-folded portion of the shell is generated.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the closure cap blank is provided with a non-folded shell, and after the production of the locking ring the inward-folded portion of the shell is generated in that the locking ring produced by means of the generated slot geometry, proceeding from the shell of the closure cap, is folded inward.

16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cutting blade during the cutting procedure is brought to engage with the groove geometry in the support portion of the support mandrel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In the schematic drawings used for explaining the exemplary embodiment:

[0051] FIGS. 1a-1c show a closure cap having a locking ring for closing a container;

[0052] FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view through a support mandrel of an apparatus according to the invention, said support mandrel having a closure cap blank with a non-folded shell;

[0053] FIG. 2b shows a fragment of a cross-sectional view through a support mandrel of an apparatus according to the invention, said support mandrel having a closure cap blank with a folded shell;

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a view of a cutting knife having two cutting blades as well as of a groove geometry of the support mandrel;

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a fragmented external view of the apparatus according to the invention in the region of a cutting section, without a closure cap blank;

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a combined external view with a partial sectional view of an apparatus according to the invention in the region of a cutting section, without a closure cap blank;

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a plan view along a rotation axis of a support mandrel looking onto a curved transport path of circular shape in a cutting section along a curved cutting knife;

[0058] FIG. 7 shows an apparatus according to the invention, having a transport installation comprising a rotary table and a stationary synchronizing ring; and

[0059] FIG. 8 shows an apparatus according to the invention, having a transport installation comprising a rotary table and having a separately driven synchronizing belt.

[0060] In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference signs in the figures.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0061] FIGS. 1a to 1c show a closure cap 1 for closing a container. FIG. 1a shows a lateral view, FIG. 1b shows an oblique view, and FIG. 1c shows a cross section through a primary axis A of the closure cap 1. Without limiting the generality, with a view to a simplified illustration reference hereunder is made to a bottle with a bottleneck instead of a container in general, said bottle being able to be closed by the closure cap 1. The corresponding application in containers of a different shape can be concluded directly therefrom.

[0062] The closure cap 1 comprises a circular end side 2 as well as a shell 3 which is largely in the shape of a tubular connector and extends away from the end side 2 so as to be concentric with the primary axis A of the closure cap 1. The shell 3 in the shape of a tubular connector at a longitudinal end is terminated in the direction of the primary axis A by the end side 2, the latter being disposed so as to be concentric with the shell 3. With the exception of a slot geometry 6 present in the shell 3 (see below) as well as an internal thread potentially present in the shell 3 (not illustrated), the closure cap 1 is configured so as to be substantially rotationally symmetrical in terms of the primary axis A.

[0063] The shell 3 can be subdivided into three longitudinal portions 3.1 to 3.3. The shell portion 3.1 conjointly with the end side 2 forms a main part 4 of the closure cap 1, said main part 4 closing the opening of the bottleneck. The main part 4 on the inside of the shell 3 typically has a connection means such as an internal thread or a snap-fit means (not shown) by way of which said main part can be fastened to the bottleneck by being screwed or snap-fitted to the latter. A longitudinal fluting which facilitates the manual removal of the main part 4 from the bottleneck, for example by a screwing movement, is present on the external side on the shell portion 3.1.

[0064] The shell portion 3.3 forms a locking ring 5 which remains on the bottleneck when the main part 4 is removed from the bottle. Toward an open end of the shell 3 the shell portion 3.3 has a sub-portion 3.3a which is provided for folding into an interior 1.1 of the closure cap 1. The sub-portion 3.3a is illustrated in a non-folded state of the locking ring 5 in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The cross section according to FIG. 1c shows the closure cap 1 of FIGS. 1a and 1b after the sub-portion 3.3a has been folded inward and forms an inward-protruding beading. The inward-protruding beading is provided for engaging from behind an undercut in the form of a bead or a notch configured on the bottleneck. The locking ring 5 by way of the beading can hook onto the undercut of the bottleneck and be secured against extraction.

[0065] The slot geometry 6 which presently comprises two partially encircling slots 6.1 and 6.2 which are not contiguous is configured between the main part 4 and the locking ring 5. The slots 6.1 and 6.2 are configured on the shell 3 so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction A. Because the slot geometry 6 is thus configured in two layers, this creates the further shell portion 5.2 which forms an intermediate ring between the main part 4 and the locking ring 5. It is understood that the shell portion 5.2 and thus the intermediate ring is dispensed with in the case of a single-layer slot geometry 6, i.e. should only the slot 6.1 be present. The slot geometry 6 is produced by means of an apparatus according to the invention and at least partially acts as a predetermined breaking point for entirely or partially separating the main part 4 from the locking ring 5 when the main part 4 is initially removed from the bottleneck.

