EP3909869A1 - Machine for closing and overturning boxes made of cardboard - Google Patents
Machine for closing and overturning boxes made of cardboard Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3909869A1 EP3909869A1 EP21173199.7A EP21173199A EP3909869A1 EP 3909869 A1 EP3909869 A1 EP 3909869A1 EP 21173199 A EP21173199 A EP 21173199A EP 3909869 A1 EP3909869 A1 EP 3909869A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- machine
- plate
- combs
- integral
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 210000001520 comb Anatomy 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000015927 pasta Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/20—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by folding-down preformed flaps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
- B65B35/56—Orientating, i.e. changing the attitude of, articles, e.g. of non-uniform cross-section
- B65B35/58—Turning articles by positively-acting means, e.g. to present labelled portions in uppermost position
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/02—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
- B65B5/024—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles for making containers from preformed blanks
- B65B5/028—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles for making containers from preformed blanks for making containers from two or more blanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2807—Feeding closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/2871—Securing closures on containers by gluing
-
- 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
- B31B50/004—Closing boxes
- B31B50/0044—Closing boxes the boxes having their opening facing upwardly
-
- 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
- B31B50/92—Delivering
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
- B65B2210/04—Customised on demand packaging by determining a specific characteristic, e.g. shape or height, of articles or material to be packaged and selecting, creating or adapting a packaging accordingly, e.g. making a carton starting from web material
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a machine for closing and overturning boxes made of cardboard.
- WO-2019/0817773 describes a machine having means for forming and laying a lid on a formed box, means for applying glue and means for rotating the box by 180° about a vertical axis to align the lid with the box when the coupling occurs.
- US-6962271 describes a device for overturning a container by 180° about a horizontal axis so that the head becomes the base and vice versa.
- Said device is suitable for overturning a container after it has been emptied so that it is ready to be returned for a new filling.
- Said device is described for an isolated use and operates on a closed container without a lid and which may be positioned by means of two pallets, above and below.
- the lid is able to directly become a tray for offering the contents in an exhibition place.
- a machine for closing boxes made of cardboard comprising a warehouse of lids in the form of a cutting die, a conveyor for the horizontal translation of already formed boxes, and a device for forming and laying the lid, characterized in that it further comprises an overturning device of boxes closed with the lid so that the lid becomes the base of the box on the conveyor.
- the overturning of the box occurs with a continuous movement.
- the box In output from the machine, the box is closed with the lid acting as a base.
- the closed and overturned box may subsequently be positioned on a shelf and its contents made directly available by simply removing the body of the box which, during the step of filling, constituted the base and the containing element of the inserted products.
- a machine 1 for closing and overturning boxes 2 made of cardboard comprises a warehouse 3 of lids 4 in the form of a cutting die (i.e., flat), a device 5 for forming and laying the lid 4, and an overturning device 6 of boxes 2 closed with the lid 4 ( Figures 1 and 2 ).
- the machine 1 further comprises a roller conveyor 7 for horizontally translating already formed boxes 2, and upper casings 8 for housing the wiring.
- the lids 4 in the form of a cutting die are stacked in the warehouse 3.
- the device 5 for forming and laying the lid 4 ( Figures 3-6 ) is able to remove one lid 4 at a time from the warehouse 3, take it over a box 2 open on top, form the lid 4 after laying it over the box 2 so as to close it completely.
- the lid 4 is thus formed after resting it on the box 2 by exploiting the contrast of the latter as will be clarified in greater detail below.
- the machine 1 further comprises gluing means able to dose glue dots onto the lid 4 before its formation over the box 2 so that after the formation of the lid 4, the lid 4 is blocked onto the box 2 for a final closure.
- the warehouse 3 is of a vertical type and comprises ( Figure 2 ) a first zone 301, in which the operator inserts stacks of lids 4 in the form of a cutting die referring to the side and rear walls, and a second zone 302, in which the lids 4 in the form of a cutting die are lifted and removed by the device 5 one at a time.
- a roller conveyor allows the lids 4 to slide from the first zone 301 to the second zone 302 at a speed controlled by photocells.
- the second zone 302 comprises an elevator 303 able to take the lid 4 into the removing position, a pneumatic size equalizer 304, and a horizontal bar retractable support 305 to guarantee a minimum plenum of lids 4 in the form of a cutting die in the steps of reloading of the warehouse 3 itself.
- the elevator 303 of the warehouse 3 allows to have the lid 4 to be grasped as high as possible, i.e., just below the device 5 so as to optimize the work.
- the device 5 comprises an attachment plate 9 to a two-axis manipulator, and a supporting frame 10 integral with the plate 9.
- the supporting frame 10 comprises two side bars 11, 12, and a central bar 13 comprised between said side bars 11, 12. Said bars 11-13 are parallel and support a plate 14 fixed to ends of said bars 11-13 ( Figure 4 ).
