EP0270420A1 - Method and machine for making a package of two associated parts, especially for eggs - Google Patents

Method and machine for making a package of two associated parts, especially for eggs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0270420A1
EP0270420A1 EP87402521A EP87402521A EP0270420A1 EP 0270420 A1 EP0270420 A1 EP 0270420A1 EP 87402521 A EP87402521 A EP 87402521A EP 87402521 A EP87402521 A EP 87402521A EP 0270420 A1 EP0270420 A1 EP 0270420A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plate
edges
flaps
upper face
main wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP87402521A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christian Valleteau De Moulliac
Jean-Pierre Delaunay
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
OVAL
Original Assignee
OVAL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by OVAL filed Critical OVAL
Publication of EP0270420A1 publication Critical patent/EP0270420A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B50/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2105/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by assembling separate sheets, blanks or webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2120/00—Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B31B2120/20—Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers provided with two or more compartments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2241/00—Making bags or boxes intended for a specific use
    • B31B2241/002—Making egg cartons

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a packaging in two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, in particular a packaging for eggs.
  • This package has an upper tray and a lower bottom.
  • the tray in thermoformed plastic, has hollow cells open upwards, distributed in rows and columns on an upper face and, on the same side as these edge cells which, when the packaging is in its normal position use, that is to say horizontally flat, are arranged at least substantially vertically and directed downwards.
  • the bottom made of cardboard, has foldable flaps normally arranged at least substantially vertically and directed upwards from a main wall. The edges and the corresponding flaps are associated with one another, in particular rigidly by bonding.
  • the tray has a tormented shape, suitable for receiving the contents to be packaged (eggs). Its intrinsic resistance is quite low. In particular, the edges can sink if a perpendicular force is exerted on them.
  • the tray fulfills a function of receptacle for the content and the bottom a holding or stiffening function.
  • the flaps can be pivoted around their fold line.
  • the packaging has the required strength and rigidity.
  • the internal space between the tray and the bottom is closed and inaccessible from the outside. This results in a serious problem for the realization of the packaging: the inaccessibility of this space does not allow the accommodation of a counterpart allowing a transverse force of application for the association of the edges and the flaps, which would be all the more necessary as the edges have, in themselves, a fairly low inherent resistance.
  • Um packaging of this general type is described in documents EP 0089 and EP 0188 731.
  • This type of packaging can optionally include a cover.
  • the invention therefore aims to solve the problem of the reciprocal rigid association of the tray and of a bottom of a two-part packaging, in particular by rigid association of the foldable edges and flaps belonging respectively to the tray and to the bottom more especially in the case on the one hand, the edges have, in themselves, a fairly low resistance and on the other hand, the internal space formed by the plate and the bottom is inaccessible from the outside.
  • Another object of the invention is to produce such packaging industrially, with a high rate, a limited cost, excellent operational safety, excellent quality.
  • a method of manufacturing packaging for eggs is already known (document FR 2 480 178). However, this method does not allow the production of a packaging of the type described above.
  • a method and a device are also known for obtaining a packaging in two parts: a cardboard bottom with flaps and a sheet of thermoformed plastic (document FR 2 411 701). Thermoforming and the association of the thermoformed sheet with the base previously placed in the thermoforming mold are carried out simultaneously.
  • This method and this device are of complex implementation, do not allow high rates, present the risk of variable quality.
  • the box according to GB 952 930 is such that the edges of the box are directed upwards (and not downwards according to the invention), the plate being lower (and not upper according to the invention) since forming the bottom of the box, the tray being flat and devoid of cells therefore unsuitable for packaging eggs, the envelope having as sole function the aesthetic character (and not the strength and stiffening according to the invention), bottom flaps being double, on the outside face of the edges of the plate and on the inside face, which supposes a peripherally hollow plate (whereas according to the invention, there is only one flap outside of the song, the inside of the songs being peripherally inaccessible from above).
  • the document GB 2 059 868 also describes a machine for producing a box of the same general type as that concerned by the document GB 952 930.
  • a machine has two magazines respectively for the boxes and the box covers, of which the boxes and the covers are removed individually, as well as a treatment zone working in synchronism with the movements of the boxes and covers, adapted to join and glue each box to each opening.
  • Such a machine generally has the same type of drawbacks as that previously described (with reference to document GB 952 930).
  • the invention therefore proposes first of all, a process specially adapted for producing packaging, in particular for eggs, comprising two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, namely, a lower bottom comprising a lower main wall and foldable flaps normally and finally directed upwards and an upper plate comprising hollow cells open upwards on an upper face and on the same side as the edge cells normally directed downwards, the main wall and the upper face being spaced apart.
  • a bottom is seized separately, the flaps of which are flat, not folded, and a preformed tray; .
  • the bottom and the plate are placed one on the other, so that the edges of the plate are directed towards and applied to the main wall of the bottom, the main wall and the upper face being separated from one another. 'other; . the bottom and the plate are then pressed against each other by acting on the side of the upper face opposite the edges; the bottom and the plate are rigidly associated; . finally, the flaps are folded upwards in the direction of the upper face and are combined on the edges outside of them.
  • the invention also provides a method for gripping a preform tray from a stack of trays nested one inside the other, the trays being of the type comprising at least one and generally several cells joined by an upper face to which the edges of the same side as the cells, in particular for implementing the method for producing a package mentioned above, characterized in that the first plate is initially maintained by its upper face; then at least substantially simultaneously, first grasping and then moving the first plate on the one hand, by the interior of its cells and, on the other hand, by the free edges of its edges.
  • the invention proposes a machine specially adapted for producing packaging, in particular for eggs comprising two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, namely, a lower bottom comprising a lower main wall and folds normally foldable and finally directed towards the top and an upper plate comprising hollow cells open upwards, on an upper face and on the same side as the alveoli of the edges normally directed downwards, the main wall and the upper face being separated from one another other, characterized by the fact that it comprises: . separate means for gripping a bottom, the flaps of which are flat, not folded, and of a preformed tray, respectively; .
  • the invention finally proposes a device for feeding trays more specifically intended for this machine, characterized in that it comprises a conveyor belt with stepping drive means; a fixed plate coplanar to the mat; a movable lateral clamping plate between a clamping position and a retracted position; claws or the like, movable between an active position and a retracted position; a movable transverse pusher frame with longitudinal sliding between a retracted rear position and a pre-extended position.
  • the upper face and the main wall are spaced from one another; the flaps and edges are directed in two opposite directions; there is an empty space between the tray and the bottom; the bottom is essentially a stiffening member.
  • the flaps and edges are directed in two opposite directions; there is an empty space between the tray and the bottom; the bottom is essentially a stiffening member.
  • the invention relates to a method and a machine specially intended for producing a package 1 which is not in itself the subject of the invention, in particular for eggs, of the type comprising two rigidly associated parts, namely a bottom 2 and a plate 3 in opposite directions.
  • the packaging 1 is described in a possible embodiment only to better understand the process and the machine. It is understood that the packaging 1 can be the subject of other embodiments and that the method and the machine described later can therefore also have alternative embodiments adapted to the various embodiments of the packaging 1.
  • the packaging 1 is described with respect to a normal position of use flat horizontally. However, it is understood that the packaging 1 can take any other position.
  • the bottom 2 is lower and made in particular of cardboard so as to have a certain strength or rigidity. It has a lower horizontal main wall 4, generally of rectangular shape, and four respectively longitudinal 5 and lateral 6 flaps associated with the wall 4 by fold lines 7. The bottom 2 can then appear initially and before constitution of the packaging 1 in the form of a flat cut. Once incorporated into the packaging 1, the flaps 5, 6 - after their folding around the lines 7 - are arranged at least substantially vertically and directed upwards, that is to say at least substantially perpendicular to the wall 4 .If necessary, the flaps 5, 6 are slightly converging upwards, the main wall 4 forming a large base.
  • the plate 3 is upper and produced in particular by means of a thermoformed plastic sheet. It comprises, firstly, hollow cells 8, normally open upwards, generally distributed in rows and columns, associated with each other, on the side of their openings by coplanar plates constituting a face upper 9 and, secondly, four respectively longitudinal 10 and lateral 11 edges adjacent to the upper face 9 on the same side as the cells 8.
  • the plate 3 is preformed and the edges 10, 11 are arranged at least substantially vertically and directed downward, that is to say, at least substantially perpendicular to the face 9. Where appropriate, the edges 10, 11 are also slightly diverging downward, the face 9 constituting a small base.
  • the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are rigidly associated with one another, in particular by the flaps 5, 6 and the edges 10, 11, these preferably being glued.
  • the free edges 12, coplanar, of the edges 10, 11 rest on the wall 4 at the place or an immediate vicinity of the fold lines 7.
  • the free edges 13 of the flaps 5, 6 are located between the wall 4 and the face 9, that is to say that the flaps 5, 6 do not project above the face 9.
  • the flaps 5, 6 are outside and the edges 10, 11 inside and, on the other hand, the flaps and edges 5, 6, 10, 11 are slightly inclined vertically, by a few degrees, the packaging 1 thus having a general external shape slightly truncated-pyramid to large lower base (wall 4) and small upper base (face 9).
  • the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are rigidly associated with one another by the bottom of the cells 8 in contact and glued to the main wall 4.
  • the flaps 5, 6 and the edges 10, 11 can be snapped together (or glued).
  • edges 10, 11 may be discontinuous and constituted by sections of walls of the cells 8. And, the edges may comprise, in the vicinity of the upper face 9, a peripheral groove in which the flaps are engaged and possibly maintained 5, 6.
  • a bottom 2 and a preformed plate 3 are first grasped, the flaps being flat, not folded. Then place one on the other the bottom 2 and the tray 3 thus captured so that the edges 10, 11 of the tray 3 are directed towards and applied to the main wall 4 of the bottom 2, the main wall 4 and the upper face 9 being spaced from one another. They are then pressed against each other the bottom 2 and the plate 3 by acting on the side of the upper face 9 opposite the edges 10, 11. We rigidly associate the bottom 2 and the plate 3. And finally, we folds the flaps 5, 6 upwards towards the upper face 9 and they are rigidly associated with the edges 10, 11, outside of these.
  • funds 2 and plates 3 are produced beforehand, the funds 2 being able to be stacked flat and the preformed plates 3 being able to be stacked, embedded or nested one inside the other.
  • the folding of the flaps 5, 6 around the folding lines 7 aims to pass them from their original position where they are coplanar to the wall 4 and in which the plate 3 is placed on the bottom 2, to their final position where they are applied to the edges 10, 11, outside, at least substantially perpendicular to the wall 4.
  • flaps 5, 6 are associated with the edges 10, 11, rigidly and permanently, in particular by gluing or by welding, by ultrasound, or any equivalent means or in a more or less removable manner, in particular by snapping in particular of the free edges. flaps 5, 6 in reserves made on the plate 3, in particular in the vicinity of the upper face 9.
  • the flaps 5, 6 are folded when the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are pressed against each other, so as to stiffen the edges 10, 11 between the upper face 9 and the main wall 4.
  • the flaps 5, 6 and / or the edges 10, 11 are glued and the flaps 5, 6 are folded against the edges 10, 11.
  • the opposite sides are glued to the bottom of the cells 8 and / or of the main wall 4 and they are applied one against the other; and the flaps 5, 6 and the edges 10, 11 are combined, in particular by snap-fastening.
  • the packaging 1 is maintained by its lateral faces 14.
  • FIGS. 2A to 2D which make it possible to clearly understand the phase of association of the bottom 2 with the plate 3, in the case of the first variant envisaged.
  • the invention also relates to a method for gripping a preformed tray 3 of the type described above from a stack of preformed trays 3 nested one inside the other.
  • This input method is more specifically, but not limited to, applicable to the packaging production method described above.
  • the first plate 3 is initially maintained by its upper face 9; then at least substantially simultaneously, we first grasp and then move the first plate 3 on the one hand, by the interior of its cells 8 and, on the other hand, by the free edges 12 of its edges 10, 11 .
  • edges 10, 11 of the second plate 3 are deformed inwards so as to favor the extraction of the first plate 3 relative to the second plate 3 .
  • the first plate 3 is initially maintained by the edges of its upper face 9 adjoining the edges 10, 11.
  • the first plate 3 is grasped by the interior of its cells 8 by suction.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B make it possible to clearly understand the variant proposed as regards the gripping phase of the plate 3.
  • the plates 3 are stacked and fitted together with a first front plate 3 (referenced 31) , a second plate 3 placed immediately after the first plate 31 (referenced 32) and so on an n th plate 3 (referenced 3n).
  • the first plate 31 is maintained by its upper face 9, in particular by its edges adjoining the edges 10, 11. Then, simultaneously (FIG. 3B), the first plate 31 is grasped, towards the front by its alveoli 8, by suction and, towards the rear, by its free edges 12. For this step, the edges 10, 11 of the second plate 32 are previously deformed inwards and the stack of plates 3 is laterally tightened.
  • the deformation edges 10, 11 of the second plate 32 promotes the extraction of the first plate 31 with respect to the second plate 32 by a double function: reduction of the friction of the edges in contact with the two plates 31 and 32; communication with the external ambient atmosphere of the cavity created between the two plates 31 and 31, which, failing this, would prevent the extraction of the first plate 31 held by suction, at the rear.
  • the lateral clamping of the stack of trays 3 - with the exception of the first tray 31 aims to keep the stack stationary when the first tray 31 is extracted from it.
  • the invention also relates to a machine specially adapted for producing packaging 1.
  • This machine comprises: . separate means for gripping a bottom 2, the flaps 5, 6 of which are flat, not folded and of a preformed plate 3, respectively 15 and 16; . downstream of the gripping means 15, 16, means for placing the bottom 2 and the plate 3 on one another so that the edges 10, 11 of the plate 3 are directed towards and applied to the main wall 4 of the bottom 2, the main wall 4 and the upper face 9 being spaced from one another; . means for pressing 18 against each other the bottom 2 and the plate 3 acting on the side of the upper face 9 opposite the edges 10, 11, these means for pressing comprising two parts acting on the bottom 2 and the plate 3 separated transversely from each other; .
  • means for associating the flaps 5, 6 on the edges 10, 11 outside of these. means, distinct or not, of rigid association, of the bottom 2 and of the plate 3.
  • the machine also comprises means 19 for holding the packaging 1 by its lateral faces 14.
  • the machine is of the carousel type and comprises an indexed wheel 20 of axis 21, preferably horizontal, having at least three but preferably four work stations 22, driven step by step. 'a quarter turn (in the case of four stations 22) by a motor not shown.
  • the wheel 20 is associated with supply means 23 for the plates 3, supply means 24 for the bottoms 2 and discharge means 25 for the packages 1 produced located opposite three successive stations 22.
  • This structure of the machine makes it possible to define respectively a set for gripping a plate 3 comprising the gripping means 16, a set for positioning and rigid association of a plate 3 with a bottom 2 comprising the gripping means 15, as well as the means 17, 18, 19 and, finally, a package evacuation assembly 1 made from the machine. Subsequently, and for reasons of simplicity, the positions 221 for gripping the plate 3, the positions 222 for positioning and association and the positions 223 for evacuation are designated respectively, the positions 22 being in the sets thus defined. . In the case of a wheel 20 with four stations 22, the fourth station 224 is said to be a rest station.
  • each station 22 becomes successively a station 221 then a station 222 then a station 223 and finally a station 22 poste.
  • the entry station 221 and the evacuation station 223 are such that the corresponding branches 29 are horizontal.
  • the positioning and association station 222 is such that the corresponding branch 29 is vertical and directed downwards.
  • Each station 22 comprises on the one hand, a gripping member 26 of a plate 3 from the inside of its cells 8, comprising in particular suction means, radially movable and, on the other hand, the holding means 19 of the packaging 1 by its lateral faces 14, fixed.
  • Drive means 27 make it possible to move the gripping member 26 between two extreme inner and outer radial positions, respectively.
  • the movable characters of the gripping member 26 and the fixed of the holding member 19 refer to the wheel 20
  • the gripping member 26 is in the form of a complementary imprint of the cells 8, with which are associated suction means by air - not shown - intended to keep a plate 3 firmly applied to the imprint 26.
  • These means air suction comprise a vacuum source or air suction means as well as sectioning means, well known per se to the skilled person.
  • the gripping member 26 is carried perpendicularly to the outer end of a radial and mobile rod 28 guided so as to be able to slide radially in a branch 29 of the wheel 20 corresponding to the station 22.
  • the rod 28 cooperates, on the side of axis 21 with a cam not shown. This cam and the rod 28 are part of the drive means 27.
  • the gripping member 26 is also part of the gripping means 16 described later.
  • the holding means 19 consist of a frame extending in a plane orthogonal to the rod 28, fixedly carried by crutches 30 at least substantially radial, fixed on either side of the branch 29 so as not to not interfere with the gripping member 26 during its movement.
  • the internal dimensions of the frame 19 and its thickness correspond to the internal dimensions and the thickness of the packaging 1 so that the packaging 1 can be held by force, with gentle friction and by its lateral faces 14 in the frame 19.
  • the outer opening of the frame 19 is flared outward to facilitate the cooperation of the frame 19 and the packaging 1.
  • the gripping member 26 In its extreme internal position, the gripping member 26 is closest to the axis 21 and is placed inside the frame 19, substantially coplanar with it. This position occurs at the beginning and at the end of operation at the 221 input station of the trays 3, the 222 placement and association station, and the 223 evacuation station. This position is also that of the rest station 22 poste.
  • the gripping member 26 In its extreme external position, the gripping member 26 is furthest from the axis 21 and is placed just outside the frame 19, spaced from it along the sliding axis of the member 26. This position is presented in an intermediate manner at the 221 entry station in order to carry out the entry of a plate 3, the establishment and association station 222 in order to carry out the pressing, and the discharge station 223 in order to carry out evacuation.
  • the supply means 23 of the plates 3 can be the subject of several alternative embodiments. A particular variant embodiment, described later, is specially adapted to the case where the plates 3 are stacked and nested. In all cases, the supply means 23 are arranged so that the gripping member 26 can be lined with a plate 3.
  • the means 24 for supplying funds 2 can also be the subject of several alternative embodiments.
  • a particular variant embodiment includes (FIG. 5) a magazine 31 in which the bottoms 2 are stacked flat; a movable extractor 32 associated with the magazine 31 intended to extract a bottom 2 of the magazine 31, this extractor 32 possibly being of the suction cup type, known per se to those skilled in the art; one or more belts or endless drive belt 33 extending parallel to the axis 21 in particular horizontally and below the positioning and association station 222; drive means, not shown, of the belt 33 step by step; possibly one or more motorized pressure rollers 34 arranged transversely above the belt 33.
  • the belt 33 extends over a length making it possible to define three successive zones: .
  • the drive means are arranged to pass a bottom 2 flat from one to the other of the zones 35, 37, 36 respectively.
  • the discharge means 25 can also be the subject of several alternative embodiments.
  • a particular variant comprises (FIG. 4) a deflecting plate 39, a receiving plate 40 both intended to guide a package 1 in line with the gripping member 26 of the evacuation station 223 towards an evacuation mat 41 or the like.
  • the means 15 for gripping the bottom 2 comprise on the one hand, the belt 33 and on the other hand, a plate 42, horizontal, placed in the downstream area 36 vertically and below the frame 19 and the member gripping 26 of the station 222, movable vertically sliding between two extreme positions respectively lower retracted and upper discharge with an intermediate pressing position.
  • the plate 42 is located to the right of the belt 33.
  • the belt 33 can be of small transverse width and the plate 42, have two parts on either side of the belt 33.
  • the belt 33 is single and axial and the plate 42 in two symmetrical parts.
  • the external space requirement of the plate 42 is at most and preferably close to that of the wall 4, that is to say, up to the fold lines 7.
  • the plate 42 is for example carried by the rod 43 of a jack 44 disposed orthogonally to the axis 20 and below the plate 42 and the belt 33.
  • the plate 42 In its intermediate position, the plate 42 is at least substantially coplanar with the belt 33. This intermediate position occurs in the middle of the operation of the positioning and association station 222 (FIGS. 2B and 2C). In its lower retracted position, the plate 42 is inactive and housed under the belt 33. This lower retracted and inactive position occurs at the start of the operation of the positioning and association station 222 (FIG. 2A). In its upper evacuation position, the plate 42 is spaced vertically and upwards above the belt 33 and therefore is closest to the axis 21. In this upper evacuation position, the plate 42 supports the bottom 2 spaced from the belt 33. This upper position occurs at the end of the operation of the positioning and association station 222.
  • the means 16 for gripping the plate 3 comprise the suction gripping member 26 and the supply means 23 of associated plates described later.
  • the means 17 for placing the bottom 2 and the plate 3 on one another comprise, on the one hand, the gripping member 26 in the station 222 as well as the drive means 27 and in that they drive the gripping member 26 towards its extreme external position, that is to say towards the belt 33 and, on the other hand, the belt 33 in its downstream zone 36.
  • the means 18 for pressing the bottom 2 and the plate 3 against each other comprise on the one hand, the gripping member 26 in the station 222 as well as the drive means 27 in that they are suitable maintaining the gripping member 26 in the extreme external position, and on the other hand, the plate 42 and its associated drive means 43, 44; the drive means 27, 43, 44, urging the gripping member 26 and the plate 42 one towards the other.
  • the machine also comprises means for longitudinal gluing in two parts 38a and 38b, and means for lateral gluing in two parts respectively upstream and downstream 45a, 45b.
  • These sizing means are constituted by nozzles projecting glue, such as hot melt glue, a relative movement existing between the nozzle and the bottom 2 to form a line of glue.
  • the gluing means 38a, 38b, 45a, 45b have the function of depositing lines of glue on the longitudinal and side flaps 5 6.
  • the two parts of the longitudinal gluing means 38a, 38b are placed opposite one another, on either side of the means 24 for supplying the bottoms 2, in particular in the intermediate zone.
  • the longitudinal gluing means 38a, 38b operate "in the parade” during the longitudinal movement of the bottoms 2 on the belt 33.
  • the two parts of the upstream lateral gluing means 45a and downstream 45b are placed respectively at the start and at the end of the downstream zone 36, in particular on either side of the frame 19, of the gripping member 26 and of the plate. 42 in the longitudinal direction of movement of the belt 33 and the bottom 2.
  • the two parts of the lateral gluing means 45a, 45b are mounted with transverse horizontal sliding and driven on either side of the feeding means 24 thanks to drive means not shown such as a jack.
  • a jack drives a carriage carrying the two parts 45a, 45b.
  • the gluing means 38a, 38b, 45a, 45b are placed vertically above but close to the plane of the belt 33 or the plate 42 in the intermediate position.
  • the machine also includes folding means 46 for the flaps 5, 6 around the fold lines 7, vertically and upwards to bring them against the edges 10, 11.
  • These folding means 46 are constituted, for example, by a frame placed horizontally around the plate 42.
  • the frame 46 is movable with vertical sliding between two extreme positions, respectively retracted lower and upper folding.
  • the frame 46 is, for example, carried by the body of the jack 44, this jack body being movably mounted to slide along a vertical axis. This arrangement facilitates the realization of the drive means of the plate 42 and the frame 46 so that they can be moved independently of one another, but in combination. the body of the jack 44 can then be driven by one or more jacks or even by a cam.
  • the frames 19 and 46 have at least substantially the same opening.
  • the frame 46 In the extreme lower position retracted, the frame 46 is located under the belt 33. This position occurs at the start of operation of the second station 222 ( Figures 2A and 2B).
  • the frame 46 In the extreme upper position, the frame 46 is located immediately above the belt 33. This position occurs at the end of the operation of the second station ( Figures 2C and 2D).
  • the plate 42 In this upper position of the frame 46, the plate 42 can also be in the upper extreme position above the frame 46 and this in the last step of the operation of the second station 222.
  • a tray 3 is gripped by the gripping member 26 at station 221.
  • a bottom 2 flat is delivered by the supply means 24 to the downstream area 36 of the station 222.
  • the rotation of a step of the wheel 20 makes it possible to bring the plate 3 to the station 222.
  • the application of the gluing means 38a, 38B, 45a, 45b has made it possible to glue the internal faces of the flaps 5, 6.
  • the bottom 2 and the plate 3 at station 222 are opposite and vertically vertically from one another but initially spaced from one another, the gripping member 26 being in its extreme interior position, the plate 42 and the frame 46 in their lower retracted extreme position (FIG. 2A). Then, the gripping member 26 is brought into the extreme external position, until the free edges 12 are in abutment on the bottom 2. Simultaneously, the plate 42 is brought to the intermediate position so as to firmly hold the bottom 2 in the plane of the belt 33 ( Figure 2B). Then, the gripping member 26 and the plate 42 remain in this same position and the frame 46 is moved to its extreme upper folding position (FIG. 2C).
  • the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are pressed simultaneously, one against the other, to ensure the rigidity of the edges 10, 11 by tensioning as indicated above and the folding of the flaps 5, 6 against the edges 10, 11.
  • the contact of the flaps 5, 6 glued and the flaps 10, 11 causes them to join.
  • the frame 46 remaining in its same position, the gripping member 26 and the plate 42 are moved in synchronism vertically and upwards until they reach the inner extreme position and the upper extreme position respectively. It follows the transfer of the bottom 2-plate 3 assembly from the frame 46 to the frame 19, the two frames being placed facing each other and in close proximity to each other.
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to the supply means 23 and the gripping means 16. These means are applicable in particular but not exclusively to the machine which has just been described.
  • the supply means 23 comprise a conveyor belt 47 having a step-by-step advancement by means of appropriate drive means 48.
  • the conveyor belt 47 is extended forward by a coplanar fixed plate 49 and in particular horizontal.
  • the conveyor belt 47 and the plate 49 make it possible to support a stack of nested trays 3 resting on their edges, in particular the longitudinal edges 10 below.
  • the supply means 23 also include a lateral clamping plate 50, in particular at least substantially horizontal, placed above the plate 49, movable for example, pivoting about a transverse axis 51, moved by a jack 52 or similar, between two extreme positions: a clamping position and a retracted position.
  • a clamping position the clamping plate 50 is applied to the edges, in particular the upper longitudinal edges 10 of the plates 3. This position occurs at the end of the operation of the station 221 ( Figure 3B).
  • the clamping plate 50 In the retracted position, the clamping plate 50 is separated from the edges of the plates 3. This position occurs at the start of operation of the station 221 ( Figure 3A).
  • the function of the clamping plate 50 is to hold the stack of trays 3 when this stack is no longer held by the other members of the supply means 23.
  • the feeding means 23 also include claws or the like 53a, 53b, at least substantially vertical and transverse, mobile, in particular pivoting about transverse axes 54a, 54b, displaced by a linkage 55, itself, controlled by a cam or cylinder.
  • claws 53a, 53b are intended to engage on the upper face 9 of the first plate 31 of the stack of trays 3. the claws, 53a, 53b therefore constitute a retractable front stop, ensuring a positive hold of the stack.
  • the claws 53a, 53b can be in two extreme positions, respectively active and inactive retracted. In the active position, the claws 53a, 53b actually come to form a front stop for the first 31 tray. This active position occurs in particular in the retracted position of the plate 50. In the inactive retracted position, the claws 53a, 53b do not hold the first plate 31 and do not prevent its pressing. This retracted inactive position occurs in particular in the plate 50 clamping position.
  • the supply means 23 finally comprise a pusher frame 56 placed vertically and transversely, movable with horizontal and longitudinal sliding (that is to say, parallel to the direction of the conveyor belt 47 and the plate 49, c ' that is to say also the direction of advancement of the plates 3), by means of a linkage 57 controlled by a cam or a jack.
  • the pusher frame 56 can occupy two extreme positions: a rear retracted position and a position before extended.
  • the pusher frame 56 has an opening 58 corresponding to the outer contour of the plates 3 - that is to say the edges 10, 11- so as to be adjusted to the plates 3, as mentioned below.
  • the opening 58 is preferably pyramidal or beveled so as to be slightly larger at the rear 58a than at the front 58b.
  • the rear opening 58a is slightly larger than the largest size of the plates 3 - in particular at the location of the free edges 12 and the front opening 58b is slightly smaller than the largest space of the plates 3 or even slightly smaller than the smallest footprint of the plates 3, in particular at the location of the upper face 9.
  • the sliding movement of the pusher frame 56 rearward does not create any annoying interference with the stack of trays 3.
  • the front opening 58b forms a stop or pawl and fulfills two functions: on the one hand, slightly deforming the edges inwards 10, 11 of the second plate 32 and, on the other hand, come to lock on the free edges 12 of the first plate 31.
  • the deformation of the edges 10, 11 of the second plate 32 has itself two functions: the first to reduce the friction on each other of the edges 10, 11 of the plates 31 and 32.
  • the second allows air to enter between the two plates 31 and 32 to prevent them from sticking to each other due to the vacuum prevailing between them.
  • the pusher frame 56 In the retracted rear position, the pusher frame 56 is located at the rear and away from the claws 53a, 53b, in line with the plates 49 and 50. In the position before output, the pusher frame 56 is located immediately behind the claws 53a, 53b.
  • the supply means 23 are arranged generally horizontally opposite the first station 221, the claws 53a, 53b being near the station 221. More precisely, the supply means 23 are arranged, relative to the first station 221 so that in the position before exit, the pusher frame 56 is located in the immediate vicinity - in particular is tangent - to the gripping member 26 in position extreme exterior.
  • the pusher frame 56 essentially constitutes a unit for extracting a unit from a tray 3 from the stack of the tray 3.
  • the means 16 for gripping the trays 3 thus essentially consist of the gripping member 26 and the pusher frame 56.
  • the device that has just been described operates as follows: Initially, the clamping plate 50 is in the retracted position, the claws 53a, 53b in the active position, the pusher frame 56 in the retracted rear position, the gripping member 26 in the extreme interior position (FIG. 3A). In this situation, the stack of trays 3 is at rest, the member 26 being devoid of trays. In this situation, the belt 47 can advance one step to properly lock the first plate 31 against the claws 53a, 53b. Then, the clamping plate 50 passes into the clamping position, the claws 53a, 53b pass into the retracted position, the pusher frame 56 is slid forward (relative to the direction of advance of the belt 47) and the member seizure 26 is advanced outward.
  • the stack of trays 3 is held between the plates 49 and 50, while the pusher frame 56 extracts the first tray 31 from the stack.
  • the pusher frame 56 and the gripping member 26 move towards each other, until the first plate 31 is gripped by the member 26 by means of the suction means.