[0066] FIG. 1a in a superimposed manner shows the developed slot geometry 6 in order for the profile thereof to be better visualized. FIG. 1b shows the slot geometry 6 as the latter is configured on the closure cap 1.

[0067] The slot 6.1 delimits the main part 4 in the longitudinal direction A and, with the exception of a wide interruption 6.1a, is largely configured so as to be completely encircling. The wide interruption 6.1a forms a connection point between the intermediate ring, formed by the shell portion 3.2, and the main part 4, said connection point not being provided for separation when the main part 4 is removed. The further profile of the slot 6.1 has a plurality of narrow interruptions 6.1b which provide holding webs or supporting webs, respectively, between the main part 4 and the intermediate ring formed by the shell portion 3.2. The holding webs or supporting webs, respectively, form predetermined breaking points which are provided for separation, i.e. are broken, when the main part 4 is initially removed from the bottleneck. The slot 6.1 at the ends directed toward the interruption 6.1a is angled toward the end side 2, i.e. has end portions 6.1c which have an angle of less than 90° in relation to the direction A.

[0068] The slot 6.2 only partially encircles the shell 3 and has a wide interruption 6.2a which in FIG. 1a is disposed on that side of the closure cap 1 that faces away, i.e. in terms of the longitudinal axis A is opposite the interruption 6.1a (indicated behind the shell portion 3.3a in FIG. 1c). The wide interruption 6.2a forms a connection point between the intermediate ring, formed by the shell portion 3.2, and the locking ring 5, said connection point not being provided for separation when the main part 4 is removed. The further profile of the slot 6.2 has a plurality of narrow interruptions 6.2b which provide holding webs or supporting webs, respectively, that act as predetermined breaking points between the intermediate ring, formed by the shell portion 3.2, and the locking ring 5. The slot 6.2 in the region of the interruption 6.1a of the first slot 6.1 has a convexity 6.2c which is directed away from the main part 4 and is composed of a portion that is offset so as to be parallel in relation to the primary profile of the slot 6.2 in the direction of A, as well as two connection portions which are inclined in relation to A. With the exception of the interruptions 6.2b, the slot 6.2 including the convexity 6.2c is configured so as to be contiguous.

[0069] After an initial removal of the main part 4, i.e. when the holding webs or supporting webs 6.1b and 6.2b have been separated or broken, respectively, the main part 4 via the intermediate ring formed by the shell portion 3.2 thus remains connected to the locking ring 5 by way of the connection points formed by the wide interruption 6.1a of the slot 6.1 and the wide interruption 6.2a of the slot 6.2. The main part 4, the intermediate ring and the locking ring 5 after the initial removal can thus be mutually pulled apart in a zigzag fashion, wherein the connection points formed by the wide interruptions 6.1a and 6.2a serve as an articulated connection between the parts. This makes possible a main part 4 of the closure cap 1 which is easy to remove and replace and by way of the intermediate ring remains captively connected to the locking ring 5 anchored to the bottleneck. It is moreover ensured that an initial opening of the container, i.e. an initial removal of the main part 4, can be directly identified by a consumer.

[0070] FIG. 2a shows in fragments a schematic cross-sectional view through a support mandrel 12 of a transport installation 11 of an apparatus 10 according to the invention during a cutting procedure. A closure cap blank 1A, from which the closure cap 1 is produced by introducing the slot geometry 6 with slots 6.1 and 6.2 by the apparatus 10, in the illustration of FIG. 2a by the support mandrel 12 in the region of a cutting section S (cf. FIG. 3, for example) of the apparatus 10 is transported along a transport path past a stationary cutting knife 13. To this end, the support mandrel 12 by way of a support region 12.1 engages in the interior 1.1 of the closure cap blank 1A.

[0071] A largest radial diameter d of the support mandrel 12 in the support region 12.1 is smaller than the largest radial diameter D of an axial end-side opening of the closure cap blank 1A. The end-side opening presently is determined by the non-folded sub-portion 3.3a of the shell portion 3.3. It is ensured in this way that the support mandrel 12 in a loading region of the apparatus 10 (not shown) in which the closure cap blank 1A is acquired by the transport installation 11 can be easily introduced into the interior 1.1. Likewise, the support mandrel 12 can again be easily moved out of the interior 1.1 for removing the completed closure cap 1 in a removal region (not shown). The rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12 and the primary axis A of the closure cap blank 1A are mutually offset, i.e. not disposed so as to be coaxial, by virtue of the smaller diameter d.