- the plate 14 is orthogonal to the bars 11-13 and comprises a guide 15 along which two runners 16 are able to slide ( Figure 6 ).
- Each runner 16 supports a group 17 able to take the lid 4 and to fold flaps 41 of the lid 4 for forming it on the box 2.
- the side bar 12 and the central bar 13 rotatably support a rotating bar 18 orthogonal to said bars 12, 13 ( Figures 3 , 4 ).
- a first wheel 19 is keyed to said rotating bar 18 and is able to rotate a second wheel 20 keyed to a first screw 21 orthogonal to said rotating bar 18.
- the first screw 21 is rotatably supported by a movable frame 22 comprising two guides 23 parallel to the bars 11-13. Two runners 24 integral with the lower part of the plate 9 slide along each guide 23.
- the first screw 21 is associated with a plate 25 parallel to the plate 14 by means of a nut 211 integral with the plate 25 ( Figures 3 , 4 , and 5 ).
- the plate 25 supports a guide 26 along which two runners 27 slide, each runner 27 being fixed to a respective group 17.
- the device 5 thus comprises four groups 17 able to take the lid 4 and to fold flaps 41 of the lid 4.
- the movable frame 22 supports said guides 23 on the top and two guides 28 ( Figure 3 ), orthogonal to said guides 23, on the bottom.
- Each bar 30 supports a guide 31 along which runners 32, which support respective groups 17, slide.
- Each group 17 is thus able to slide along a first guide 31 and a second guide 15, 26.
- the plate 25 translates with respect to the plate 14 but it does not rotate with respect to the bars 30 by virtue of the constraint with the bars 30 made by means of two groups 17.
- a second screw 32 ( Figure 4 ), parallel to the rotating bar 18, is rotatably supported by the bars 30.
- one of the two bars 30 comprises a nut 322 which allows the mutual approach/removal of the bars 30, thereby determining the approach/removal of the groups 17 associated with each bar 30.
- the rotating bar 18 and the second screw 32 are controlled in rotation by respective wheels 181, 321.
- the device 5 thus comprises means able to vary the mutual position of the groups 17, such as the rotating bar 18, the first screw 21 and the second screw 32.
- Each group 17 ( Figures 3-6 ) comprises a body 33 able to be fixed to pairs of runners 16, 27, 32, and which provides two arms 34 at the ends of which two pneumatic cylinders, able to control two pistons 35, 36, are rotatably associated.
- Each group 17 further comprises two plates 37, the ends of which are rotatably fixed to the respective arm 34 and to one free end of the respective piston 35, 36.
- the body 33 further comprises a through hole, inside which a cylinder 38 which supports a suction cup 78, vertically slides. Air may be aspirated through the cylinder 38, with appropriate pneumatic commands, to create a vacuum so as to keep the suction cup 78 gripping the lid 4.
- the plates 37 support runners 39 able to fold flaps 41 of the lid 4.
- the movable frame 22 comprises two through holes through which respective cylinders 92 ( Figures 4 and 5 ), which support a plate 91 able to press the lid 4, are able to slide vertically.
- the device 5 further comprises two further groups 42 able to fold flaps of the lid 4.
- each group 42 provides a body 43 fixed to the respective bar 30, between two groups 17 associated with the same bar 30.
- the body 43 comprises an arm 44 at the end of which a piston 45 is rotatably fixed.
- a plate 46 is rotatably fixed at its ends to the body 43 and to the end of the piston 45, and supports a runner 47 able to fold flaps of the lid 4.
- the groups 17 thus comprise both means for gripping the lid 4 in the form of a cutting die, such as the suction cups 78, as well as means for forming the lid 4 on the box 2, such as the plates 37, the runners 39, and the pistons 35, 36.
- the groups 42 comprise only means for forming the lid 4 on the box 2, such as the plates 46, the runners 47 and the pistons 45.
- the overturning device 6 of boxes 2 ( Figures 7-10 ) already closed with the lid 4 by means of the device 5, comprises a fixed frame 50 to which it is integral a pneumatic cylinder 51 which is able to control the vertical movement of a stem 511.
- a first plate 81 moves integrally with the stem 511 and rotatably supports two gear wheels 52, 53 connected by means of a belt 54, a first motor 55 and a second motor 56.
- the first motor 55 is able to control the first gear wheel 52, while the second motor 56 is able to control the rotation of a shaft 57 on which a wheel 58 is keyed.
- a second plate 59 is integral with the second gear wheel 53.
- the shaft 57 is in axis with the second gear wheel 53 and supports the wheel 58 at its end so that the wheel 58 is positioned beyond the second plate 59.
- the wheel 58 is thus rotatable with respect to the second plate 59, and comprises two arms 60 at the ends of which cranks 61 are rotatably mounted at their first ends.
- cranks 61 are rotatably fixed to respective combs 62 at respective edges 63.
- Each comb 62 comprises prongs 64 able to grasp the box 2, and is slidingly associated with the second plate 59 by means of runners 65 sliding along guides 70.