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Abstract

The system forms a package (1) in two opposite parts rigidly secured together. These consist of a bottom (2) with main panel (4) and flaps (5,6) folded vertically upwards, and a top plate (3) with hollow compartments (8) open to the top, and with top face (9) clear of the bottom panel. A bottom with flaps flat and unfolded, and a pre-shaped plate , are gripped separately and fitted together, so that the plate edges (10,11) bear against the main panel. They are then pressed together and the flaps are folded over so as to bear against the edges.

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé et une machine pour la réalisation d'un emballage en deux parties associées rigidement entre elles en sens opposés, notamment un emballage pour oeufs.The invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a packaging in two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, in particular a packaging for eggs.

Cet emballage comporte un plateau supérieur et un fond inférieur. Le plateau , en matière plastique thermoformée, comporte des alvéoles en creux ouvertes vers le haut, réparties en lignes et colonnes sur une face supérieure et, du même côté que ces alvéoles des chants qui, lorsque l'emballage est dans sa position normale d'utilisation, c'est-à-dire à plat horizontalement, sont disposés au moins sensiblement verticalement et dirigés vers le bas. Le fond, réalisé en carton, comporte des rabats pliables normalement disposés au moins sensiblement verticalement et dirigés vers le haut à partir d'une paroi principale. Les chants et les rabats correspondants sont associés entre eux notamment rigidement par collage. Le plateau présente une forme tourmentée, appropriée à la réception du contenu à emballer (oeufs). Sa résistance intrinsèque est assez faible. En particulier, les chants peuvent s'enfoncer si on exerce sur eux une force perpendiculaire . Le plateau remplit, une fonction de réceptacle du contenu et le fond une fonction de tenue ou de rigidification. Les rabats peuvent être déplacés à pivotement autour de leur ligne de pliage. Une fois que le plateau et le fond sont assemblés entre eux, l'emballage présente la tenue et la rigidité requises. Par contre, l'espace interne entre le plateau et le fond est fermé et inacessible depuis l'extérieur. Il en résulte un sérieux problème pour la réalisation de l'emballage : l'inaccessibilité de cet espace ne permet pas le logement d'une contrepartie permettant une force d'application transversale en vue de l'association des chants et des rabats, ce qui serait d'autant plus nécessaire que les chants ont, en soi, une résistance propre assez faible. Um emballage de ce type général est décrit dans les documents EP 0089 et EP 0188 731.This package has an upper tray and a lower bottom. The tray, in thermoformed plastic, has hollow cells open upwards, distributed in rows and columns on an upper face and, on the same side as these edge cells which, when the packaging is in its normal position use, that is to say horizontally flat, are arranged at least substantially vertically and directed downwards. The bottom, made of cardboard, has foldable flaps normally arranged at least substantially vertically and directed upwards from a main wall. The edges and the corresponding flaps are associated with one another, in particular rigidly by bonding. The tray has a tormented shape, suitable for receiving the contents to be packaged (eggs). Its intrinsic resistance is quite low. In particular, the edges can sink if a perpendicular force is exerted on them. The tray fulfills a function of receptacle for the content and the bottom a holding or stiffening function. The flaps can be pivoted around their fold line. Once the tray and the bottom are assembled together, the packaging has the required strength and rigidity. On the other hand, the internal space between the tray and the bottom is closed and inaccessible from the outside. This results in a serious problem for the realization of the packaging: the inaccessibility of this space does not allow the accommodation of a counterpart allowing a transverse force of application for the association of the edges and the flaps, which would be all the more necessary as the edges have, in themselves, a fairly low inherent resistance. Um packaging of this general type is described in documents EP 0089 and EP 0188 731.