[0072] The support region 12.1 has a circular-cylindrical portion 12.2 by way of which the support mandrel 12 in a momentary cutting region disposed at the cutting knife 13 bears directly on an internal side of the shell 3, in particular in the shell portion 3.2, of the closure cap blank 1A. The support mandrel 12 is disposed on a rotary table 14 of the apparatus 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis B (cf. FIGS. 6 and 7, for example). The rotary table 14 here ensures an advancing movement along the transport path T, while a rotation of the support mandrel 12 or of the support region 12.1, respectively, about the rotation axis B facilitates a superimposed rotation of the closure cap blank 1A. The support portion 12.1 rolls on the internal side of the shell 3 when the support mandrel 12 rotates about the rotation axis B. The momentary transport path T at least in the region of the cutting section S is aligned so as to be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis B and in the illustration of FIG. 2a is perpendicular to the drawing plane. The longitudinal axis A of the closure cap blank 1A is disposed so as to be parallel to the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12. A support surface 16 supports the closure cap blank 1A at the end side 2 and prevents the closure cap blank 1A slipping in the direction of B. The locking ring 5 of the closure cap blank 1A is not folded during the cutting procedure, i.e. the sub-portion 3.3a of the shell portion 3.3 has not been folded into the interior 1.1 of the closure cap blank 1A and from the end side 2 extends so as to point in the direction of A.

[0073] The stationary cutting knife 13 is disposed on a holding structure 15 of the apparatus 10 which is stationary in relation to the rotary table 14 in such a manner that a cutting blade 13.2 of the cutting knife 13 in the region of the shell 3 protrudes into the transport path of the closure cap blank 1A. A contact face 15.1 of the holding structure 15 serves for supporting the closure cap blank 1A on an external side of the shell portion 3.1 (cf. also FIGS. 4 and 5), said supporting being directed laterally, i.e. perpendicularly to the rotation direction B.

[0074] A groove geometry 7 which presently comprises two grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 is configured in the support region 12.1 on the circular-cylindrical portion 12.2. The groove geometry 7, i.e. the grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 are configured and disposed in such a manner that the portions of a cutting edge of the cutting blade 13.1 or 13.2 (cf. also FIG. 4 or 5) that are in each case disposed in the momentary cutting region protrude into one of the grooved portions 7.1 or 7.2. The cutting blade 13.1 or 13.2 in the momentary cutting region here penetrates the shell 3, in particular in the shell region 3.2, and generates a local portion of the slots 6.1 and 6.2, respectively, of the slot geometry 6 of the closure cap 1.

[0075] FIG. 2b shows a partial view of an apparatus 10′ which corresponds substantially to the apparatus 10. As opposed to the apparatus 10, the apparatus 10′ is however provided for cutting a closure cap blank 1A′ which has a sub-portion 3.3a′ of a shell portion 3.3′ of a shell 3′ that has already been folded inward prior to the cutting procedure. A cylindrical portion 12.2′ of the support mandrel 12′ directly supports the internal side of a shell 3′ of the closure cap blank 1A′. The support region 12.1′ of a support mandrel 12′ of the apparatus 10′ here is configured in such a manner that there is room for receiving the already folded sub-portion 3.3a′. Moreover, the apparatus 10′ in the illustration of FIG. 2b is situated in the region of the cutting section S in which, in the momentary cutting region, portions of both cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 protrude in each case simultaneously into grooved portions 7.1′ and 7.2′, respectively, of the support mandrel 12′. The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 penetrate this momentary cutting region at the same time as a shell section 3.2′ of the shell 3′ of the closure cap blank 1A′.

[0076] FIG. 3 in an upper region shows a schematic view of the cutting knife 13 having two cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2, and in a lower region shows an illustration of the corresponding groove geometry 7 of the support mandrel 12 having grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2. A height profile of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 here corresponds to the superimposed illustration of the slots 6.1 and 6.2 of FIG. 1a. The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 by way of their primary direction are aligned in the direction of the transport path T and by way of the overall length thereof define the cutting section S. The primary direction of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 is aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12. The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 are disposed on top of one another in the direction of B and partially overlap in a projection along the rotation axis B.