- the rotation of the wheel 58 thus determines the approach or removal of the combs 62, with respect to one another.
- the actuation of the gear wheels 52, 53 determines the rotation of the second plate 59 and therefore of the combs 62.
- the cylinder 51 determines the vertical movement of the second plate 59 and therefore of both combs 62.
- the device 6 thus comprises means for raising/lowering the combs 62 in an integral manner, including the cylinder 51 and the stem 511, means for rotating the combs 62 in an integral manner, including the gear wheels 52, 53, the first motor 55 and the belt 54, and means for approaching/removing the combs 62 with respect to one another, including the wheel 58, the second motor 56, the cranks 61, the guides 70, the shaft 57.
- the conveyor 7 moves the box 2, which is already formed and open at the top, to a closing station of the box 2, in which blocking means 90 hold the box 2 stationary ( Figure 1 ).
- the device 5 configured for a given size of lid 4 and moved by the two-axis manipulator, takes a lid 4 in the form of a cutting die from the warehouse 3.
- the lid 4 in the form of a flat cutting die lies horizontally so that the suction cups 78 grip the lid 4 by virtue of suction means which create the vacuum.
- the manipulator After taking the lid 4, the manipulator translates the device 5 from the warehouse 3 until it is arranged over the box 2. During said movement, the device 5 transits near gluing means comprising guns able to apply glue dots on flaps 41 of the lid 4 for blocking it on the box 2 at the end of the forming of the lid 4.
- the device 5 is lowered by the manipulator until the lid 4, still in the form of a cutting die, rests on the box 2, more precisely on the top edge which defines the perimeter of the opening of the box 2.
- the box 2 acts as a contrast for the forming operations of the lid 4.
- the manipulator lowers the plate 9 and the four groups 17 integrally therewith.
- the suction cups 18 do not move due to the contrast applied by the box 2 and the presence of the through hole in the bodies 33 of the groups 17; in practice, the bodies 33 move downwards sliding on the cylinders 38 which substantially act as guides for the bodies 33.
- the body 33 moves down integrally dragging the runner 39 which at a given point ( Figure 15 ) touches and starts folding a flap 41; in Figure 16 , the runner 39 integral with the piston 36 has folded said flap 41 further; in Figure 17 the runner 39 integral with the piston 36 continues the folding of said flap 41, while a different runner 39 integral with the piston 35 has started to fold a different flap 41; in Figure 18 , the folding of the two flaps 41 continues until, almost in a final position, the body 33 is blocked and the pistons 35, 36 are actuated so as to give a final pressure to the flaps 41 which guarantees the gripping of the glue on the box 2, reaching the final configuration of the group 17 in Figure 19 .
- the plate 91 helps to keep the central part of the lid 4 horizontal, the action of the groups 17 tending to make said central part bulge.
- the lid 4 is formed and laid gripping the box 2, which is thus definitively closed.
- the conveyor 7 moves the closed box 2 towards an overturning station on which the device 6 is situated.
- the conveyor 7 is a roller conveyor, i.e., it is provided with a series of horizontal rollers spaced apart from one another so as to allow the prongs 64 of the comb 62 to descend (each between two rollers) below the sliding level of the box 2: when the box 2 is over said prongs 64, the device 6 is started.
- the conveyor 7 is provided with a side frame with notches so that the prongs 64 may go below the level of the rollers of the conveyor 7.
- each comb 62 has the two end prongs 64 offset with respect to the central prongs 64.
- the distance between the two combs 62 at the end prongs 64 is smaller with respect to the zone of the central prongs 64: during the gripping, the box 2 thus always tends to position itself in the central zone without any risk of falling during the overturning.
- the second motor 56 actuates the wheel 58 which approaches the combs 62 so as to lift the box 2, clamping it between the combs 62 themselves ( Figure 11 ); then, the pneumatic cylinder 51 actuates the stem 511 by lifting the second plate 59 and thus both combs 62 gripping the box 2 ( Figure 12 ); once an adequate height has been reached, the first motor 55 actuates the belt 54 by rotating the box 2 integral with the second plate 59 by 180° about a horizontal axis ( Figure 13 ).
- the repositioning of the overturned box 2 on the conveyor 7 occurs first by actuating in the opposite direction the pneumatic cylinder 51 which retracts the stem 511 lowering the box 2 until it rests again on the conveyor 7, then by operating the second motor 56 which rotates the wheel 58 in the opposite direction, moving away the combs 62 which leave the overturned box 2 free to continue its sliding along the conveyor 7 up to an exit zone of the machine 1.
- the overturning of the box 2 occurs with a continuous movement.
- the box 2 Upon exiting the machine 1, the box 2 is closed with the lid acting as a base.
- the closed and overturned box 2 may subsequently be positioned on a shelf and its contents made directly available by simply removing the body of the box 2 which, during the step of filling, constituted the base and the containing element of the inserted products.