Un même genre de problème se pose dans le cas d'un emballage de ce type général dont les deux parties sont associées rigidement essentiellement par collage direct du plateau et du fond, ou partie basse des alvéoles les chants et les rabats étant associés entre eux.The same kind of problem arises in the case of a packaging of this general type, the two parts of which are rigidly associated essentially by direct bonding of the tray and the bottom, or part bottom of the alveoli, the edges and the flaps being associated with each other.

Ce type d'emballage peut, éventuellement comporter un couvercle.This type of packaging can optionally include a cover.

L'invention vise donc à résoudre le problème de l'association rigide réciproque du plateau et d' un fond d'un emballage en deux parties notamment par association rigide des chants et de rabats pliables appartenant respectivement au plateau et au fond plus spécialement dans le cas où d'une part, les chants ont, en soi, une résistance assez faible et d'autre part, l'espace interne formé par le plateau et le fond est inaccessible de l'extérieur.The invention therefore aims to solve the problem of the reciprocal rigid association of the tray and of a bottom of a two-part packaging, in particular by rigid association of the foldable edges and flaps belonging respectively to the tray and to the bottom more especially in the case on the one hand, the edges have, in themselves, a fairly low resistance and on the other hand, the internal space formed by the plate and the bottom is inaccessible from the outside.

Un autre but de l'invention est de réaliser un tel emballage de façon industrielle, avec une cadence élevée, un coût limité, une excellente sécurité de fonctionnement, une excellente qualité.Another object of the invention is to produce such packaging industrially, with a high rate, a limited cost, excellent operational safety, excellent quality.

On connaît déjà un procédé de fabrication d'un emballage pour oeufs (document FR 2 480 178). Toutefois, ce procédé ne permet pas la réalisation d'un emballage du type de celui décrit précédemment.A method of manufacturing packaging for eggs is already known (document FR 2 480 178). However, this method does not allow the production of a packaging of the type described above.

On connaît aussi un procédé et un dispositif pour l'obtention d'un emballage en deux parties : un fond en carton à rabats et une feuille en matière plastique thermoformée (document FR 2 411 701). On réalise simultanément le thermoformage et l'association de la feuille thermoformée au fond préalablement placé dans le moule de thermoformage. Ce procédé et ce dispositif sont d'une mise en oeuvre complexe, ne permettent pas des cadences élevées, présentent le risque d'une qualité variable.A method and a device are also known for obtaining a packaging in two parts: a cardboard bottom with flaps and a sheet of thermoformed plastic (document FR 2 411 701). Thermoforming and the association of the thermoformed sheet with the base previously placed in the thermoforming mold are carried out simultaneously. This method and this device are of complex implementation, do not allow high rates, present the risk of variable quality.

On connaît aussi (document GB 952 930) une machine pour réaliser une boîte enveloppée comportant des moyens pour convoyer des boîtes vers une station de transfert, des moyens pour convoyer des enveloppes à la station de transfert, des moyens de calage d'une enveloppe à la station de transfert, des moyens pour enlever une boîte des moyens pour convoyer les boîtes et la caler avec l'enveloppe à la station de transfert, la boite étant espacée au dessus de l'enveloppe, des moyens de transfert déplaçant simultanément la boîte et l'enveloppe ainsi espacés de la station de transfert à une station de constitution de l'emballage, et des moyens appliquant ultérieurement la boîte sur l'enveloppe à la station de constitution de l'emballage. Toutefois, une telle machine n'est pas adaptée à un emballage du type général précédemment décrit. En effet, la boîte selon le document GB 952 930 est telle que les chants de la boîte sont dirigés vers le haut (et non vers le bas selon l'invention), le plateau étant inférieur (et non supérieur selon l'invention) puisque formant le fond de la boîte, le plateau étant plat et dépourvu d'alvéoles donc inadapté à l'emballage des oeufs, l'enveloppe ayant comme seule fonction le caractère esthétique (et non la tenue et la rigidification selon l'invention), les rabats du fond étant doubles, sur la face extérieure des chants du plateau et sur la face intérieure, ce qui suppose un plateau périphériquement en creux (alors que selon l'invention, il n'y a qu'un seul rabat à l'extérieur du chant, l'intérieur des chants étant périphériquement inaccessible par dessus).There is also known (document GB 952 930) a machine for producing an enveloped box comprising means for conveying boxes to a transfer station, means for conveying envelopes to the transfer station, means for setting an envelope to the transfer station, means for removing a box means for conveying the boxes and wedging it with the envelope at the transfer station, the box being spaced above the envelope, transfer means simultaneously moving the box and the envelope thus spaced from the transfer station to a packaging station, and means subsequently applying the box on the envelope to the packaging station. However, such a machine is not suitable for packaging of the general type previously described. Indeed, the box according to GB 952 930 is such that the edges of the box are directed upwards (and not downwards according to the invention), the plate being lower (and not upper according to the invention) since forming the bottom of the box, the tray being flat and devoid of cells therefore unsuitable for packaging eggs, the envelope having as sole function the aesthetic character (and not the strength and stiffening according to the invention), bottom flaps being double, on the outside face of the edges of the plate and on the inside face, which supposes a peripherally hollow plate (whereas according to the invention, there is only one flap outside of the song, the inside of the songs being peripherally inaccessible from above).

Le document GB 2 059 868 décrit également une machine pour la réalisation d'une boîte du même type général que celle concernée par le document GB 952 930. Une telle machine comporte deux magasins respectivement pour les boîtes et les couvertures de boîtes, desquels les boîtes et les couvertures sont enlevées individuellement, ainsi qu'une zone de traitement travaillant en synchronisme avec les mouvements des boîtes et des couvertures, adaptée pour joindre et coller chaque boîte à chaque ouverture. Une telle machine présente, généralement, le même type d'inconvénients que celle précédemment décrite (en référence au document GB 952 930).The document GB 2 059 868 also describes a machine for producing a box of the same general type as that concerned by the document GB 952 930. Such a machine has two magazines respectively for the boxes and the box covers, of which the boxes and the covers are removed individually, as well as a treatment zone working in synchronism with the movements of the boxes and covers, adapted to join and glue each box to each opening. Such a machine generally has the same type of drawbacks as that previously described (with reference to document GB 952 930).

On connaît encore d'autres machines (documents US 2 081 910, 4 109 803, 3 661 282, 2 002 213, 2 937 786, 1 343 748). Toutefois, aucune de ces machines ne permet de réaliser un emballage du type de celui concerné par l'invention.Other machines are also known (documents US 2 081 910, 4 109 803, 3 661 282, 2 002 213, 2 937 786, 1 343 748). However, none of these machines makes it possible to produce packaging of the type of that concerned by the invention.

L'invention propose donc d'abord, un procédé spécialement adapté à la réalisation d'un emballage, notamment pour oeufs, comprenant deux parties associées rigidement entre elles en sens opposés à savoir, un fond inférieur comportant une paroi principale inférieure et des rabats pliables normalement et finalement dirigés vers le haut et un plateau supérieur comportant des alvéoles en creux ouvertes vers le haut sur une face supérieure et du même côté que les alvéoles des chants normalement dirigés vers le bas, la paroi principale et la face supérieure étant écartées l'une de l'autre caractérisé par le fait que
. on saisit d'abord séparément un fond dont les rabats sont à plat non pliés et un plateau préformé;
. puis, on place l'un sur l'autre le fond et le plateau, de manière que les chants du plateau soient dirigés vers et appliqués sur la paroi principale du fond, la paroi principale et la face supérieure étant écartées l'une de l'autre;
. on presse ensuite l'un contre l'autre le fond et le plateau en agissant sur le côté de la face supérieure opposé aux chants ;
on associe rigidement le fond et le plateau;
. enfin, on plie les rabats vers le haut en direction de la face supérieure et on les associe sur les chants à l'extérieur de ceux-ci.The invention therefore proposes first of all, a process specially adapted for producing packaging, in particular for eggs, comprising two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, namely, a lower bottom comprising a lower main wall and foldable flaps normally and finally directed upwards and an upper plate comprising hollow cells open upwards on an upper face and on the same side as the edge cells normally directed downwards, the main wall and the upper face being spaced apart. one of the other characterized by the fact that
. first, a bottom is seized separately, the flaps of which are flat, not folded, and a preformed tray;
. then, the bottom and the plate are placed one on the other, so that the edges of the plate are directed towards and applied to the main wall of the bottom, the main wall and the upper face being separated from one another. 'other;
. the bottom and the plate are then pressed against each other by acting on the side of the upper face opposite the edges;
the bottom and the plate are rigidly associated;
. finally, the flaps are folded upwards in the direction of the upper face and are combined on the edges outside of them.

L'invention propose également un procédé pour saisir un plateau préforme d'une pile de plateaux emboîtés les uns dans les autres, les plateaux étant du type comportant au moins une et généralement plusieurs alvéoles réunies par une face supérieure à laquelle sont attenants des chants du même côté que les alvéoles, notamment pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de réalisation d'un emballage mentionné ci-dessus, caractérisé par le fait que l'on maintient initialement le premier plateau par sa face supérieure ; puis au moins sensiblement simultanément, on saisit d'abord et on déplace ensuite le premier plateau d'une part, par l'intérieur de ses alvéoles et, d'autre part, par les bords libres de ses chants.The invention also provides a method for gripping a preform tray from a stack of trays nested one inside the other, the trays being of the type comprising at least one and generally several cells joined by an upper face to which the edges of the same side as the cells, in particular for implementing the method for producing a package mentioned above, characterized in that the first plate is initially maintained by its upper face; then at least substantially simultaneously, first grasping and then moving the first plate on the one hand, by the interior of its cells and, on the other hand, by the free edges of its edges.

L'invention propose ensuite une machine spécialement adaptée à la réalisation d'un emballage, notamment pour oeufs comprenant deux parties associées rigidement entre elles en sens opposés à savoir, un fond inférieur comportant une paroi principale inférieure et des rabats pliables normalement et finalement dirigés vers le haut et un plateau supérieur comportant des alvéoles en creux ouvertes vers le haut, sur une face supérieure et du même côté que les alvéoles des chants normalement dirigés vers le bas, la paroi principale et la face supérieure étant écartées l'une de l'autre, caractérisé par le fait qu'elle comporte :
. des moyens distincts de saisie d'un fond dont les rabats sont à plat non pliés et d'un plateau préformé, respectivement;
. en aval des moyens de saisie, des moyens pour placer l'un sur l'autre le fond et le plateau de manière que les chants du plateau soient dirigés vers et appliqués sur la paroi principale du fond, la paroi principale et la face supérieure étant écartées l'une de l'autre;
. des moyens pour presser l'un contre l'autre le fond et le plateau agissant sur le côté de la face supérieure opposé aux chants, ces moyens pour presser comportant deux parties agissant sur le fond et le plateau écartées transversalement l'une de l'autre;
. des moyens de pliage des rabats, en direction de la partie des moyens pour presser agissant sur le plateau susceptibles de fonctionner en même temps que les moyens pour presser.
. des moyens d'associations des rabats sur les chants à l'extérieur de ceux-ci.
. des moyens, distincts ou non, d'association rigide, du fond et du plateau.The invention then proposes a machine specially adapted for producing packaging, in particular for eggs comprising two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, namely, a lower bottom comprising a lower main wall and folds normally foldable and finally directed towards the top and an upper plate comprising hollow cells open upwards, on an upper face and on the same side as the alveoli of the edges normally directed downwards, the main wall and the upper face being separated from one another other, characterized by the fact that it comprises:
. separate means for gripping a bottom, the flaps of which are flat, not folded, and of a preformed tray, respectively;
. downstream of the gripping means, means for placing the bottom and the tray one on top of the other so that the edges of the tray are directed towards and applied to the main wall of the bottom, the main wall and the upper face being separated from each other;
. means for pressing the bottom and the plate acting against one another acting on the side of the upper face opposite the edges, these means for pressing comprising two parts acting on the bottom and the plate spaced transversely from one of the other;
. means for folding the flaps, in the direction of the part of the pressing means acting on the plate capable of operating at the same time as the pressing means.
. means for associating the flaps on the edges outside thereof.
. means, distinct or not, of rigid association, of the bottom and of the plate.

L'invention propose enfin un dispositif d'amenée de plateaux plus spécialement destiné à cette machine, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte un tapis transporteur avec des moyens d'entraînement pas à pas ; une plaque fixe coplanaire au tapis ; une plaque de serrage latéral mobile entre une position de serrage et une position escamotée ; des griffes ou similaires, mobiles entre une position active et une position escamotée ; un cadre poussoir transversal mobile à coulissement longitudinal entre une position arrière rentrée et une position avant sortie.The invention finally proposes a device for feeding trays more specifically intended for this machine, characterized in that it comprises a conveyor belt with stepping drive means; a fixed plate coplanar to the mat; a movable lateral clamping plate between a clamping position and a retracted position; claws or the like, movable between an active position and a retracted position; a movable transverse pusher frame with longitudinal sliding between a retracted rear position and a pre-extended position.

Les procédés et machines de l'état de la technique mentionnés en tête ne sont pas spécialement adaptées à un emballage spécifique tel que celui visé par la présente invention. En effet, s'agissant des procédés et machines selon les documents GB 952 930 et GB 2 059 868, ils sont destinés à des emballages en deux parties associées rigidement entre elles dans le même sens, à savoir, (en reprenant la terminologie utilisée dans la présente invention) tels que la face supérieure et la paroi principale sont appliquées l'une sur l'autre ; les rabats et les chants étant dirigés dans le même sens ; aucun espace n'existant entre le plateau et le fond ; le fond étant essentiellement une simple feuille de recouvrement esthétique et non de rigidification. Au contraire, dans l'invention la face supérieure et la paroi principale sont écartées l'une de l'autre ; les rabats et les chants sont dirigés dans deux sens opposés ; il existe un espace vide entre le plateau et le fond ; le fond est essentiellement un organe de rigidification. Selon l'état de la technique considéré, il est possible de faire rentrer dans le creux de l'élément supérieur une forme appliquant directement la face supérieure sur la paroi principale alors que les rabats et les chants sont libres. Au contraire, selon l'invention, lorsque le plateau et le fond sont associés entre eux, les chants sont coincés entre la face supérieure et la paroi principale, sans accès entre eux.The methods and machines of the state of the art mentioned at the head are not specially adapted to a specific packaging such as that aimed by the present invention. Indeed, as regards the processes and machines according to documents GB 952 930 and GB 2 059 868, they are intended for packaging in two associated parts rigidly between them in the same direction, namely, (using the terminology used in the present invention) such that the upper face and the main wall are applied one on the other; the flaps and the edges being directed in the same direction; no space exists between the tray and the bottom; the bottom being essentially a simple aesthetic covering sheet and not of stiffening. On the contrary, in the invention the upper face and the main wall are spaced from one another; the flaps and edges are directed in two opposite directions; there is an empty space between the tray and the bottom; the bottom is essentially a stiffening member. According to the prior art considered, it is possible to fit into the hollow of the upper element a shape directly applying the upper face on the main wall while the flaps and the edges are free. On the contrary, according to the invention, when the plate and the bottom are associated with each other, the edges are wedged between the upper face and the main wall, without access between them.