[0077] The lower cutting blade 13.1 comprises two portions which are separated by a wide interruption 13.1a. Each of these portions has a plurality of narrow interruptions 13.1b. Portions 13.1c1 which are angled at the end side and which are inclined in relation to the direction B, i.e. have an angle β<90°, are configured toward the wide interruption 13.1. The length of the cutting blade 13.1 in the primary direction thereof along the transport path T is sized in such a manner that said length corresponds at least to the length of an external circumference of the shell 3 of the closure cap blank 1A. The slot 6.1 is generated by the cutting blade 13.1, wherein the slotted regions generated by the end regions 13.1d and 13.1e are mutually adjacent, or slightly overlap, respectively, after a complete revolution of the closure cap blank 1A. The cut 6.1 generated by the cutting blade 13.1 is thus configured so as to be continuous on the external ends that face away from the wide interruption 6.1a. The wide interruption 13.1a of the cutting blade 13.1 generates the interruption 6.1a of the slot 6.1, while the narrow interruptions 13.1b generate the narrow interruptions 6.1b.

[0078] The cutting blade 13.2 in the transport direction T is disposed so as to be centric above the cutting blade 13.1. The cutting blade 13.2 in the region of the wide interruption 13.1a has a convexity 13.2c in the direction of the rotation axis B. The convexity 13.2c is assembled from three cutting edge portions 13.2c1 and 13.2c2. The cutting edge portions 13.2c1 are inclined in relation to the direction B, i.e. have an angle α<90°. The cutting edge portion 13.2c2 which runs perpendicularly to the direction B is disposed between the inclined cutting edge portions 13.2c1. The convexity 13.2c generates the convexity 6.2a of the slot 6.2. The cutting blade 13.2 outside the convexity 13.2c has a plurality of narrow interruptions 13.2b which generate the interruptions 6.2b in the slot 6.2.

[0079] The cutting blade 13.2 overall is configured so as to be shorter than the cutting blade 13.1 and thus covers only part of the external circumference of the closure cap blank 1A. The wide interruption 6.2a of the slot 6.2 thus results by virtue of the portions 13.2a along S that are free of cutting edges.

[0080] The lower portion of FIG. 3 shows the corresponding grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 of the support mandrel 12 which are configured in the support region 12.1, in particular in the circular-cylindrical shell portion 12.2. The view of FIG. 3 here shows the circular-cylindrical shell portion 12.2 rolling on an imaginary plane. A length of a circumference U of the circular-cylindrical shell portion 12.2 is shorter than the cutting section S. The cutting section S presently corresponds substantially to a length of an external circumference of the shell 3 of the closure cap blank 1A. In the course of a complete revolution of the closure cap blank 1A, the support mandrel 12 thus performs more than one revolution about the rotation axis B of the latter. In the course of a complete revolution of the support mandrel 12, the cutting blade 13.1 is thus only partially covered by the grooved portion 7.1. In the course of a previous or a subsequent, respectively, revolution of the support mandrel 12, the end regions 13.1d and 13.1e of the cutting blade 13.1 that are aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation direction B are therefore covered by end regions 7.1e and 7.1d, respectively, of the grooved portions 7.1 that are likewise aligned so as to be perpendicular to the rotation direction B (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3).

[0081] FIGS. 4 and 5 show in fragments an external view (FIG. 4) as well as a combined external view with a partially sectional view (FIG. 5) of the apparatus 10 according to the invention in the region of the cutting section S, without a closure cap blank 1A. The support mandrel 12 of the transport installation 10 is moved in a translatory manner along a transport direction T (advancing movement V). At the same time, the support mandrel 12 by way of the support region 12.1 rotates about the rotation axis B thereof in such a manner that the groove geometry 7, which is configured in the circular-cylindrical shell face 12.2 of the support region 12.1, by way of grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2 rolls so as to be congruent on the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 of the cutting knife 13. The groove geometry 7 here has a profile which covers the cutting edge profile on the circumference of the support region 12.1 in the course of more than one revolution of the support mandrel 12 (cf. also FIG. 3, for example). The cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 in the momentary cutting region here engage in the grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2, respectively (cf. also FIG. 5, for example).

[0082] The contact face 15.1 has a toothing which interacts with the longitudinal fluting of the external side of the shell portion 3.1 in such a manner that the closure cap blank 1A in an advancing movement V of the support mandrel 12 is conjointly rotated along the transport direction. The toothing of the contact face 15.1 thus acts as an internal toothing in which the longitudinal fluting engages in the manner of a gearwheel. A spacing of the support mandrel 12 from the contact face 15.1 as well as from the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 is sized in such a manner that the closure cap blank 1A can be disposed or jammed between the support region 12.1 and the contact face 15.1 as well as the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the transport path T is curved, preferably in a circular manner, at least in the region of the cutting section S. The cutting knife 13, i.e. in particular the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2, are correspondingly curved and follow the profile of the transport path T.