- the machine 1 adapts to different sizes of boxes 2; the device 5 is suitable for working with different sizes of lids 4 compatible with the different sizes of boxes 2.
- the size of the device 5 is changed by actuating the wheels 181, 321.
- the actuation of the wheel 321 rotates the second screw 32 which, engaged with the nut 322, moves one of the two bars 30 towards the other bar 30, thus approaching the groups 17, 42 associated with the bars 30.
- the groups 17 associated with the plate 14 slide along the guide 15, while the groups 17 associated with the plate 25 slide along the guide 26.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closing Of Containers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a machine for closing and overturning boxes made of cardboard.
- The need is felt in the pasta packaging and boxing sector to completely automate the processes, from the making of the pasta to the boxing, limiting the operator's intervention if not eliminating it altogether.
- More particularly, the case in which the box is closed by a lid, made separately with respect to the box, is addressed.
-
WO-2019/0817773 -
US-6962271 describes a device for overturning a container by 180° about a horizontal axis so that the head becomes the base and vice versa. - Said device is suitable for overturning a container after it has been emptied so that it is ready to be returned for a new filling.
- Said device is described for an isolated use and operates on a closed container without a lid and which may be positioned by means of two pallets, above and below.
- It is the object of the present invention to provide a machine for closing and overturning boxes made of cardboard about a horizontal axis so that the lid becomes the base of the box.
- It is a further object of the present invention that the lid is able to directly become a tray for offering the contents in an exhibition place.
- It is a still further object of the present invention that the machine operates on boxes containing pasta packages.
- According to the invention, said and further objects are achieved by means of a machine for closing boxes made of cardboard, comprising a warehouse of lids in the form of a cutting die, a conveyor for the horizontal translation of already formed boxes, and a device for forming and laying the lid, characterized in that it further comprises an overturning device of boxes closed with the lid so that the lid becomes the base of the box on the conveyor.
- Advantageously, the overturning of the box occurs with a continuous movement.
- In output from the machine, the box is closed with the lid acting as a base.
- Advantageously, the closed and overturned box may subsequently be positioned on a shelf and its contents made directly available by simply removing the body of the box which, during the step of filling, constituted the base and the containing element of the inserted products.
- These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a practical exemplary embodiment thereof, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a machine according to the present invention; -
Figure 2 shows a second perspective view of the machine; -
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a device for forming and laying a lid; -
Figure 4 shows a top plan view of the device; -
Figure 5 shows a side view of the device; -
Figure 6 shows a front view of the device; -
Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of an overturning device of a box closed by the lid; -
Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the overturning device; -
Figure 9 shows a front view of the overturning device; -
Figure 10 shows a sectional view according to line X-X inFigure 9 ; -
Figure 11 shows a front view of the overturning device in a first position; -
Figure 12 shows a front view of the overturning device in a second position; -
Figure 13 shows a front view of the overturning device in a third position; -
Figure 14 shows a front view of a portion of the device for forming and laying, in a first position; -
Figure 15 shows a front view of said portion in a second position; -
Figure 16 shows a front view of said portion in a third position; -
Figure 17 shows a front view of said portion in a fourth position; -
Figure 18 shows a front view of said portion in a fifth position; -
Figure 19 shows a front view of said portion in a sixth position. - A
machine 1 for closing and overturningboxes 2 made of cardboard comprises awarehouse 3 oflids 4 in the form of a cutting die (i.e., flat), adevice 5 for forming and laying thelid 4, and anoverturning device 6 ofboxes 2 closed with the lid 4 (Figures 1 and2 ). - The
machine 1 further comprises aroller conveyor 7 for horizontally translating already formedboxes 2, and upper casings 8 for housing the wiring. - The
lids 4 in the form of a cutting die are stacked in thewarehouse 3. - The
device 5 for forming and laying the lid 4 (Figures 3-6 ) is able to remove onelid 4 at a time from thewarehouse 3, take it over abox 2 open on top, form thelid 4 after laying it over thebox 2 so as to close it completely. - The
lid 4 is thus formed after resting it on thebox 2 by exploiting the contrast of the latter as will be clarified in greater detail below. - The
machine 1 further comprises gluing means able to dose glue dots onto thelid 4 before its formation over thebox 2 so that after the formation of thelid 4, thelid 4 is blocked onto thebox 2 for a final closure. - The