L'invention sera bien comprise à l'aide des dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique, en perspective, illustrant la séquence des phases principales du procédé de réalisation de l'emballage selon l'invention, la phase de saisie d'un plateau et la phase d'association rigide du fond et du plateau n'étant pas représentées en détail.
  • Les figures 2A à 2D sont quatre vues schématiques en coupe illustrant plus en détail la phase d'association rigide du fond et du plateau.
  • Les figures 3A et 3B sont deux vues schématiques en coupe illustrant plus en détail la phase de saisie d'un plateau.
  • Les figures 4 et 5 sont deux vue schématiques respectivement de face et de dessus d'une forme de réalisation possible de machine pour la réalisation d'emballage selon l'invention.
  • La figure 6 est une vue plus en détail des moyens d'amenée de fonds ainsi que des moyens de mise en place de pressage et de pliage des rabats.
  • La figure 7 est une vue plus en détail des moyens d'amenée de plateaux.
The invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the sequence of the main phases of the packaging production method according to the invention, the phase of gripping a tray and the rigid association phase of the bottom and the tray not being shown in detail.
  • Figures 2A to 2D are four schematic sectional views illustrating in more detail the phase of rigid association of the bottom and the plate.
  • Figures 3A and 3B are two schematic sectional views illustrating in more detail the phase of gripping a tray.
  • Figures 4 and 5 are two schematic front and top views respectively of a possible embodiment of a machine for producing packaging according to the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a more detailed view of the means for supplying funds as well as means for setting up pressing and folding the flaps.
  • Figure 7 is a more detailed view of the tray supply means.

L'invention concerne un procédé et une machine spécialement destinés à la réalisation d'un emballage 1 ne faisant pas en soi l'objet de l'invention, notamment pour oeufs, du type comprenant deux parties associées rigidement à savoir un fond 2 et un plateau 3 en sens opposés.The invention relates to a method and a machine specially intended for producing a package 1 which is not in itself the subject of the invention, in particular for eggs, of the type comprising two rigidly associated parts, namely a bottom 2 and a plate 3 in opposite directions.

L'emballage 1 est décrit dans une forme de réalisation possible seulement pour mieux faire comprendre le procédé et la machine. Il est entendu que l'emballage 1 peut faire l'objet d'autres formes de réalisation et que le procédé et la machine décrits ultérieurement peuvent donc eux aussi présenter des variantes de réalisation adaptées aux diverses formes de réalisation de l'emballage 1.The packaging 1 is described in a possible embodiment only to better understand the process and the machine. It is understood that the packaging 1 can be the subject of other embodiments and that the method and the machine described later can therefore also have alternative embodiments adapted to the various embodiments of the packaging 1.

Pour plus de commodité, mais sans que cela ne limite la portée de l'invention, l'emballage 1 est décrit par rapport à une position normale d'utilisation à plat horizontalement. Toutefois, il est entendu que l'emballage 1 peut prendre toute autre position.For convenience, but without limiting the scope of the invention, the packaging 1 is described with respect to a normal position of use flat horizontally. However, it is understood that the packaging 1 can take any other position.

Le fond 2 est inférieur et réalisé notamment en carton de manière à présenter une certaine tenue ou rigidité. Il comporte une paroi principale 4 horizontale inférieure, en général de forme rectangulaire, et quatre rabats respectivement longitudinaux 5 et latéraux 6 associés à la paroi 4 par des lignes de pliage 7. Le fond 2 peut alors se présenter initialement et avant constitution de l'emballage 1 sous forme d'une découpe à plat. Une fois incorporés à l'emballage 1, les rabats 5, 6 - après leur pliage autour des lignes 7- sont disposés au moins sensiblement verticalement et dirigés vers le haut, c'est-à-dire au moins sensiblement perpendiculaire à la paroi 4.Le cas échéant, les rabats 5, 6 sont légèrement convergents vers le haut, la paroi principale 4 formant une grande base.The bottom 2 is lower and made in particular of cardboard so as to have a certain strength or rigidity. It has a lower horizontal main wall 4, generally of rectangular shape, and four respectively longitudinal 5 and lateral 6 flaps associated with the wall 4 by fold lines 7. The bottom 2 can then appear initially and before constitution of the packaging 1 in the form of a flat cut. Once incorporated into the packaging 1, the flaps 5, 6 - after their folding around the lines 7 - are arranged at least substantially vertically and directed upwards, that is to say at least substantially perpendicular to the wall 4 .If necessary, the flaps 5, 6 are slightly converging upwards, the main wall 4 forming a large base.

Le plateau 3 est supérieur et réalisé notamment au moyen d'une feuille en matière plastique thermoformée. Il comporte, en premier lieu, des alvéoles 8 en creux, normalement ouvertes vers le haut, généralement réparties en lignes et en colonnes, associées entre elles, du côté de leurs ouvertures par des plats coplanaires constituant une face supérieure 9 et, en second lieu, quatre chants respectivement longitudinaux 10 et latéraux 11 attenants à la face supérieure 9 du même côté que les alvéoles 8. Selon l'invention, le plateau 3 est préformé et les chants 10, 11 sont disposés au moins sensiblement verticalement et dirigés vers le bas, c'est-à-dire, au moins sensiblement perpendiculaires à la face 9. Le cas échéant, les chants 10, 11 sont également légèrement divergents vers le bas, la face 9 constituant une petite base.The plate 3 is upper and produced in particular by means of a thermoformed plastic sheet. It comprises, firstly, hollow cells 8, normally open upwards, generally distributed in rows and columns, associated with each other, on the side of their openings by coplanar plates constituting a face upper 9 and, secondly, four respectively longitudinal 10 and lateral 11 edges adjacent to the upper face 9 on the same side as the cells 8. According to the invention, the plate 3 is preformed and the edges 10, 11 are arranged at least substantially vertically and directed downward, that is to say, at least substantially perpendicular to the face 9. Where appropriate, the edges 10, 11 are also slightly diverging downward, the face 9 constituting a small base.

Une fois assemblés pour constituer l'emballage 1, le fond 2 et le plateau 3 sont associés rigidement entre eux notamment par les rabats 5, 6 et les chants 10, 11, ceux-ci étant préférentiellement collés. En particulier, les bords libres 12, coplanaires, des chants 10, 11 reposent sur la paroi 4 à l'endroit ou un voisinage immédiat des lignes de pliage 7. Les bords libres 13 des rabats 5, 6 sont situés entre la paroi 4 et la face 9, c'est-à-dire que les rabats 5, 6 ne saillent pas au dessus de la face 9. Préférentiellement, d'une part, les rabats 5, 6 sont à l'extérieur et les chants 10, 11 à l'intérieur et, d'autre part, les rabats et les chants 5, 6, 10, 11 sont légèrement inclinés sur la verticale, de quelques degrés, l'emballage 1 ayant ainsi une forme générale extérieure légèrement tronc-pyramidale à grande base inférieure (paroi 4) et petite base supérieure (face 9).Once assembled to form the packaging 1, the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are rigidly associated with one another, in particular by the flaps 5, 6 and the edges 10, 11, these preferably being glued. In particular, the free edges 12, coplanar, of the edges 10, 11 rest on the wall 4 at the place or an immediate vicinity of the fold lines 7. The free edges 13 of the flaps 5, 6 are located between the wall 4 and the face 9, that is to say that the flaps 5, 6 do not project above the face 9. Preferably, on the one hand, the flaps 5, 6 are outside and the edges 10, 11 inside and, on the other hand, the flaps and edges 5, 6, 10, 11 are slightly inclined vertically, by a few degrees, the packaging 1 thus having a general external shape slightly truncated-pyramid to large lower base (wall 4) and small upper base (face 9).

En variante, le fond 2 et le plateau 3 sont associés rigidement l'un à l'autre par le fond des alvéoles 8 au contact et collé sur la paroi principale 4. Dans ce cas, les rabats 5, 6 et les chants 10, 11 peuvent être associés par encliquetage (ou encore collés).As a variant, the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are rigidly associated with one another by the bottom of the cells 8 in contact and glued to the main wall 4. In this case, the flaps 5, 6 and the edges 10, 11 can be snapped together (or glued).

Egalement, en variantes, les chants 10, 11 peuvent être discontinus et constitués par des tronçons de parois des alvéoles 8. Et, les chants peuvent comporter, au voisinage de la face supérieure 9 une gorge périphérique dans laquelle sont engagés et éventuellement maintenus les rabats 5, 6.Also, in variants, the edges 10, 11 may be discontinuous and constituted by sections of walls of the cells 8. And, the edges may comprise, in the vicinity of the upper face 9, a peripheral groove in which the flaps are engaged and possibly maintained 5, 6.

Dans le procédé selon l'invention (figure 1), on saisit d'abord un fond 2 et un plateau préformé 3, les rabats étant à plat non pliés. Puis on place l'un sur l'autre le fond 2 et le plateau 3 ainsi saisis de manière que les chants 10, 11 du plateau 3 soient dirigés vers et appliqués sur la paroi principale 4 du fond 2, la paroi principale 4 et la face supérieure 9 étant écartées l'une de l'autre. On les presse ensuite l'un contre l'autre le fond 2 et le plateau 3 en agissant sur le côté de la face supérieure 9 opposé aux chants 10, 11. On associe rigidement le fond 2 et le plateau 3. Et enfin ,on plie les rabats 5, 6 vers le haut en direction de la face supérieure 9 et on les associe rigidement aux chants 10, 11, à l'extérieur de ceux-ci.In the method according to the invention (FIG. 1), a bottom 2 and a preformed plate 3 are first grasped, the flaps being flat, not folded. Then place one on the other the bottom 2 and the tray 3 thus captured so that the edges 10, 11 of the tray 3 are directed towards and applied to the main wall 4 of the bottom 2, the main wall 4 and the upper face 9 being spaced from one another. They are then pressed against each other the bottom 2 and the plate 3 by acting on the side of the upper face 9 opposite the edges 10, 11. We rigidly associate the bottom 2 and the plate 3. And finally, we folds the flaps 5, 6 upwards towards the upper face 9 and they are rigidly associated with the edges 10, 11, outside of these.

Préférentiellement, on réalise, préalablement, des fonds 2 et des plateaux 3, les fonds 2 pouvant être empilés à plat et les plateaux 3 préformés pouvant être empilés, encastrés ou emboîtés les uns dans les autres.Preferably, funds 2 and plates 3 are produced beforehand, the funds 2 being able to be stacked flat and the preformed plates 3 being able to be stacked, embedded or nested one inside the other.

Pour placer le fond 2 sur le plateau 3, on pose les bords libres 12 des chants 10, 11 du plateau 3 sur les lignes de pliage 7 du fond 2.To place the base 2 on the plate 3, the free edges 12 of the edges 10, 11 of the plate 3 are placed on the fold lines 7 of the base 2.

On entend par presser l'un contre l'autre le fond 2 et le plateau 3, exercer des forces réciproquement opposées sur d'une part, la paroi 4 -notamment et préférentiellement au moins au voisinage des lignes de pliage 7, et d'autre part, la face supérieure 9- notamment au voisinage des chants 10, 11. Ce pressage a, selon une caractéristique importante de l'invention, deux fonctions distinctes venant en combinaison l'une avec l'autre : le maintien de la position relative réciproque du fond 2 et du plateau 3 ; l'augmentation de la rigidité des chants 10, 11. Cette dernière fonction est réalisée par le fait que d'une part, les chants 10, 11 sont mis en tension, du fait du pressage exercé sur la paroi 4 et la face supérieure 9 et que, d'autre part, les bords libres 12 des chants 10, 11 sont empêchés de glisser sur la paroi 4 du fait du pressage exercé.One understands by pressing one against the other the bottom 2 and the plate 3, exert reciprocally opposite forces on the one hand, the wall 4 -in particular and preferably at least in the vicinity of the fold lines 7, and on the other hand, the upper face 9- in particular in the vicinity of the edges 10, 11. This pressing has, according to an important characteristic of the invention, two distinct functions coming in combination with one another: maintaining the relative position reciprocal of the bottom 2 and of the plate 3; increasing the rigidity of the edges 10, 11. This last function is achieved by the fact that on the one hand, the edges 10, 11 are tensioned, due to the pressing exerted on the wall 4 and the upper face 9 and that, on the other hand, the free edges 12 of the edges 10, 11 are prevented from sliding on the wall 4 due to the pressing exerted.

Le pliage des rabats 5, 6 autour des lignes de pliage 7 vise à les faire passer de leur position originelle où ils sont coplanaires à la paroi 4 et dans laquelle le plateau 3 est placé sur le fond 2, à leur position finale où ils sont appliqués sur les chants 10, 11, à l'extérieur, au moins sensiblement perpendiculairement à la paroi 4.The folding of the flaps 5, 6 around the folding lines 7 aims to pass them from their original position where they are coplanar to the wall 4 and in which the plate 3 is placed on the bottom 2, to their final position where they are applied to the edges 10, 11, outside, at least substantially perpendicular to the wall 4.

On associe les rabats 5, 6 aux chants 10, 11, rigidement et à demeure notamment par collage ou encore par soudage, par ultra-sons, ou tout moyen équivalent ou de façon plus ou moins amovible, notamment par encliquetage en particulier des bords libres des rabats 5, 6 dans des réserves ménagées sur le plateau 3, notamment au voisinage de la face supérieure 9.The flaps 5, 6 are associated with the edges 10, 11, rigidly and permanently, in particular by gluing or by welding, by ultrasound, or any equivalent means or in a more or less removable manner, in particular by snapping in particular of the free edges. flaps 5, 6 in reserves made on the plate 3, in particular in the vicinity of the upper face 9.

Préférentiellement, on plie les rabats 5, 6 au moment où le fond 2 et le plateau 3 sont pressés l'un contre l'autre, de manière à rigidifier les chants 10, 11 entre la face supérieure 9 et la paroi principale 4.Preferably, the flaps 5, 6 are folded when the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are pressed against each other, so as to stiffen the edges 10, 11 between the upper face 9 and the main wall 4.

Pour associer rigidement les rabats 5, 6 aux chants 10, 11, et dans une variante possible, on encolle les rabats 5, 6 et/ou les chants 10, 11 et on plie les rabats 5, 6 contre les chants 10, 11.To rigidly associate the flaps 5, 6 with the edges 10, 11, and in a possible variant, the flaps 5, 6 and / or the edges 10, 11 are glued and the flaps 5, 6 are folded against the edges 10, 11.

Selon une autre variante, pour associer rigidement le plateau 3 et le fond 2, on encolle les côtés en regard du fond des alvéoles 8 et/ou de la paroi principale 4 et on les applique l'un contre l'autre ; et on associe les rabats 5, 6 et les chants 10, 11, notamment par encliquetage.According to another variant, to rigidly associate the plate 3 and the bottom 2, the opposite sides are glued to the bottom of the cells 8 and / or of the main wall 4 and they are applied one against the other; and the flaps 5, 6 and the edges 10, 11 are combined, in particular by snap-fastening.

Enfin, après avoir associé les rabats 5, 6 aux chants 10, 11, on maintient l'emballage 1 par ses faces latérales 14.Finally, after associating the flaps 5, 6 with the edges 10, 11, the packaging 1 is maintained by its lateral faces 14.

On se réfère aux figures 2A à 2D qui permettent de bien faire comprendre la phase d'association du fond 2 au plateau 3, dans le cas de la première variante envisagée.Reference is made to FIGS. 2A to 2D which make it possible to clearly understand the phase of association of the bottom 2 with the plate 3, in the case of the first variant envisaged.

Initialement (figure 2A), le fond 2 à plat et le plateau 3 , sont séparés mais en regard l'un de l'autre.Initially (Figure 2A), the bottom 2 flat and the plate 3, are separated but facing each other.

Puis, (figure 2B), le fond 2 toujours à plat et le plateau 3 sont pressés l'un contre l'autre. Dans cette étape, on dépose de la colle préférentiellement sur les rabats 5, 6, en l'occurrence, leurs faces internes.Then, (Figure 2B), the bottom 2 still flat and the plate 3 are pressed against each other. In this step, glue is preferably deposited on the flaps 5, 6, in this case, their internal faces.

Puis, (figure 2C), on maintient le pressage et on plie les rabats 5, 6 encollés autour de leurs lignes de pliage 7 jusqu'à les appliquer contre les chants 10, 11. Dans cette étape, les chants 10, 11 ne s'enfoncent pas vers l'intérieur de l'emballage mais gardent une certaine tenue du fait du pressage réalisé, ainsi qu'il a été expliqué ci-dessus.Then, (FIG. 2C), the pressing is maintained and the flaps 5, 6 glued are folded around their fold lines 7 until they are applied against the edges 10, 11. In this step, the edges 10, 11 are not 'do not push towards the inside of the packaging but retain a certain hold due to the pressing carried out, as explained above.

Puis, (figure 2D), on maintient l'emballage 1 par ses faces latérales 14 jusqu'à la prise complète de la colle. Il est alors possible d'une part, de cesser complètement le pressage, d'autre part, de cesser le maintien par les faces latérales 14.Then, (Figure 2D), the packaging 1 is maintained by its side faces 14 until the glue has completely set. It is then possible on the one hand, to completely stop pressing, on the other hand, to stop holding by the side faces 14.