[0083] The cutting knife 13 can be of modular construction and have in particular an easily replaceable cutting edge module 13.3 in which the inclined portions 13.1c1 and 13.2c1 are disposed. Because these portions according to experience are subjected to greater wear, it is advantageous for at least this region to be designed so as to be separately replaceable.

[0084] FIG. 6 schematically shows a plan view along the rotation axis B of the support mandrel 12 on the transport path T along a path curved in a circular manner. The cutting knife 13, or the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 thereof, respectively, are curved so as to correspond to the transport path T such that the support mandrel 12 on the movement path thereof during the advancing movement V of the transport installation 10 is moved along the latter at a constant spacing from the cutting knife 13. At the same time, the support mandrel 12 rotates in a rotating movement R about the rotation axis B thereof. The transport path T in the region of the cutting knife 13 defines the cutting section S.

[0085] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the apparatus 10 according to the invention having the transport installation 11 which comprises the rotary table 14 and the support mandrel 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the support mandrel 12 is mounted on the rotary table 14 (illustrated by dashed lines). The rotary table 14 here is only schematically indicated and can comprise one or a plurality of support structures on which the support mandrel 12 is mounted on one or a plurality of counter-bearings 14.1 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis B in relation to the rotary table 14. The support mandrel 12 can however also have a housing, for example, in which the rotatable mounting is configured and which is fixedly anchored to the rotary table 14.

[0086] The rotary table 14 is mounted on a stationary holding structure (not shown) of the apparatus 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis C. A rotating movement r of the rotary table 14 about the rotation axis C defines the advancing movement V of the support mandrel 12 of the transport installation 11 along the transport path T. In the embodiment of the apparatus 10 having the rotary table 14, the transport path T is thus circular. It is understood that a plurality of support mandrels 12 can be disposed along the circumference so as to be rotatably mounted on the rotary table 14, said support mandrels 12 being simultaneously moved along the transport path T and successively passing the cutting section S.

[0087] A gearwheel 12.4 is fixedly disposed so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis B on an axle member 12.3 of the support mandrel 12, said axle member 12.3 being disposed so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis B. The gearwheel 12.4 rolls on an internal toothing 17.1 of a ring 17 which is stationary in relation to the rotary table 14. In this way, it can be achieved that the rotating movement R of the support mandrel 12 is synchronized with the advancing movement V defined by the rotating movement of the rotary table 14. The rotating movements R and r here have opposite directions of rotation. In a suitable configuration of the toothing, the synchronization can be chosen in such a manner that the shell face 12.2 of the support mandrel 12, comprising the groove geometry 7, is rolled exactly on the cutting knife 13 such that the cutting edges of the cutting blades 13.1 and 13.2 in the momentary cutting region can in each case be disposed in the grooved portions 7.1 and 7.2. The gearwheel 12.4, conjointly with the ring 17, thus form parts of a synchronizing installation of the apparatus 10 that is easy to configure. In the case of a plurality of support mandrels 12, the gearwheels 12.4 of all support mandrels 12 can roll on the same ring 17 such that the latter couples the rotating movements R of the support mandrels 12 about the respective rotation axes B.

[0088] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 in which synchronizing of the rotating movements R and r of the support mandrel 12 or of the rotary table 14 (not illustrated in FIG. 8), respectively, is achieved by way of a separate drive 18. The drive 18 drives a timing belt 19 which runs across sprockets 12.5 of a plurality of support mandrels 12 that are mounted on the rotary table 14 so as to be rotatable about local rotation axes B. The timing belt 19, in a direction opposed to the rotating direction of the rotating movement r of the rotary table 14, runs externally across the sprockets 12.5 such that the support mandrels 12 rotate in an opposite direction of rotation to r about the respective rotation axis B. The timing belt 19 thus couples the rotating movement of all support mandrels 12 about the respective rotation axis B thereof and rotates conjointly with the rotary table 14. Independent synchronizing of the rotating movements R of the support mandrels 12 with the advancing movement V of the transport installation 11 can be achieved by controlling the drive 18.

[0089] Summarizing, it is to be observed that a particularly reliable and cost-effective production of closure caps having a locking ring for a container is enabled by way of an apparatus according to the invention, wherein complex slot geometries for generating a predetermined breaking point between the main part and the locking ring are able to be generated.