warehouse 3 is of a vertical type and comprises (Figure 2 ) afirst zone 301, in which the operator inserts stacks oflids 4 in the form of a cutting die referring to the side and rear walls, and asecond zone 302, in which thelids 4 in the form of a cutting die are lifted and removed by thedevice 5 one at a time. A roller conveyor allows thelids 4 to slide from thefirst zone 301 to thesecond zone 302 at a speed controlled by photocells. Thesecond zone 302 comprises anelevator 303 able to take thelid 4 into the removing position, apneumatic size equalizer 304, and a horizontalbar retractable support 305 to guarantee a minimum plenum oflids 4 in the form of a cutting die in the steps of reloading of thewarehouse 3 itself. - Advantageously, the
elevator 303 of thewarehouse 3 allows to have thelid 4 to be grasped as high as possible, i.e., just below thedevice 5 so as to optimize the work. - The
device 5 comprises anattachment plate 9 to a two-axis manipulator, and a supportingframe 10 integral with theplate 9. - The supporting
frame 10 comprises twoside bars 11, 12, and acentral bar 13 comprised between saidside bars 11, 12. Said bars 11-13 are parallel and support aplate 14 fixed to ends of said bars 11-13 (Figure 4 ). Theplate 14 is orthogonal to the bars 11-13 and comprises aguide 15 along which tworunners 16 are able to slide (Figure 6 ). - Each
runner 16 supports agroup 17 able to take thelid 4 and to foldflaps 41 of thelid 4 for forming it on thebox 2. - The side bar 12 and the
central bar 13 rotatably support a rotatingbar 18 orthogonal to said bars 12, 13 (Figures 3 ,4 ). Afirst wheel 19 is keyed to said rotatingbar 18 and is able to rotate asecond wheel 20 keyed to afirst screw 21 orthogonal to said rotatingbar 18. - The
first screw 21 is rotatably supported by amovable frame 22 comprising twoguides 23 parallel to the bars 11-13. Tworunners 24 integral with the lower part of theplate 9 slide along eachguide 23. Thefirst screw 21 is associated with aplate 25 parallel to theplate 14 by means of anut 211 integral with the plate 25 (Figures 3 ,4 , and5 ). Theplate 25 supports aguide 26 along which tworunners 27 slide, eachrunner 27 being fixed to arespective group 17. - As apparent by observing
Figure 4 , thedevice 5 thus comprises fourgroups 17 able to take thelid 4 and to foldflaps 41 of thelid 4. - The
movable frame 22 supports saidguides 23 on the top and two guides 28 (Figure 3 ), orthogonal to saidguides 23, on the bottom. A pair ofrunners 29, with which arespective bar 30, orthogonal to saidguides 28, is integral, slides along each of said guides 28 (Figures 4 and6 ). Eachbar 30 supports aguide 31 along whichrunners 32, which supportrespective groups 17, slide. - Each
group 17 is thus able to slide along afirst guide 31 and asecond guide - The
plate 25 translates with respect to theplate 14 but it does not rotate with respect to thebars 30 by virtue of the constraint with thebars 30 made by means of twogroups 17. - A second screw 32 (
Figure 4 ), parallel to the rotatingbar 18, is rotatably supported by thebars 30. In particular, one of the twobars 30 comprises anut 322 which allows the mutual approach/removal of thebars 30, thereby determining the approach/removal of thegroups 17 associated with eachbar 30. - The rotating
bar 18 and thesecond screw 32 are controlled in rotation byrespective wheels - Advantageously, the
device 5 thus comprises means able to vary the mutual position of thegroups 17, such as therotating bar 18, thefirst screw 21 and thesecond screw 32. - Each group 17 (
Figures 3-6 ) comprises abody 33 able to be fixed to pairs ofrunners arms 34 at the ends of which two pneumatic cylinders, able to control twopistons group 17 further comprises twoplates 37, the ends of which are rotatably fixed to therespective arm 34 and to one free end of therespective piston - The
body 33 further comprises a through hole, inside which acylinder 38 which supports asuction cup 78, vertically slides. Air may be aspirated through thecylinder 38, with appropriate pneumatic commands, to create a vacuum so as to keep thesuction cup 78 gripping thelid 4. Theplates 37support runners 39 able to foldflaps 41 of thelid 4. - The
movable frame 22 comprises two through holes through which respective cylinders 92 (Figures 4 and5 ), which support aplate 91 able to press thelid 4, are able to slide vertically. - In addition to the four
groups 17, thedevice 5 further comprises twofurther groups 42 able to fold flaps of thelid 4. Similarly to thegroups 17, eachgroup 42 provides abody 43 fixed to therespective bar 30, between twogroups 17 associated with thesame bar 30. Thebody 43 comprises anarm 44 at the end of which apiston 45 is rotatably fixed. Aplate 46 is rotatably fixed at its ends to thebody 43 and to the end of thepiston 45, and supports arunner 47 able to fold flaps of thelid 4. - The
groups 17 thus comprise both means for gripping thelid 4 in the form of a cutting die, such as thesuction cups 78, as well as means for forming thelid 4 on thebox 2, such as theplates 37, therunners 39, and thepistons groups 42 comprise only means for forming thelid 4 on thebox 2, such as theplates 46, therunners 47 and thepistons 45. - The
overturning device 6 of boxes 2 (Figures 7-10 ) already closed with thelid 4 by means of thedevice 5, comprises a fixedframe 50 to which it is integral apneumatic cylinder 51 which is able to control the vertical movement of astem 511. - A