L'invention concerne aussi un procédé pour saisir un plateau préformé 3 du type décrit précédemment d'une pile de plateaux préformés 3 emboîtés les uns dans les autres. Ce procédé de saisie est plus spécialement, mais non limitativement, applicable au procédé de réalisation d'emballage décrit précédemment.The invention also relates to a method for gripping a preformed tray 3 of the type described above from a stack of preformed trays 3 nested one inside the other. This input method is more specifically, but not limited to, applicable to the packaging production method described above.

Dans ce procédé de saisie, on maintient initialement le premier plateau 3 par sa face supérieure 9 ; puis au moins sensiblement simultanément, on saisit d'abord et on déplace ensuite le premier plateau 3 d'une part, par l'intérieur de ses alvéoles 8 et, d'autre part, par les bords libres 12 de ses chants 10, 11.In this gripping method, the first plate 3 is initially maintained by its upper face 9; then at least substantially simultaneously, we first grasp and then move the first plate 3 on the one hand, by the interior of its cells 8 and, on the other hand, by the free edges 12 of its edges 10, 11 .

De plus, immédiatement avant que de saisir le premier plateau 3 par ses bords libres 12, on déforme vers l'intérieur les chants 10, 11 du deuxième plateau 3 de manière à favoriser l'extraction du premier plateau 3 par rapport au deuxième plateau 3.In addition, immediately before gripping the first plate 3 by its free edges 12, the edges 10, 11 of the second plate 3 are deformed inwards so as to favor the extraction of the first plate 3 relative to the second plate 3 .

On maintient initialement le premier plateau 3 par les bords de sa face supérieure 9 attenants aux chants 10, 11. On saisit le premier plateau 3 par l'intérieur de ses alvéoles 8 par succion.The first plate 3 is initially maintained by the edges of its upper face 9 adjoining the edges 10, 11. The first plate 3 is grasped by the interior of its cells 8 by suction.

Enfin, on maintient la pile de plateaux 3 par serrage latéral lorsque l'on déplace le premier plateau 3.Finally, the stack of trays 3 is maintained by lateral tightening when the first tray 3 is moved.

Dans ce procédé de réalisation d'emballage selon l'invention, on peut utiliser un procédé de saisie du plateau 3 différent de celui ici décrit, soit que les plateaux 3 arrivent de façon unitaire successive, soit que le premier plateau 3 d'une pile de plateaux 3 est saisi d'une autre manière.In this packaging production method according to the invention, it is possible to use a method for gripping the plate 3 different from that described here, either that the plates 3 arrive in a successive unitary fashion, or that the first plate 3 of a stack of trays 3 is entered in another way.

On se réfère aux figures 3A et 3B qui permettent de bien faire comprendre la variante proposée en ce qui concerne la phase de saisie du plateau 3. Dans cette variante, les plateaux 3 sont empilés et emboîtés avec un premier plateau 3 frontal (référencé 3₁), un deuxième plateau 3 placé immédiatement après le premier plateau 3₁ (référencé 3₂) et ainsi de suite un n ième plateau 3 (référencé 3n).Reference is made to FIGS. 3A and 3B which make it possible to clearly understand the variant proposed as regards the gripping phase of the plate 3. In this variant, the plates 3 are stacked and fitted together with a first front plate 3 (referenced 3₁) , a second plate 3 placed immediately after the first plate 3₁ (referenced 3₂) and so on an n th plate 3 (referenced 3n).

Initialement (figure 3A), on maintient le premier plateau 3₁ par sa face supérieure 9, notamment par ses bords attenants aux chants 10, 11. Puis, simultanément (figure 3B), on saisit le premier plateau 3₁, vers l'avant par ses alvéoles 8, par succion et, vers l'arrière, par ses bords libres 12. Pour cette étape, on déforme préalablement vers l'intérieur les chants 10, 11 du deuxième plateau 3₂ et on serre latéralement la pile de plateaux 3. La déformation des chants 10, 11 du deuxième plateau 3₂ favorise l'extraction du premier plateau 3₁ par rapport au deuxième plateau 3₂ par une double fonction : diminution du frottement des chants en contact des deux plateaux 3₁ et 3₂ ; mise en communication avec l'atmosphère ambiante extérieure de la cavité créée entre les deux plateaux 3₁ et 3₂, qui, à défaut empêcherait l'extraction du premier plateau 3₁ maintenu par succion, à l'arrière. Le serrage latéral de la pile de plateaux 3 - à l'exception du premier plateau 3₁ vise à maintenir la pile immobile lorsque le premier plateau 3₁ en est extrait.Initially (FIG. 3A), the first plate 3₁ is maintained by its upper face 9, in particular by its edges adjoining the edges 10, 11. Then, simultaneously (FIG. 3B), the first plate 3₁ is grasped, towards the front by its alveoli 8, by suction and, towards the rear, by its free edges 12. For this step, the edges 10, 11 of the second plate 3₂ are previously deformed inwards and the stack of plates 3 is laterally tightened. The deformation edges 10, 11 of the second plate 3₂ promotes the extraction of the first plate 3₁ with respect to the second plate 3₂ by a double function: reduction of the friction of the edges in contact with the two plates 3₁ and 3₂; communication with the external ambient atmosphere of the cavity created between the two plates 3₁ and 3₁, which, failing this, would prevent the extraction of the first plate 3₁ held by suction, at the rear. The lateral clamping of the stack of trays 3 - with the exception of the first tray 3₁ aims to keep the stack stationary when the first tray 3₁ is extracted from it.

L'invention concerne également une machine spécialement adaptée à la réalisation de l'emballage 1. Cette machine comporte :
. des moyens distincts de saisie d'un fond 2 dont les rabats 5, 6 sont à plat non pliés et d'un plateau préformé 3, respectivement 15 et 16;
. en aval des moyens de saisie 15, 16, des moyens pour placer l'un sur l'autre le fond 2 et le plateau 3 de manière que les chants 10, 11 du plateau 3 soient dirigés vers et appliqués sur la paroi principale 4 du fond 2, la paroi principale 4 et la face supérieure 9 étant écartées l'une de l'autre;
. des moyens pour presser 18 l'un contre l'autre le fond 2 et le plateau 3 agissant sur le côté de la face supérieure 9 opposé aux chants 10, 11, ces moyens pour presser comportant deux parties agissant sur le fond 2 et le plateau 3 écartées transversalement l'une de l'autre;
. des moyens de pliage 19 des rabats 5, 6, en direction de la partie des moyens pour presser 18 agissant sur le plateau 3 susceptibles de fonctionner en même temps que les moyens pour presser 18.
. des moyens d'associations des rabats 5, 6 sur les chants 10, 11 à l'extérieur de ceux-ci.
. des moyens, distincts ou non, d'association rigide, du fond 2 et du plateau 3.The invention also relates to a machine specially adapted for producing packaging 1. This machine comprises:
. separate means for gripping a bottom 2, the flaps 5, 6 of which are flat, not folded and of a preformed plate 3, respectively 15 and 16;
. downstream of the gripping means 15, 16, means for placing the bottom 2 and the plate 3 on one another so that the edges 10, 11 of the plate 3 are directed towards and applied to the main wall 4 of the bottom 2, the main wall 4 and the upper face 9 being spaced from one another;
. means for pressing 18 against each other the bottom 2 and the plate 3 acting on the side of the upper face 9 opposite the edges 10, 11, these means for pressing comprising two parts acting on the bottom 2 and the plate 3 separated transversely from each other;
. folding means 19 for the flaps 5, 6, in the direction of the part of the means for pressing 18 acting on the plate 3 capable of operating at the same time as the means for pressing 18.
. means for associating the flaps 5, 6 on the edges 10, 11 outside of these.
. means, distinct or not, of rigid association, of the bottom 2 and of the plate 3.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la machine comporte également des moyens de maintien 19 de l'emballage 1 par ses faces latérales 14.According to another characteristic, the machine also comprises means 19 for holding the packaging 1 by its lateral faces 14.

Dans une forme de réalisation possible (figures 4 et 5), la machine est du type carroussel et comporte une roue indexée 20 d'axe 21, préférentiellement horizontal, ayant au moins trois mais préférentiellement quatre poste de travail 22, entraînée pas à pas d'un quart de tour (dans le cas de quatre postes 22) par un moteur non représenté.In one possible embodiment (FIGS. 4 and 5), the machine is of the carousel type and comprises an indexed wheel 20 of axis 21, preferably horizontal, having at least three but preferably four work stations 22, driven step by step. 'a quarter turn (in the case of four stations 22) by a motor not shown.

A la roue 20, sont associés des moyens d'amenée 23 des plateaux 3, des moyens d'amenée 24 des fonds 2 et des moyens d'évacuation 25 des emballages 1 réalisés se trouvant en regard de trois postes 22 successifs. Cette structure de la machine permet de définir respectivement un ensemble de saisie d'un plateau 3 comprenant les moyens de saisie 16, un ensemble de mise en place et d'association rigide d'un plateau 3 à un fond 2 comprenant les moyens de saisie 15, ainsi que les moyens 17, 18, 19 et, enfin, un ensemble d'évacuation de l'emballage 1 réalisé de la machine. Par la suite, et pour des raisons de simplicité, on désigne respectivement par poste 22₁ de saisie du plateau 3, poste 22₂ de mise en place et d'association et poste 22₃ d'évacuation, les postes 22 se trouvant dans les ensembles ainsi définis. Dans le cas d'une roue 20 à quatre postes 22, le quatrième poste 22₄ est dit poste de repos. Il est bien entendu que les postes 22₁, 22₂, 22₃, et 22₄ sont structurellement identiques, bien que pouvant se trouver dans des configurations différentes correspondant à la fonction propre qu'ils remplissent. Il est également bien entendu que chaque poste 22 devient tour à tour et successivement un poste 22₁ puis un poste 22₂ puis un poste 22₃ et enfin un poste 22₄. En particulier, le poste de saisie 22₁ et le poste d'évacuation 22₃ sont tels que les branches 29 correspondantes sont horizontales. Le poste de mise en place et d'association 22₂ est tel que la branche 29 correspondante est verticale et dirigée vers le bas.The wheel 20 is associated with supply means 23 for the plates 3, supply means 24 for the bottoms 2 and discharge means 25 for the packages 1 produced located opposite three successive stations 22. This structure of the machine makes it possible to define respectively a set for gripping a plate 3 comprising the gripping means 16, a set for positioning and rigid association of a plate 3 with a bottom 2 comprising the gripping means 15, as well as the means 17, 18, 19 and, finally, a package evacuation assembly 1 made from the machine. Subsequently, and for reasons of simplicity, the positions 22₁ for gripping the plate 3, the positions 22₂ for positioning and association and the positions 22₃ for evacuation are designated respectively, the positions 22 being in the sets thus defined. . In the case of a wheel 20 with four stations 22, the fourth station 22₄ is said to be a rest station. It is understood that the positions 22₁, 22₂, 22₃, and 22₄ are structurally identical, although they may be in different configurations corresponding to the proper function that they fulfill. It is also clearly understood that each station 22 becomes successively a station 22₁ then a station 22₂ then a station 22₃ and finally a station 22 poste. In particular, the entry station 22₁ and the evacuation station 22₃ are such that the corresponding branches 29 are horizontal. The positioning and association station 22₂ is such that the corresponding branch 29 is vertical and directed downwards.

Chaque poste 22 comporte d'une part, un organe de saisie 26 d'un plateau 3 par l'intérieur de ses alvéoles 8, comportant notamment des moyens de succion, mobile radialement et, d'autre part, les moyens de maintien 19 de l'emballage 1 par ses faces latérales 14, fixes. Des moyens d'entraînement 27 permettent de déplacer l'organe de saisie 26 entre deux positions radiales extrêmes respectivement intérieure et extérieure. Les caractères mobiles de l'organe de saisie 26 et fixe de l'organe de maintien 19 se réfèrent à la roue 20Each station 22 comprises on the one hand, a gripping member 26 of a plate 3 from the inside of its cells 8, comprising in particular suction means, radially movable and, on the other hand, the holding means 19 of the packaging 1 by its lateral faces 14, fixed. Drive means 27 make it possible to move the gripping member 26 between two extreme inner and outer radial positions, respectively. The movable characters of the gripping member 26 and the fixed of the holding member 19 refer to the wheel 20

L'organe de saisie 26 se présente sous la forme d'une empreinte complémentaire des alvéoles 8, à laquelle sont associées des moyens de succion par air - non représentés - destinés à maintenir appliqué fermement un plateau 3 sur l'empreinte 26. Ces moyens de succion par air comprennent une source de vide ou des moyens d'aspiration d'air ainsi que des moyens de sectionnement, bien connus en soi de l'homme de métier. L'organe de saisie 26 est porté perpendiculairement à l'extrémité extérieure d'une tige 28 radiale et mobile guidée de manière à pouvoir coulisser radialement dans une branche 29 de la roue 20 correspondant au poste 22. La tige 28 coopère, du côté de l'axe 21 avec une came non représentée. Cette came et la tige 28 font partie des moyens d'entraînement 27. L'organe de saisie 26 fait, par ailleurs, partie des moyens de saisie 16 décrits ultérieurement.The gripping member 26 is in the form of a complementary imprint of the cells 8, with which are associated suction means by air - not shown - intended to keep a plate 3 firmly applied to the imprint 26. These means air suction comprise a vacuum source or air suction means as well as sectioning means, well known per se to the skilled person. The gripping member 26 is carried perpendicularly to the outer end of a radial and mobile rod 28 guided so as to be able to slide radially in a branch 29 of the wheel 20 corresponding to the station 22. The rod 28 cooperates, on the side of axis 21 with a cam not shown. This cam and the rod 28 are part of the drive means 27. The gripping member 26 is also part of the gripping means 16 described later.

Les moyens de maintien 19 sont constitués par un cadre s'étendant dans un plan orthogonal à la tige 28, porté de manière fixe par des béquilles 30 au moins sensiblement radiales, fixées de part et d'autre de la branche 29 de manière à ne pas interférer avec l'organe de saisie 26 lors de son déplacement. L'encombrement intérieur du cadre 19 et son épaisseur correspondent à l'encombrement intérieur et à l'épaisseur de l'emballage 1 de manière que l'emballage 1 puisse être maintenu à force, à frottement doux et par ses faces latérales 14 dans le cadre 19.The holding means 19 consist of a frame extending in a plane orthogonal to the rod 28, fixedly carried by crutches 30 at least substantially radial, fixed on either side of the branch 29 so as not to not interfere with the gripping member 26 during its movement. The internal dimensions of the frame 19 and its thickness correspond to the internal dimensions and the thickness of the packaging 1 so that the packaging 1 can be held by force, with gentle friction and by its lateral faces 14 in the frame 19.

Préférentiellement, l'ouverture extérieure du cadre 19 est évasée vers l'extérieur pour faciliter la coopération du cadre 19 et de l'emballage 1.Preferably, the outer opening of the frame 19 is flared outward to facilitate the cooperation of the frame 19 and the packaging 1.

Dans sa position extrême intérieure, l'organe de saisie 26 est le plus proche de l'axe 21 et est placé à l'intérieur du cadre 19, sensiblement coplanaire avec lui. Cette position se présente au début et à la fin du fonctionnement au poste de saisie 22₁ des plateaux 3, du poste de mise en place et d'association 22₂, et du poste d'évacuation 22₃. Cette position est également celle du poste de repos 22₄.In its extreme internal position, the gripping member 26 is closest to the axis 21 and is placed inside the frame 19, substantially coplanar with it. This position occurs at the beginning and at the end of operation at the 22₁ input station of the trays 3, the 22₂ placement and association station, and the 22₃ evacuation station. This position is also that of the rest station 22 poste.

Dans sa position extrême extérieure, l'organe de saisie 26 est le plus éloigné de l'axe 21 et est placé juste à l'extérieur du cadre 19, écarté de lui le long de l'axe de coulissement de l'organe 26. Cette position se présente de façon intermédiaire au poste de saisie 22₁ afin de réaliser la saisie d'un plateau 3, du poste de mise en place et d'association 22₂ afin de réaliser le pressage, et du poste d'évacuation 22₃ afin de réaliser l'évacuation.In its extreme external position, the gripping member 26 is furthest from the axis 21 and is placed just outside the frame 19, spaced from it along the sliding axis of the member 26. This position is presented in an intermediate manner at the 22₁ entry station in order to carry out the entry of a plate 3, the establishment and association station 22₂ in order to carry out the pressing, and the discharge station 22₃ in order to carry out evacuation.