first plate 81 moves integrally with thestem 511 and rotatably supports twogear wheels belt 54, afirst motor 55 and asecond motor 56. Thefirst motor 55 is able to control thefirst gear wheel 52, while thesecond motor 56 is able to control the rotation of ashaft 57 on which awheel 58 is keyed. - A
second plate 59, preferably H-shaped, is integral with thesecond gear wheel 53. Theshaft 57 is in axis with thesecond gear wheel 53 and supports thewheel 58 at its end so that thewheel 58 is positioned beyond thesecond plate 59. Thewheel 58 is thus rotatable with respect to thesecond plate 59, and comprises twoarms 60 at the ends of which cranks 61 are rotatably mounted at their first ends. - The second ends of the
cranks 61 are rotatably fixed torespective combs 62 at respective edges 63. Eachcomb 62 comprisesprongs 64 able to grasp thebox 2, and is slidingly associated with thesecond plate 59 by means ofrunners 65 sliding along guides 70. - The rotation of the
wheel 58 thus determines the approach or removal of thecombs 62, with respect to one another. Differently, the actuation of thegear wheels second plate 59 and therefore of thecombs 62. On the other hand, thecylinder 51 determines the vertical movement of thesecond plate 59 and therefore of both combs 62. - The
device 6 thus comprises means for raising/lowering thecombs 62 in an integral manner, including thecylinder 51 and thestem 511, means for rotating thecombs 62 in an integral manner, including thegear wheels first motor 55 and thebelt 54, and means for approaching/removing thecombs 62 with respect to one another, including thewheel 58, thesecond motor 56, thecranks 61, theguides 70, theshaft 57. - Operationally, the
conveyor 7 moves thebox 2, which is already formed and open at the top, to a closing station of thebox 2, in which blocking means 90 hold thebox 2 stationary (Figure 1 ). - The
device 5, configured for a given size oflid 4 and moved by the two-axis manipulator, takes alid 4 in the form of a cutting die from thewarehouse 3. Thelid 4 in the form of a flat cutting die lies horizontally so that thesuction cups 78 grip thelid 4 by virtue of suction means which create the vacuum. - After taking the
lid 4, the manipulator translates thedevice 5 from thewarehouse 3 until it is arranged over thebox 2. During said movement, thedevice 5 transits near gluing means comprising guns able to apply glue dots onflaps 41 of thelid 4 for blocking it on thebox 2 at the end of the forming of thelid 4. - Once the
lid 4 in the form of a cutting die is positioned on the vertical of thecarton 2, thedevice 5 is lowered by the manipulator until thelid 4, still in the form of a cutting die, rests on thebox 2, more precisely on the top edge which defines the perimeter of the opening of thebox 2. - Advantageously, the
box 2 acts as a contrast for the forming operations of thelid 4. - Look at the
Figures 14-19 in which the steps of forming thelid 4 are represented starting from the flat shape of the cutting die, at asingle group 17. - The manipulator lowers the
plate 9 and the fourgroups 17 integrally therewith. The suction cups 18 do not move due to the contrast applied by thebox 2 and the presence of the through hole in thebodies 33 of thegroups 17; in practice, thebodies 33 move downwards sliding on thecylinders 38 which substantially act as guides for thebodies 33. - Observing a
single group 17, thebody 33 moves down integrally dragging therunner 39 which at a given point (Figure 15 ) touches and starts folding aflap 41; inFigure 16 , therunner 39 integral with thepiston 36 has folded saidflap 41 further; inFigure 17 therunner 39 integral with thepiston 36 continues the folding of saidflap 41, while adifferent runner 39 integral with thepiston 35 has started to fold adifferent flap 41; inFigure 18 , the folding of the twoflaps 41 continues until, almost in a final position, thebody 33 is blocked and thepistons flaps 41 which guarantees the gripping of the glue on thebox 2, reaching the final configuration of thegroup 17 inFigure 19 . - What described with reference to
Figures 14-19 for asingle group 17 is repeated simultaneously for theother groups 17. Similarly, thegroups 42 cooperate in the folding of theflaps 41 and the gripping of the glue by means of thepistons 45. - The
plate 91 helps to keep the central part of thelid 4 horizontal, the action of thegroups 17 tending to make said central part bulge. - Advantageously, the
lid 4 is formed and laid gripping thebox 2, which is thus definitively closed. - The
conveyor 7 moves theclosed box 2 towards an overturning station on which thedevice 6 is situated. As already mentioned, theconveyor 7 is a roller conveyor, i.e., it is provided with a series of horizontal rollers spaced apart from one another so as to allow theprongs 64 of thecomb 62 to descend (each between two rollers) below the sliding level of the box 2: when thebox 2 is over saidprongs 64, thedevice 6 is started. Theconveyor 7 is provided with a side frame with notches so that theprongs 64 may go below the level of the rollers of theconveyor 7. - Observing
Figure 7 , it may be noticed that eachcomb 62 has the twoend prongs 64 offset with respect to thecentral prongs 64. In particular, the distance between the twocombs 62 at the end prongs 64 is smaller with respect to the zone of the central prongs 64: during the gripping, thebox 2 thus always tends to position itself in the central zone without any risk of falling during the overturning. - The