Les moyens d'amenée 23 des plateaux 3 peuvent faire l'objet de plusieurs variantes de réalisation. Une variante de réalisation particulière, décrite ultérieurement, est spécialement adaptée au cas où les plateaux 3 sont empilés et emboîtés. Dans tous les cas, les moyens d'amenée 23 sont agencés de manière que l'organe de saisie 26 puisse être garni d'un plateau 3.The supply means 23 of the plates 3 can be the subject of several alternative embodiments. A particular variant embodiment, described later, is specially adapted to the case where the plates 3 are stacked and nested. In all cases, the supply means 23 are arranged so that the gripping member 26 can be lined with a plate 3.

Les moyens d'amenée 24 de fonds 2 peuvent également faire l'objet de plusieurs variantes de réalisation. Une variante de réalisation particulière comporte (figure 5) un magasin 31 dans lequel les fonds 2 sont empilés à plat ; un extracteur mobile 32 associé au magasin 31 destiné à extraire un fond 2 du magasin 31, cet extracteur 32 pouvant être du type à ventouses de succion, connues en soi de l'homme de métier ; une ou plusieurs courroies ou tapis sans fin d'entraînement 33 s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe 21 notamment horizontalement et en dessous du poste de mise en place et d'association 22₂ ; des moyens d'entraînement, non représentés, de la courroie 33 pas à pas ; éventuellement un ou plusieurs rouleaux presseurs motorisés 34 disposés transversalement au dessus de la courroie 33. La courroie 33 s'étend sur une longueur permettant de définir trois zones successives :
. Une zone amont 35 située à l'aplomb et en dessous du magasin 31, lequel est écarté de la roue 20 pour des raisons d'encombrement et où se trouve l'extracteur 32,
. une zone aval 36 située à l'aplomb du poste 22₂ et dans laquelle est réalisée la mise en place et l'association du fond 2 et du plateau 3
. et enfin, une zone intermédiaire 37 située entre les zones amont 35 et aval 36 où sont situés les rouleaux presseurs 34 et dans laquelle se trouvent des moyens d'encollage en deux parties 38a, 38b des rabats longitudinaux 5.The means 24 for supplying funds 2 can also be the subject of several alternative embodiments. A particular variant embodiment includes (FIG. 5) a magazine 31 in which the bottoms 2 are stacked flat; a movable extractor 32 associated with the magazine 31 intended to extract a bottom 2 of the magazine 31, this extractor 32 possibly being of the suction cup type, known per se to those skilled in the art; one or more belts or endless drive belt 33 extending parallel to the axis 21 in particular horizontally and below the positioning and association station 22₂; drive means, not shown, of the belt 33 step by step; possibly one or more motorized pressure rollers 34 arranged transversely above the belt 33. The belt 33 extends over a length making it possible to define three successive zones:
. An upstream zone 35 situated vertically and below the magazine 31, which is spaced from the wheel 20 for reasons of space and where the extractor 32 is located,
. a downstream zone 36 located directly above the station 22₂ and in which the installation and association of the bottom 2 and the plate 3 is carried out
. and finally, an intermediate zone 37 located between the upstream 35 and downstream 36 zones where the pressure rollers 34 are located and in which there are gluing means in two parts 38a, 38b of the longitudinal flaps 5.

Les moyens d'entraînement sont agencés pour faire passer un fond 2 à plat de l'une à l'autre des zones respectivement 35, 37, 36.The drive means are arranged to pass a bottom 2 flat from one to the other of the zones 35, 37, 36 respectively.

Les moyens d'évacuation 25 peuvent également faire l'objet de plusieurs variantes de réalisation. Une vairante particulière comporte (figure 4) une plaque déflectrice 39, une plaque réceptrice 40 destinées toutes deux à guider un emballage 1 au droit de l'organe de saisie 26 du poste d'évacuation 22₃ vers un tapis d'évacuation 41 ou similaire.The discharge means 25 can also be the subject of several alternative embodiments. A particular variant comprises (FIG. 4) a deflecting plate 39, a receiving plate 40 both intended to guide a package 1 in line with the gripping member 26 of the evacuation station 22₃ towards an evacuation mat 41 or the like.

Les moyens 15 pour saisir le fonds 2 comprennent d'une part, la courroie 33 et d'autre part, un plateau 42, horizontal, placé dans la zone aval 36 à l'aplomb et en dessous du cadre 19 et de l'organe de saisie 26 du poste 22₂, mobile à coulissement vertical entre deux positions extrêmes respectivement inférieure escamotée et supérieure d'évacuation avec une position intermédiaire de pressage.The means 15 for gripping the bottom 2 comprise on the one hand, the belt 33 and on the other hand, a plate 42, horizontal, placed in the downstream area 36 vertically and below the frame 19 and the member gripping 26 of the station 22₂, movable vertically sliding between two extreme positions respectively lower retracted and upper discharge with an intermediate pressing position.

Le plateau 42 est situé au droit de la courroie 33. Pour éviter toute interférence entre eux, la courroie 33 peut être de faible largeur transversale et le plateau 42, comporter deux parties de part et d'autre de la courroie 33. En particulier, la courroie 33 est unique et axiale et le plateau 42 en deux parties symétriques.The plate 42 is located to the right of the belt 33. To avoid any interference between them, the belt 33 can be of small transverse width and the plate 42, have two parts on either side of the belt 33. In particular, the belt 33 is single and axial and the plate 42 in two symmetrical parts.

L'encombrement extérieur du plateau 42 est au maximum et préférentiellement voisin de celui de la paroi 4, c'est-à-dire, jusqu'aux lignes de pliage 7.The external space requirement of the plate 42 is at most and preferably close to that of the wall 4, that is to say, up to the fold lines 7.

Le plateau 42 est par exemple porté par la tige 43 d'un verin 44 disposé orthogonalement à l'axe 20 et en dessous du plateau 42 et de la courroie 33.The plate 42 is for example carried by the rod 43 of a jack 44 disposed orthogonally to the axis 20 and below the plate 42 and the belt 33.

Dans sa position intermédiaire, le plateau 42 est au moins sensiblement coplanaire à la courroie 33. Cette position intermédiaire intervient au milieu du fonctionnement du poste de mise de place et d'association 22₂ (figures 2B et 2C). Dans sa position inférieure escamotée, le plateau 42 est inactif et logé sous la courroie 33. Cette position inférieure escamotée et inactive intervient au début du fonctionnement du poste de mise en place et d'association 22₂ (figure 2A). Dans sa position supérieure d'évacuation, le plateau 42 est écarté verticalement et vers le haut au dessus de la courroie 33 et donc est alors le plus proche de l'axe 21. Dans cette position supérieure d'évacuation, le plateau 42 supporte le fond 2 écarté de la courroie 33. Cette position supérieure intervient à la fin du fonctionnement du poste de mise en place et d'association 22₂.In its intermediate position, the plate 42 is at least substantially coplanar with the belt 33. This intermediate position occurs in the middle of the operation of the positioning and association station 22₂ (FIGS. 2B and 2C). In its lower retracted position, the plate 42 is inactive and housed under the belt 33. This lower retracted and inactive position occurs at the start of the operation of the positioning and association station 22₂ (FIG. 2A). In its upper evacuation position, the plate 42 is spaced vertically and upwards above the belt 33 and therefore is closest to the axis 21. In this upper evacuation position, the plate 42 supports the bottom 2 spaced from the belt 33. This upper position occurs at the end of the operation of the positioning and association station 22₂.

Les moyens 16 pour saisir le plateau 3 comprennent l'organe de saisie à succion 26 et les moyens d'amenée 23 de plateaux associés décrits ultérieurement.The means 16 for gripping the plate 3 comprise the suction gripping member 26 and the supply means 23 of associated plates described later.

Les moyens 17 pour placer l'un sur l'autre le fond 2 et le plateau 3 comprennent d'une part, l'organe de saisie 26 dans le poste 22₂ ainsi que les moyens d'entraînement 27 et en ce qu'ils entraînent l'organe de saisie 26 vers sa position extrême extérieure c'est-à-dire vers la courroie 33 et, d'autre part, la courroie 33 dans sa zone aval 36.The means 17 for placing the bottom 2 and the plate 3 on one another comprise, on the one hand, the gripping member 26 in the station 22₂ as well as the drive means 27 and in that they drive the gripping member 26 towards its extreme external position, that is to say towards the belt 33 and, on the other hand, the belt 33 in its downstream zone 36.

Les moyens 18 pour presser l'un contre l'autre le fond 2 et le plateau 3 comprennent d'une part, l'organe de saisie 26 dans le poste 22₂ ainsi que les moyens d'entraînement 27 en ce qu'il sont aptes à maintenir l'organe de saisie 26 en position extrême extérieure, et d'autre part, le plateau 42 et ses moyens d'entraînement associés 43, 44 ; les moyens d'entraînement 27, 43, 44, sollicitant l'organe de saisie 26 et le plateau 42 l'un en direction de l'autre.The means 18 for pressing the bottom 2 and the plate 3 against each other comprise on the one hand, the gripping member 26 in the station 22₂ as well as the drive means 27 in that they are suitable maintaining the gripping member 26 in the extreme external position, and on the other hand, the plate 42 and its associated drive means 43, 44; the drive means 27, 43, 44, urging the gripping member 26 and the plate 42 one towards the other.

La machine comporte également des moyens d'encollage longitudinal en deux parties 38a et 38b, et des moyens d'encollage latéral en deux parties respectivement amont et aval 45a, 45b. Ces moyens d'encollage sont constitués par des buses projetant de la colle, telle que de la colle hot melt, un déplacement relatif existant entre la buse et le fond 2 pour former un trait de colle.The machine also comprises means for longitudinal gluing in two parts 38a and 38b, and means for lateral gluing in two parts respectively upstream and downstream 45a, 45b. These sizing means are constituted by nozzles projecting glue, such as hot melt glue, a relative movement existing between the nozzle and the bottom 2 to form a line of glue.

Les moyens d'encollage 38a, 38b, 45a, 45b ont comme fonction de déposer des traits de colle sur les rabats longitudinaux 5 et latéraux 6.The gluing means 38a, 38b, 45a, 45b have the function of depositing lines of glue on the longitudinal and side flaps 5 6.

Les deux parties des moyens d'encollage longitudinal 38a, 38b sont placés en regard l'une de l'autre, de part et d'autre des moyens 24 d'amenée des fonds 2 notamment dans la zone d'intermédiaire. Les moyens d'encollage longitudinal 38a, 38b fonctionnement "au défilé" lors du mouvement longitudinal des fonds 2 sur la courroie 33.The two parts of the longitudinal gluing means 38a, 38b are placed opposite one another, on either side of the means 24 for supplying the bottoms 2, in particular in the intermediate zone. The longitudinal gluing means 38a, 38b operate "in the parade" during the longitudinal movement of the bottoms 2 on the belt 33.

Les deux parties des moyens d'encollage latéral amont 45a et aval 45b sont placés respectivement au début et à la fin de la zone aval 36, notamment de part et d'autre du cadre 19, de l'organe de saisie 26 et du plateau 42 dans le sens longitudinal de déplacement de la courroie 33 et du fond 2. Les deux parties des moyens d'encollage latéral 45a, 45b sont montées à coulissement horizontal transversal et entraînées de part et d'autre des moyens d'amenée 24 grâce à des moyens d'entraînement non représenté tel qu'un vérin. Par exemple, un vérin entraîne un chariot portant les deux parties 45a, 45b.The two parts of the upstream lateral gluing means 45a and downstream 45b are placed respectively at the start and at the end of the downstream zone 36, in particular on either side of the frame 19, of the gripping member 26 and of the plate. 42 in the longitudinal direction of movement of the belt 33 and the bottom 2. The two parts of the lateral gluing means 45a, 45b are mounted with transverse horizontal sliding and driven on either side of the feeding means 24 thanks to drive means not shown such as a jack. For example, a jack drives a carriage carrying the two parts 45a, 45b.

Les moyens d'encollage 38a, 38b, 45a, 45b sont placés verticalement au dessus mais à proximité du plan de la courroie 33 ou du plateau 42 en position intermédiaire.The gluing means 38a, 38b, 45a, 45b are placed vertically above but close to the plane of the belt 33 or the plate 42 in the intermediate position.

La machine comporte également des moyens de pliage 46 des rabats 5, 6 autour des lignes de pliage 7, verticalement et vers le haut pour les amener contre les chants 10, 11.The machine also includes folding means 46 for the flaps 5, 6 around the fold lines 7, vertically and upwards to bring them against the edges 10, 11.

Ces moyens de pliage 46 sont constitués par exemple, par un cadre placé horizontalement autour du plateau 42. Le cadre 46 est mobile à coulissement vertical entre deux positions extrêmes respectivement inférieure escamotée et supérieure de pliage. Le cadre 46 est par exemple, porté par le corps du vérin 44, ce corps de vérin étant monté mobile à coulissement le long d'un axe vertical. Cette disposition permet de faciliter la réalisation des moyens d'entraînement du plateau 42 et du cadre 46 de manière qu'ils puissent être déplacés indépendamment l'un de l'autre, mais en combinaison. le corps du vérin 44 peut alors être entraîné par un ou plusieurs vérins ou encore par une came.These folding means 46 are constituted, for example, by a frame placed horizontally around the plate 42. The frame 46 is movable with vertical sliding between two extreme positions, respectively retracted lower and upper folding. The frame 46 is, for example, carried by the body of the jack 44, this jack body being movably mounted to slide along a vertical axis. This arrangement facilitates the realization of the drive means of the plate 42 and the frame 46 so that they can be moved independently of one another, but in combination. the body of the jack 44 can then be driven by one or more jacks or even by a cam.

Ainsi que cela résulte de ce qui précède, les cadres 19 et 46 ont au moins sensiblement la même ouverture. En position extrême inférieure escamotée, le cadre 46 est situé sous la courroie 33. Cette position intervient au début du fonctionnement du second poste 22₂ (figures 2A et 2B). En position extrême supérieure, le cadre 46 est situé immédiatement au dessus de la courroie 33. Cette position intervient à la fin du fonctionnement du second poste (figures 2C et 2D). Dans cette position supérieure du cadre 46, le plateau 42 peut également se trouver en position extrême supérieure au dessus du cadre 46 et ceci dans la dernière étape du fonctionnement du second poste 22₂.As follows from the above, the frames 19 and 46 have at least substantially the same opening. In the extreme lower position retracted, the frame 46 is located under the belt 33. This position occurs at the start of operation of the second station 22₂ (Figures 2A and 2B). In the extreme upper position, the frame 46 is located immediately above the belt 33. This position occurs at the end of the operation of the second station (Figures 2C and 2D). In this upper position of the frame 46, the plate 42 can also be in the upper extreme position above the frame 46 and this in the last step of the operation of the second station 22₂.

La machine fonctionne de la manière suivante :The machine works as follows:

Un plateau 3 est saisi par l'organe de saisie 26 au poste 22₁. Dans le même temps, un fond 2 à plat est délivré par les moyens d'amenée 24 jusqu'à la zone aval 36 du poste 22₂. La rotation d'un pas de la roue 20 permet d'amener le plateau 3 au poste 22₂. La mise en oeuvre des moyens d'encollage 38a, 38B, 45a, 45b a permis l'encollage des faces internes des rabats 5, 6.A tray 3 is gripped by the gripping member 26 at station 22₁. At the same time, a bottom 2 flat is delivered by the supply means 24 to the downstream area 36 of the station 22₂. The rotation of a step of the wheel 20 makes it possible to bring the plate 3 to the station 22₂. The application of the gluing means 38a, 38B, 45a, 45b has made it possible to glue the internal faces of the flaps 5, 6.

Le fond 2 et le plateau 3 au poste 22₂ sont en regard et à l'aplomb verticalement l'un de l'autre mais initialement écartés l'un de l'autre, l'organe de saisie 26 étant dans sa position extrême intérieure, le plateau 42 et le cadre 46 dans leur position extrême inférieure escamotée (figure 2A). Puis, l'organe de saisie 26 est amené en position extrême extérieure, jusqu'à ce que les bords libres 12 soient en appui sur le fond 2. Simultanément, le plateau 42 est amené jusqu'en position intermédiaire de manière à maintenir fermement le fond 2 dans le plan de la courroie 33 (figure 2B). Puis, l'organe de saisie 26 et le plateau 42 restent dans cette même position et le cadre 46 est déplacé jusqu'à sa position extrême supérieure de pliage (figure 2C). Dans cette situation, il y a simultanément pressage du fond 2 et du plateau 3, l'un contre l'autre, pour assurer la rigidité des chants 10, 11 par mise en tension comme indiqué précédemment et le pliage des rabats 5, 6 contre les chants 10, 11. Le contact des rabats 5, 6 encollés et des rabats 10, 11 provoque leur solidarisation. Puis, le cadre 46 restant dans sa même position, l'organe de saisie 26 et le plateau 42 sont déplacés en synchronisme verticalement et vers le haut jusqu'à atteindre respectivement la position extrême intérieure et la position extrême supérieure. Il s'ensuit le transfert de l'ensemble fond 2-plateau 3 du cadre 46 au cadre 19, les deux cadres étant placés en regard l'un de l'autre et à proximité immédiate l'un de l'autre.The bottom 2 and the plate 3 at station 22₂ are opposite and vertically vertically from one another but initially spaced from one another, the gripping member 26 being in its extreme interior position, the plate 42 and the frame 46 in their lower retracted extreme position (FIG. 2A). Then, the gripping member 26 is brought into the extreme external position, until the free edges 12 are in abutment on the bottom 2. Simultaneously, the plate 42 is brought to the intermediate position so as to firmly hold the bottom 2 in the plane of the belt 33 (Figure 2B). Then, the gripping member 26 and the plate 42 remain in this same position and the frame 46 is moved to its extreme upper folding position (FIG. 2C). In this situation, the bottom 2 and the plate 3 are pressed simultaneously, one against the other, to ensure the rigidity of the edges 10, 11 by tensioning as indicated above and the folding of the flaps 5, 6 against the edges 10, 11. The contact of the flaps 5, 6 glued and the flaps 10, 11 causes them to join. Then, the frame 46 remaining in its same position, the gripping member 26 and the plate 42 are moved in synchronism vertically and upwards until they reach the inner extreme position and the upper extreme position respectively. It follows the transfer of the bottom 2-plate 3 assembly from the frame 46 to the frame 19, the two frames being placed facing each other and in close proximity to each other.

Un autre aspect de l'invention concerne les moyens d'amenée 23 et les moyens de saisie 16. Ces moyens sont applicables notamment mais non exclusivement à la machine qui vient d'être décrite.Another aspect of the invention relates to the supply means 23 and the gripping means 16. These means are applicable in particular but not exclusively to the machine which has just been described.

Les moyens d'amenée 23 comportent un tapis transporteur 47 ayant un avancement pas à pas grâce à des moyens d'entraînement appropriés 48. Le tapis transporteur 47 est prolongé vers l'avant par une plaque fixe coplanaire 49 et notamment horizontale. Le tapis transporteur 47 et la plaque 49 permettent de supporter une pile de plateaux 3 emboîtés reposant sur leurs chants notamment longitudinaux 10 inférieurs.The supply means 23 comprise a conveyor belt 47 having a step-by-step advancement by means of appropriate drive means 48. The conveyor belt 47 is extended forward by a coplanar fixed plate 49 and in particular horizontal. The conveyor belt 47 and the plate 49 make it possible to support a stack of nested trays 3 resting on their edges, in particular the longitudinal edges 10 below.

Les moyens d'amenée 23 comportent, également, une plaque de serrage latéral 50, notamment au moins sensiblement horizontale, placée au dessus de la plaque 49, mobile par exemple, à pivotement autour d'un axe transversal 51, déplacée par un vérin 52 ou similaire, entre deux positions extrêmes : une position de serrage et une position escamotée. Dans la position de serrage, la plaque de serrage 50 est appliquée sur les chants, notamment les chants longitudinaux supérieurs 10 des plateaux 3. Cette position intervient à la fin du fonctionnement du poste 22₁ (figure 3B). Dans la position escamotée, la plaque de serrage 50 est écartée des chants des plateaux 3. Cette position intervient au début du fonctionnement du poste 22₁ (figure 3A). La plaque de serrage 50 a pour fonction de maintenir la pile de plateaux 3 lorsque cette pile n'est plus maintenue par les autres organes des moyens d'amenée 23.The supply means 23 also include a lateral clamping plate 50, in particular at least substantially horizontal, placed above the plate 49, movable for example, pivoting about a transverse axis 51, moved by a jack 52 or similar, between two extreme positions: a clamping position and a retracted position. In the clamping position, the clamping plate 50 is applied to the edges, in particular the upper longitudinal edges 10 of the plates 3. This position occurs at the end of the operation of the station 22₁ (Figure 3B). In the retracted position, the clamping plate 50 is separated from the edges of the plates 3. This position occurs at the start of operation of the station 22₁ (Figure 3A). The function of the clamping plate 50 is to hold the stack of trays 3 when this stack is no longer held by the other members of the supply means 23.

Les moyens d'amenée 23 comportent aussi des griffes ou similaires 53a, 53b, au moins sensiblement verticales et transversales, mobiles, notamment à pivotement autour d'axes transversaux 54a, 54b, déplacées par une tringlerie 55, elle-même, commandée par une came ou un vérin. Ces griffes 53a, 53b sont destinées à venir en prise sur la face supérieure 9 du premier plateau 3₁ de la pile de plateaux 3. les griffes, 53a, 53b constituent donc une butée frontale escamotable, assurant un maintien positif de la pile.The feeding means 23 also include claws or the like 53a, 53b, at least substantially vertical and transverse, mobile, in particular pivoting about transverse axes 54a, 54b, displaced by a linkage 55, itself, controlled by a cam or cylinder. These claws 53a, 53b are intended to engage on the upper face 9 of the first plate 3₁ of the stack of trays 3. the claws, 53a, 53b therefore constitute a retractable front stop, ensuring a positive hold of the stack.

Les griffes 53a, 53b peuvent se trouver dans deux positions extrêmes respectivement active et inactive escamotée. Dans la position active, les griffes 53a, 53b viennent effectivement former butée frontale pour le premier plateau 3₁. Cette position active intervient notamment en position escamotée de la plaque 50. Dans la position inactive escamotée, les griffes 53a, 53b ne maintiennent pas le premier plateau 3₁ et n'empêchent pas son pressage. Cette position inactive escamotée intervient notamment en position de serrage de la plaque 50.The claws 53a, 53b can be in two extreme positions, respectively active and inactive retracted. In the active position, the claws 53a, 53b actually come to form a front stop for the first 3₁ tray. This active position occurs in particular in the retracted position of the plate 50. In the inactive retracted position, the claws 53a, 53b do not hold the first plate 3₁ and do not prevent its pressing. This retracted inactive position occurs in particular in the plate 50 clamping position.

Les moyens d'amenée 23 comportent, enfin, un cadre poussoir 56 placé verticalement et transversalement, mobile à coulissement horizontal et longitudinal (c'est-à-dire, parallèlement à la direction du tapis transporteur 47 et de la plaque 49, c'est-à-dire aussi la direction d'avancement des plateaux 3), au moyen d'une tringlerie 57 commandée par une came ou un vérin. Le cadre poussoir 56 peut occuper deux position extrêmes : une position arrière rentrée et une position avant sortie. Le cadre poussoir 56 a une ouverture 58 correspondant au contour extérieur des plateaux 3 - c'est-à-dire aux chants 10, 11- de manière à être ajusté aux plateaux 3, ainsi qu'il est mentionné ci-dessous. L'ouverture 58 est, préférentiellement pyramidale ou en biseau de manière à être légèrement plus grande à l'arrière 58a qu'à l'avant 58b. Plus précisement, l'ouverture arrière 58a est légèrement plus grande que le plus grand encombrement des plateaux 3 - notamment à l'endroit des bords libres 12 et l'ouverture avant 58b est légèrement plus petite que le plus grand encombrement des plateaux 3 voire même légèrement plus petite que le plus petit encombrement des plateaux 3, notamment à l'endroit de la face supérieure 9. De cette manière, le mouvement de coulissement du cadre poussoir 56 vers l'arrière (à l'opposé des griffes 53a, 53b) ne crée aucune interférence gênante avec la pile de plateaux 3. Lors du mouvement de coulissement vers l'avant, l'ouverture avant 58b forme butée ou cliquet et vient remplir deux fonctions : d'une part, déformer légèrement vers l'intérieur les chants 10, 11 du deuxième plateau 3₂ et, d'autre part, venir en blocage sur les bords libres 12 du premier plateau 3₁. Comme indiqué précédemment, la déformation des chants 10, 11 du deuxième plateau 3₂ a elle-même deux fonctions : la première de diminuer le frottement les uns sur les autres des chants 10, 11 des plateaux 3₁ et 3₂. La seconde de permettre une entrée d'air entre les deux plateaux 3₁ et 3₂ pour éviter qu'ils ne restent collés entre eux du fait de la dépression régnant entre eux. En position arrière rentrée, le cadre poussoir 56 est situé à l'arrière et écarté des griffes 53a, 53b, au droit des plaques 49 et 50. En position avant sortie, le cadre poussoir 56 est situé immédiatement à l'arrière des griffes 53a, 53b.The supply means 23 finally comprise a pusher frame 56 placed vertically and transversely, movable with horizontal and longitudinal sliding (that is to say, parallel to the direction of the conveyor belt 47 and the plate 49, c ' that is to say also the direction of advancement of the plates 3), by means of a linkage 57 controlled by a cam or a jack. The pusher frame 56 can occupy two extreme positions: a rear retracted position and a position before extended. The pusher frame 56 has an opening 58 corresponding to the outer contour of the plates 3 - that is to say the edges 10, 11- so as to be adjusted to the plates 3, as mentioned below. The opening 58 is preferably pyramidal or beveled so as to be slightly larger at the rear 58a than at the front 58b. More precisely, the rear opening 58a is slightly larger than the largest size of the plates 3 - in particular at the location of the free edges 12 and the front opening 58b is slightly smaller than the largest space of the plates 3 or even slightly smaller than the smallest footprint of the plates 3, in particular at the location of the upper face 9. In this way, the sliding movement of the pusher frame 56 rearward (opposite the claws 53a, 53b) does not create any annoying interference with the stack of trays 3. During the sliding movement towards the front, the front opening 58b forms a stop or pawl and fulfills two functions: on the one hand, slightly deforming the edges inwards 10, 11 of the second plate 3₂ and, on the other hand, come to lock on the free edges 12 of the first plate 3₁. As indicated above, the deformation of the edges 10, 11 of the second plate 3₂ has itself two functions: the first to reduce the friction on each other of the edges 10, 11 of the plates 3₁ and 3₂. The second allows air to enter between the two plates 3₁ and 3₂ to prevent them from sticking to each other due to the vacuum prevailing between them. In the retracted rear position, the pusher frame 56 is located at the rear and away from the claws 53a, 53b, in line with the plates 49 and 50. In the position before output, the pusher frame 56 is located immediately behind the claws 53a, 53b.

Les moyens d'amenée 23 sont disposés globalement horizontalement en regard du premier poste 22₁, les griffes 53a, 53b étant à proximité du poste 22₁. Plus précisemment, les moyens d'amenée 23 sont disposés, par rapport au premier poste 22₁ de manière qu'en position avant sortie, le cadre poussoir 56 soit situé à proximité immédiate - notamment est tangent - à l'organe de saisie 26 en position extrême extérieure.The supply means 23 are arranged generally horizontally opposite the first station 22₁, the claws 53a, 53b being near the station 22₁. More precisely, the supply means 23 are arranged, relative to the first station 22₁ so that in the position before exit, the pusher frame 56 is located in the immediate vicinity - in particular is tangent - to the gripping member 26 in position extreme exterior.

Le cadre poussoir 56 constitue essentiellement un organe d'extraction à l'unité d'un plateau 3 de la pile du plateau 3. Les moyens 16 pour saisir les plateaux 3 sont ainsi essentiellement constitués de l'organe de saisie 26 et du cadre poussoir 56.The pusher frame 56 essentially constitutes a unit for extracting a unit from a tray 3 from the stack of the tray 3. The means 16 for gripping the trays 3 thus essentially consist of the gripping member 26 and the pusher frame 56.

Le dispositif que vient d'être décrit, fonctionne de la manière suivante : Initialement, la plaque de serrage 50 est en position escamotée, les griffes 53a, 53b en position active, le cadre poussoir 56 en position arrière rentrée, l'organe de saisie 26 en position extrême intérieure (figure 3A). Dans cette situation, la pile de plateaux 3 est au repos, l'organe 26 étant dépourvu de plateaux. Dans cette situation, le tapis 47 peut avancer d'un pas pour mettre bien en blocage le premier plateau 3₁ contre les griffes 53a, 53b. Puis, la plaque de serrage 50 passe en position de serrage, les griffes 53a, 53b passent en position escamotée, le cadre poussoir 56 est coulissé vers l'avant (par rapport au sens d'avancement du tapis 47) et l'organe de saisie 26 est avancé vers l'extérieur. Le pile de plateaux 3 est maintenue entre les plaques 49 et 50, tandis que le cadre poussoir 56 extrait le premier plateau 3₁ de la pile. Le cadre poussoir 56 et l'organe de saisie 26 se dirigent l'un vers l'autre, jusqu'à ce que le premier plateau 3₁ soit saisi par l'organe 26 grâce aux moyens à succion.The device that has just been described operates as follows: Initially, the clamping plate 50 is in the retracted position, the claws 53a, 53b in the active position, the pusher frame 56 in the retracted rear position, the gripping member 26 in the extreme interior position (FIG. 3A). In this situation, the stack of trays 3 is at rest, the member 26 being devoid of trays. In this situation, the belt 47 can advance one step to properly lock the first plate 3₁ against the claws 53a, 53b. Then, the clamping plate 50 passes into the clamping position, the claws 53a, 53b pass into the retracted position, the pusher frame 56 is slid forward (relative to the direction of advance of the belt 47) and the member seizure 26 is advanced outward. The stack of trays 3 is held between the plates 49 and 50, while the pusher frame 56 extracts the first tray 3₁ from the stack. The pusher frame 56 and the gripping member 26 move towards each other, until the first plate 3₁ is gripped by the member 26 by means of the suction means.

Naturellement, l'invention peut faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes.Naturally, the invention can be the subject of numerous variants.

Claims (21)