second motor 56 actuates thewheel 58 which approaches thecombs 62 so as to lift thebox 2, clamping it between thecombs 62 themselves (Figure 11 ); then, thepneumatic cylinder 51 actuates thestem 511 by lifting thesecond plate 59 and thus bothcombs 62 gripping the box 2 (Figure 12 ); once an adequate height has been reached, thefirst motor 55 actuates thebelt 54 by rotating thebox 2 integral with thesecond plate 59 by 180° about a horizontal axis (Figure 13 ). - The repositioning of the overturned
box 2 on theconveyor 7 occurs first by actuating in the opposite direction thepneumatic cylinder 51 which retracts thestem 511 lowering thebox 2 until it rests again on theconveyor 7, then by operating thesecond motor 56 which rotates thewheel 58 in the opposite direction, moving away thecombs 62 which leave the overturnedbox 2 free to continue its sliding along theconveyor 7 up to an exit zone of themachine 1. - Advantageously, the overturning of the
box 2 occurs with a continuous movement. - Upon exiting the
machine 1, thebox 2 is closed with the lid acting as a base. - Advantageously, the closed and overturned
box 2 may subsequently be positioned on a shelf and its contents made directly available by simply removing the body of thebox 2 which, during the step of filling, constituted the base and the containing element of the inserted products. - The
machine 1 adapts to different sizes ofboxes 2; thedevice 5 is suitable for working with different sizes oflids 4 compatible with the different sizes ofboxes 2. - The size of the
device 5 is changed by actuating thewheels - Observing in particular
Figure 4 , it is apparent that the actuation of thewheel 181 rotates the rotatingbar 18 which, by means of the coupling of thewheels first screw 21, which may only rotate with respect to theplate 9; consequently, thenut 211 allows the translation of theplate 25 towards theplate 14 thus approaching thegroups 17 associated with theplate 25 and theplate 14. Thegroups 17 associated with theplate 25 slide along theguides 31 of thebars 30. - On the other hand, the actuation of the
wheel 321 rotates thesecond screw 32 which, engaged with thenut 322, moves one of the twobars 30 towards theother bar 30, thus approaching thegroups bars 30. In particular, thegroups 17 associated with theplate 14 slide along theguide 15, while thegroups 17 associated with theplate 25 slide along theguide 26. - Advantageously, it is possible to adapt the position of the
groups 17 according to the size of thelid 4 still flat in the form of a cutting die simply by actuating twowheels
Claims (12)
- Machine (1) for closing boxes (2) made of cardboard, comprising a warehouse (3) of lids (4) in the form of a cutting die, a conveyor (7) for the horizontal translation of already formed boxes (2), and a device (5) for forming and laying the lid (4), characterized in that it further comprises a overturning device (6) of boxes (2) closed with the lid (4) so that the lid (4) becomes the base of the box (2) on the conveyor (7).
- Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the overturning device (6) comprises a fixed frame (50), two combs (62) able to take the box (2), approaching/removing means of the combs (62) with respect to each other, raising/lowering means of the combs (62) and rotation means of the combs (62), the raising/lowering means and the rotating means moving the combs (62) integral with each other.
- Machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the approaching/removing means of the combs (62) comprise a wheel (58) which is provided with two arms (60) at the ends of which cranks (61) are rotatably mounted at their first ends, the second ends of the cranks (61) being rotatably fixed to respective combs (62) slidingly associated with a movable plate (59) of the overturning device (6) by means of runners (65) sliding along guides (70), wherein the movable plate (59) is rotatable.
- Machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotation means comprise two gear wheels (52, 53) connected by a belt (54), wherein a first motor (55) is able to control the first gear wheel (52) to which said movable plate (59) is integral, while a second motor (56) is able to control the rotation of the wheel (58) independently of the rotation of said movable plate (59).
- Machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the overturning device (6) comprises
a first movable plate (81) which rotatably supports the two gear wheels (52, 53), the first motor (55) and a second motor (56),
a second movable plate (59) integral with the second gear wheel (53), a fixed frame (50) to which it is integral a pneumatic cylinder (51) able to control the vertical movement of a stem (511) to which the first plate (81) is integral,
the rotation of the wheel (58) determining the approach/removal of the combs (62) with respect to each other, the actuation of the gear wheels (52, 53) determining the rotation of the second plate (59) and therefore of the combs (62), the cylinder (51) determining the vertical movement of the second plate (59) and therefore of both combs (62). - Machine (1) according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that each comb (62) comprises two end prongs (64) and central prongs (64) between said two end prongs (64), wherein the two end prongs (64) are offset with respect to the central prongs (64), the distance between the two combs (62) at the end prongs (64) being smaller than the distance at the central prongs (64).
- Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5) for forming and laying the lid (4) comprises removing means of one lid (4) at a time from the warehouse (3), forming groups (17) of the lid (4) by contrast with the box (2) so as to close it directly during the formation of the lid (4), and means able to vary the mutual position of the forming groups (17) according to the size of the lid (4).
- Machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that each forming group (17) is able to slide along a first guide (31) and a second guide (15, 26) orthogonal to each other.
- Machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means (181, 321) able to selectively control the approaching or removing of guides (15, 26, 31) parallel to each other slidingly supporting the forming groups (17).
- Machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the device (5) for forming and laying the lid (4) comprises a supporting frame (10) to which it is fixed a first plate (14) to which it is fixed a guide (15) along which two runners (16) are able to slide, each of which is integral with a forming group (17),
the supporting frame (10) rotatably supports a rotating bar (18) parallel to said guide (15) and able to rotate a first screw (21) orthogonal to said rotating bar (18),
the first screw (21) is rotatably supported by a movable frame (22) with respect to the supporting frame (10), and is associated with a second plate (25) parallel to the first plate (14) by means of a nut (211) integral with the plate (25) which allows the mutual approach/removal of the plates (14, 25),
the second plate (25) supports a guide (26) along which two sliding runners (27) slide, to each of which a respective forming group (17) is fixed,
the movable frame (22) supports two guides (28) parallel to the guides (15, 26) of the plates (14, 25), along each of said guides (28) slides a pair of runners (29) to which it is integral a respective bar (30) orthogonal to said guides (28), each bar (30) supports a guide (31) along which slide runners (32) which support respective forming groups (17),
a second screw (32), parallel to the rotating bar (18), is rotatably supported by the bars (30), one of the two bars (30) comprising a nut (322) which allows the mutual approach/removal of the bars (30),
wheels (181, 321) being able to selectively control the rotating bar (18) and the second screw (32). - Machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the mobile frame (22) comprises at least one through hole through which it is able to vertically slide a cylinder (40) which supports a plate (41) able to press the lid (4).
- Machine (1) according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that each forming group (17) comprises
a body (33) which provides arms (34) at the ends of which pneumatic cylinders able to control respective pistons (35, 36) are rotably associated,
plates (37) whose ends are rotatably fixed to the respective arm (34) and to one end of the respective piston (35, 36),
a through hole inside which a cylinder (38) which supports a suction cup (78) vertically slides,
wherein the plates (37) support runners (39) able to fold flaps (41) of the lid (4).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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IT202000010645 | 2020-05-12 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3909869A1 true EP3909869A1 (en) | 2021-11-17 |
Family
ID=71994749
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP21173199.7A Pending EP3909869A1 (en) | 2020-05-12 | 2021-05-11 | Machine for closing and overturning boxes made of cardboard |
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EP (1) | EP3909869A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3184079A (en) * | 1963-03-18 | 1965-05-18 | Bucciconi Eng Co | Bundle turning machine |
US3913300A (en) * | 1974-01-04 | 1975-10-21 | Champion Int Corp | Roll forming carton lidding machine |
US4573863A (en) * | 1984-11-13 | 1986-03-04 | St. Regis Corporation | Fluid driven tube positioner |
EP0340502A1 (en) * | 1988-05-03 | 1989-11-08 | WINKLER & DÜNNEBIER MASCHINENFABRIK UND EISENGIESSEREI KG | Device to turn over cartons |
US6048421A (en) * | 1998-05-29 | 2000-04-11 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Automatic lid forming machine |
US6962271B2 (en) | 2003-11-03 | 2005-11-08 | Sertapak, Inc. | Dispensing system for returnable bulk containers |
WO2019081773A1 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-02 | Neopost Technologies | Method and system for creating custom-sized packaging boxes and for automatically packaging items |
-
2021
- 2021-05-11 EP EP21173199.7A patent/EP3909869A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3184079A (en) * | 1963-03-18 | 1965-05-18 | Bucciconi Eng Co | Bundle turning machine |
US3913300A (en) * | 1974-01-04 | 1975-10-21 | Champion Int Corp | Roll forming carton lidding machine |
US4573863A (en) * | 1984-11-13 | 1986-03-04 | St. Regis Corporation | Fluid driven tube positioner |
EP0340502A1 (en) * | 1988-05-03 | 1989-11-08 | WINKLER & DÜNNEBIER MASCHINENFABRIK UND EISENGIESSEREI KG | Device to turn over cartons |
US6048421A (en) * | 1998-05-29 | 2000-04-11 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Automatic lid forming machine |
US6962271B2 (en) | 2003-11-03 | 2005-11-08 | Sertapak, Inc. | Dispensing system for returnable bulk containers |
WO2019081773A1 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-02 | Neopost Technologies | Method and system for creating custom-sized packaging boxes and for automatically packaging items |
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