1)Procédé spécialement adapté à la réalisation d'un emballage (1), notamment pour oeufs, comprenant deux parties associés rigidement entre elles en sens opposés à savoir, un fond inférieur (2) comportant une paroi principale (4) inférieure et des rabats pliables (5,6) normalement et finalement dirigés vers le haut et un plateau supérieur (3) comportant des alvéoles en creux (8) ouvertes vers la haut, sur une face supérieure (9) et du même côté que les alvéoles des chants (10, 11) normalement dirigés vers le bas, la paroi principale (4) et la face supérieure (9) étant écartées l'une de l'autre caractérisé par le fait que :
. on saisit d'abord séparément un fond (2) dont les rabats (5,6) sont à plat non pliés et un plateau préformé (3) ;
. puis, on place l'un sur l'autre le fond (2) et le plateau (3), de manière que les chants (10, 11) du plateau (3) soient dirigés vers et appliqués sur la paroi principale (4) du fond (2), la paroi principale (4) et la face supérieure (9) étant écartées l'une de l'autre;
. on presse ensuite l'un contre l'autre le fond (2) et le plateau (3) en agissant sur le côté de la face supérieure (9) opposé aux chants (10, 11) ;
on associe rigidement le fond (2) et le plateau (3);
. enfin, on plie les rabats (5,6) vers le haut en direction de la face supérieure (9) et on les associe sur les chants (10, 11) à l'extérieur de ceux-ci.1) Method specially adapted for producing a package (1), in particular for eggs, comprising two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, namely, a lower bottom (2) comprising a lower main wall (4) and flaps foldable (5,6) normally and finally directed upwards and an upper plate (3) comprising hollow cells (8) open upwards, on an upper face (9) and on the same side as the edge cells ( 10, 11) normally directed downwards, the main wall (4) and the upper face (9) being separated from one another, characterized in that:
. first of all, a bottom (2) is grasped, the flaps (5, 6) of which are flat, not folded and a preformed plate (3);
. then, the bottom (2) and the plate (3) are placed one on the other, so that the edges (10, 11) of the plate (3) are directed towards and applied to the main wall (4) from the bottom (2), the main wall (4) and the upper face (9) being spaced from one another;
. the bottom (2) and the plate (3) are then pressed against each other by acting on the side of the upper face (9) opposite the edges (10, 11);
the bottom (2) and the plate (3) are rigidly associated;
. finally, the flaps (5,6) are folded upwards in the direction of the upper face (9) and they are combined on the edges (10, 11) outside of these. 2) Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait qu'on plie les rabats (5, 6) au moment où on presse, le fond (2) et le plateau (3), l'un contre l'autre, de manière à rigidifier les chants (10, 11) entre la face supérieure (9) et la paroi principale (4).2) Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the flaps (5, 6) are folded when pressed, the bottom (2) and the plate (3), one against the other, of so as to stiffen the edges (10, 11) between the upper face (9) and the main wall (4). 3) Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1, 2, caractérisé par le fait qu'on associe rigidement les rabats (5, 6) aux chants (10, 11) et, à cet effet on encolle les rabats (5, 6) et/ou les chants (10, 11) et on applique les rabats (5, 6) contre et à l'extérieur des chants (10, 11); et qu'après avoir associé les rabats (5, 6) aux chants (10, 11) on maintient l'emballage (1) par ses faces latérales (14).3) Method according to any one of claims 1, 2, characterized in that the flaps (5, 6) are rigidly associated with the edges (10, 11) and, for this purpose, the flaps (5, 6) are glued ) and / or the edges (10, 11) and the flaps (5, 6) are applied against and outside the edges (10, 11); and that after having associated the flaps (5, 6) with the edges (10, 11), the packaging (1) is maintained by its lateral faces (14). 4) Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé par le fait qu'on associe rigidement le plateau (3) et le fond (2) et, à cet effet on encolle les côtés en regard du fond des alvéoles (8) et/ou de la paroi principale (4) et on les applique l'un contre l'autre ; et on associe les rabats (5, 6) et les chants (10, 11) notamment par encliquettage.4) Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one rigidly associates the plate (3) and the bottom (2) and, for this purpose one glues the sides opposite the bottom of the cells ( 8) and / or the main wall (4) and they are applied one against the other; and the flaps (5, 6) and the edges (10, 11) are associated in particular by snap-fastening. 5) Procédé pour saisir un plateau préformé (3) d'une pile de plateaux (3) emboîtés les uns dans les autres, les plateaux étant du type comportant au moins une et généralement plusieurs alvéoles (8), réunies par une face supérieure (9) à laquelle sont attenants des chants (10,11) du même côté que les alvéoles (8), notamment pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de réalisation d'un emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé par le fait que l'on maintient initialement le premier plateau (3) par sa face supérieure (9) ; puis, au moins sensiblement simultanément on saisit d'abord et on déplace ensuite le premier plateau (3), d'une part par l'intérieur de ses alvéoles (8) et, d'autre part, par les bords libres (12) de ses chants (10,11).5) Method for gripping a preformed tray (3) of a stack of trays (3) fitted into one another, the trays being of the type comprising at least one and generally several cells (8), joined by an upper face ( 9) to which are contiguous edges (10,11) on the same side as the cells (8), in particular for implementing the process for producing a packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the first plate (3) is initially maintained by its upper face (9); then, at least substantially simultaneously, first grasp and then move the first plate (3), on the one hand by the interior of its cells (8) and, on the other hand, by the free edges (12) of his songs (10,11). 6) Procédé selon la revendication 5, caractérisé par le fait qu'immédiatement avant de saisir le premier plateau (3) par ses bords libres (12), on déforme vers l'intérieur les chants (10,11) du deuxième plateau (3) de manière à favoriser l'extraction du premier plateau (3) par rapport au deuxième plateau (3).6) Method according to claim 5, characterized in that immediately before entering the first plate (3) by its free edges (12), the edges (10,11) of the second plate (3) are deformed inwards. ) so as to favor the extraction of the first plate (3) relative to the second plate (3). 7) Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5,6, caractérisé par le fait que l'on maintient initialement le premier plateau (3) par les bords de sa face supérieure (9) attenants aux chants (10,11).7) Method according to any one of claims 5,6, characterized in that one initially maintains the first plate (3) by the edges of its upper face (9) adjoining the edges (10,11). 8) Machine spécialement adaptée à la réalisation d'un emballage (1), notamment pour oeufs comprenant deux parties associées rigidement entre elles en sens opposés à savoir, un fond inférieur (2) comportant une paroi principale (4) inférieure et des rabats pliables (5, 6) normalement et finalement dirigés vers le haut et un plateau supérieur (3) comportant des alvéoles en creux (8) ouvertes vers le haut, sur une face supérieure (9) et du même côté que les alvéoles (8) des chants (10, 11) normalement dirigés vers le bas, la paroi principale (4) et la face supérieure (9) étant écartées l'une de l'autre, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comporte :
. des moyens distincts de saisie d'un fond (2) dont les rabats (5, 6) sont à plat non pliés et d'un plateau préformé (3), respectivement (15) et (16);
. en aval des moyens de saisie (15) et (16), des moyens pour placer l'un sur l'autre le fond (2) et le plateau (3) de manière que les chants (10, 11) du plateau (3) soient dirigés vers et appliqués sur la paroi principale (4) du fond (2), la paroi principale (4) et la face supérieure (9) étant écartées l'une de l'autre;
. des moyens pour presser (18) l'un contre l'autre le fond (2) et le plateau (3) agissant vers le côté de la face supérieure (9) opposé aux chants (10, 11), ces moyens pour presser comportant deux parties agissant sur le fond (2) et le plateau (3) écartées transversalement l'une de l'autre;
. des moyens de pliage (19) des rabats (5, 6), en direction de la partie des moyens pour presser (18) agissant sur le plateau (3) susceptibles de fonctionner en même temps que les moyens pour presser (18).
. des moyens d'associations des rabats (5, 6) sur les chants (10, 11) à l'extérieur de ceux-ci.
. des moyens, distincts ou non, d'association rigide, du fond (2) et du plateau (3).8) Machine specially adapted for producing a package (1), in particular for eggs comprising two parts rigidly associated with one another in opposite directions, namely, a lower bottom (2) comprising a lower main wall (4) and foldable flaps (5, 6) normally and finally directed upwards and an upper plate (3) comprising hollow cells (8) open upwards, on an upper face (9) and on the same side as the cells (8) of the edges (10, 11) normally directed downwards, the main wall (4) and the upper face (9) being spaced apart from each other, characterized by the fact that it includes:
. separate means for gripping a bottom (2), the flaps (5, 6) of which are flat, not folded and of a preformed tray (3), respectively (15) and (16);
. downstream of the gripping means (15) and (16), means for placing the bottom (2) and the plate (3) one on the other so that the edges (10, 11) of the plate (3 ) are directed towards and applied to the main wall (4) of the bottom (2), the main wall (4) and the upper face (9) being spaced from one another;
. means for pressing (18) against each other the bottom (2) and the plate (3) acting towards the side of the upper face (9) opposite the edges (10, 11), these means for pressing comprising two parts acting on the bottom (2) and the plate (3) spaced transversely from each other;
. folding means (19) of the flaps (5, 6), in the direction of the part of the pressing means (18) acting on the plate (3) capable of operating at the same time as the pressing means (18).
. means for associating the flaps (5, 6) on the edges (10, 11) outside of these.
. means, distinct or not, of rigid association, of the bottom (2) and of the plate (3). 9) Machine selon la revendication 8, caractérisé par le fait qu'elle comporte également des moyens de maintien (19) de l'emballage (1) par ses faces latérales (14).9) Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that it also comprises holding means (19) of the package (1) by its side faces (14). 10) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 et 9 caractérisé par le fait qu'elle comporte une roue indexée (20), ayant au moins trois postes de travail (22), entrainée pas à pas, des moyens d'amenée (23) des plateaux (3), des moyens d'amenée (24) des fonds (2) et des moyens d'évacuation (25) des emballages (1) se trouvant en regard de trois postes successifs de manière à définir respectivement un ensemble de saisie d'un plateau(3), un ensemble de mise en place et d'association rigide d'un plateau (3) à un fond (2) et un ensemble d'évacuation de l'emballage (1) ainsi réalisé.10) Machine according to any one of claims 8 and 9 characterized by the fact that it comprises an indexed wheel (20), having at least three work stations (22), driven step by step, supply means (23) of the plates (3), supply means (24) funds (2) and means of evacuation (25) of the packages (1) located opposite three successive stations so as to define respectively a set for gripping a tray (3), a set of establishment and rigid association of a plate (3) to a bottom (2) and a package evacuation assembly (1) thus produced. 11) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisée en ce que chaque poste (22) comporte d'une part un organe de saisie (26) d'un plateau (3) par l'intérieur de ses alvéoles (8), comportant notamment des moyens de succion, mobile radialement, et, d'autre part, les moyens de maintien (19) de l'emballage (1) par ses faces latérales (14), fixes ; des moyens d'entraînement (27) permettant de déplacer l'organe de saisie (26) entre deux positions radiales extrêmes respectivement intérieure et extérieure.11) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that each station (22) comprises on the one hand a gripping member (26) of a plate (3) from the inside of its cells ( 8), comprising in particular suction means, radially movable, and, on the other hand, the holding means (19) of the package (1) by its lateral faces (14), fixed; drive means (27) for moving the gripping member (26) between two extreme inner and outer radial positions, respectively. 12) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 11, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'amenée (24) des fonds (2) comprennent un magasin (31), un extracteur mobile (32) notamment à succion, au moins une courroie ou similaire (33), d'une longueur définissant une zone amont (35) située à l'aplomb du magasin (31), une zone aval (36) située à l'aplomb du poste (22) de mise en place et d'association et une zone intermédiaire (37) dans laquelle se trouvent des moyens d'encollage (38).12) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the supply means (24) of the funds (2) comprise a magazine (31), a mobile extractor (32) in particular with suction, at least a belt or the like (33), of a length defining an upstream zone (35) located directly above the magazine (31), a downstream zone (36) situated directly above the positioning station (22) and association and an intermediate zone (37) in which there are gluing means (38). 13) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 12, caractérisée en ce que l'organe de saisie (26) est une empreinte de forme complémentaire des alvéoles (8), à laquelle sont associés des moyens de succion.13) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the gripping member (26) is an imprint of complementary shape of the cells (8), which are associated with suction means. 14) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de maintien (19) sont constitués par un cadre dont l'encombrement intérieur correspond à l'encombrement extérieur de l'emballage (1).14) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the holding means (19) consist of a frame whose internal dimensions correspond to the external dimensions of the packaging (1). 15) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 14, caractérisée en ce que les moyens (15) pour saisir les fonds (2) comprennent, d'une part, une courroie (33) des moyens d'amenée (24) et, d'autre part, un plateau (42) placé à l'aplomb des moyens de maintien (19) du poste de mise en place et solidarisation (22₂), mobile à coulissement entre une position inférieure escamotée et une position supérieure d'évacuation, avec une position intermédiaire de pressage.15) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the means (15) for gripping the bottoms (2) comprise, on the one hand, a belt (33) supply means (24) and, on the other hand, a plate (42) placed directly above the holding means (19) of the positioning and securing station (22₂), movable to slide between a lower retracted position and an upper position of discharge, with an intermediate pressing position. 16) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 15, caractérisée en ce que les moyens (17) pour placer l'un sur l'autre le fond (2) et le plateau (3) comprennent d'une part, l'organe de saisie (26) dans le poste (22₂) ainsi que les moyens d'entraînement (27) et, d'autre part, la courroie (33) dans sa zone aval (36).16) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the means (17) for placing one on the other the bottom (2) and the plate (3) comprise on the one hand, l 'gripping member (26) in the station (22₂) and the drive means (27) and, on the other hand, the belt (33) in its downstream area (36). 17) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisée en ce que les moyens (18) pour presser l'un contre l'autre le fond (2) et le plateau (3) comprennent d'une part, l'organe de saisie (26) dans le poste (22₂) ainsi que des moyens d'entraînement (27) et, d'autre part, le plateau (42) et ses moyens d'entraînement associés (43,44), les moyens d'entraînement (27,43,44, sollicitant l'organe de saisie (26) et le plateau (42) l'un en direction de l'autre.17) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the means (18) for pressing one against the other the bottom (2) and the plate (3) comprise on the one hand, l 'gripping member (26) in the station (22₂) as well as drive means (27) and, on the other hand, the plate (42) and its associated drive means (43,44), the means drive (27,43,44, urging the gripping member (26) and the plate (42) one towards the other. 18) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 17, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte également des moyens d'encollage longitudinal en deux parties (38a) et (38b) et des moyens d'encollage latéral en deux parties respectivement amont et aval (45a) et (45b).18) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 17, characterized in that it also comprises means of longitudinal gluing in two parts (38a) and (38b) and means of lateral gluing in two parts respectively upstream and downstream (45a) and (45b). 19) Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 16, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte également des moyens de pliage (46) des rabats (5,6) constitués par un cadre placé autour du plateau (42), mobile à coulissement entre une position inférieure escamotée et une position supérieure de pliage.19) Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that it also comprises folding means (46) of the flaps (5,6) constituted by a frame placed around the plate (42), movable at sliding between a lowered retracted position and an upper folding position. 20) Dispositif d'amenée de plateaux (3) emboîtés en pile, destiné notamment à une machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 19, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un tapis transporteur (47) avec des moyens d'entraînement pas à pas (48), une plaque fixe (49) coplanaire au tapis (47), une plaque de serrage latéral (50) mobile entre un position de serrage et une position escamotée ; des griffes ou similaires (53a, 53b), mobiles entre une position active et une position escamotée ; un cadre poussoir (56) transversal, mobile à coulissement longitudinal entre une position arrière rentrée et une position avant sortie.20) Device for feeding trays (3) nested in a stack, intended in particular for a machine according to any one of Claims 8 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a conveyor belt (47) with drive means step by step (48), a fixed plate (49) coplanar with the belt (47), a lateral clamping plate (50) movable between a clamping position and a retracted position; claws or the like (53a, 53b), movable between an active position and a retracted position; a transverse pusher frame (56) movable at longitudinal sliding between a rear retracted position and a position before extended. 21) Dispositif selon la revendication 20, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture (58) du cadre (56) est notamment plus grande à l'arrière (58a) qu'à l'avant (58b), l'ouverture arrière (58a) est légèrement plus grande que le plus grand encombrement des plateaux (3) -notamment à l'endroit des bords libres (12)- et l'ouverture avant (58b) est légèrement plus petite que le plus grand encombrement des plateaux (3), ainsi que légèrement plus petite que le plus petit encombrement des plateaux (3) -notamment à l'endroit de la face supérieure (9)-.21) Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the opening (58) of the frame (56) is notably larger at the rear (58a) than at the front (58b), the rear opening (58a ) is slightly larger than the largest footprint of the trays (3) -especially at the location of the free edges (12) - and the front opening (58b) is slightly smaller than the largest footprint of the trays (3) , as well as slightly smaller than the smallest footprint of the plates (3) - in particular at the location of the upper face (9) -.
EP87402521A 1986-11-07 1987-11-06 Method and machine for making a package of two associated parts, especially for eggs Withdrawn EP0270420A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8615615A FR2606327A1 (en) 1986-11-07 1986-11-07 METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING A TWO-PART PACKAGE
FR8615615 1986-11-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0270420A1 true EP0270420A1 (en) 1988-06-08

Family

ID=9340669

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87402521A Withdrawn EP0270420A1 (en) 1986-11-07 1987-11-06 Method and machine for making a package of two associated parts, especially for eggs

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EP (1) EP0270420A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2606327A1 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB952930A (en) * 1900-01-01
US2002213A (en) * 1933-12-26 1935-05-21 Charles F Adams Cup dropping machine
US2081910A (en) * 1932-12-03 1937-06-01 Burt Co Ltd F N Forming machine
US3661282A (en) * 1970-03-04 1972-05-09 Scott Paper Co Method of continously moving containers through a treatment process
US4109803A (en) * 1977-02-14 1978-08-29 Quelch Alan Ralph Method and apparatus for de-stacking trays
GB2059868A (en) * 1979-10-09 1981-04-29 Haendle & Soehne Maschf Karl Machine for covering boxes with a cardboard or foil blank
AT380854B (en) * 1984-01-19 1986-07-25 Kreuziger Wolf Dieter Mag Ing DEVICE FOR HANDLING OPEN VESSELS IN A STACK

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1343748A (en) * 1917-06-08 1920-06-15 Stokes & Smith Co Box-covering machine
US2937786A (en) * 1957-05-16 1960-05-24 Muller Paper Goods Company Inc Paper crinkle cup separating device
JPS60202019A (en) * 1984-03-26 1985-10-12 Katsumi Yoshida Separator for packaging vessel made of plastic thin plate

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB952930A (en) * 1900-01-01
US2081910A (en) * 1932-12-03 1937-06-01 Burt Co Ltd F N Forming machine
US2002213A (en) * 1933-12-26 1935-05-21 Charles F Adams Cup dropping machine
US3661282A (en) * 1970-03-04 1972-05-09 Scott Paper Co Method of continously moving containers through a treatment process
US4109803A (en) * 1977-02-14 1978-08-29 Quelch Alan Ralph Method and apparatus for de-stacking trays
GB2059868A (en) * 1979-10-09 1981-04-29 Haendle & Soehne Maschf Karl Machine for covering boxes with a cardboard or foil blank
AT380854B (en) * 1984-01-19 1986-07-25 Kreuziger Wolf Dieter Mag Ing DEVICE FOR HANDLING OPEN VESSELS IN A STACK

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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