EP4031454A1 - Device and method for forming a container by folding - Google Patents
Device and method for forming a container by foldingInfo
- Publication number
- EP4031454A1 EP4031454A1 EP20771561.6A EP20771561A EP4031454A1 EP 4031454 A1 EP4031454 A1 EP 4031454A1 EP 20771561 A EP20771561 A EP 20771561A EP 4031454 A1 EP4031454 A1 EP 4031454A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- folding
- plate
- conveyor
- pushers
- upstream
- 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
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
- B65D5/06—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end-closing or contents-supporting elements formed by folding inwardly a wall extending from, and continuously around, an end of the tubular body
- B65D5/061—Rectangular containers having a body with gusset-flaps folded inwardly beneath the closure 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
- 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
- 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
- B31B50/0042—Closing boxes the boxes having their opening facing in horizontal direction
-
- 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
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/004—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material in blanks, e.g. sheets precut and creased for folding
-
- 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
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
- B65B11/08—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path
- B65B11/10—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
- B65B11/105—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents the axis of the tube being parallel to the conveying direction
-
- 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
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
- B65B11/08—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path
- B65B11/10—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
- B65B11/12—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents and then to form closing folds of similar form at opposite ends of the tube
-
- 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
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
- B65B43/126—Feeding carton blanks in flat or collapsed state
-
- 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
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/24—Breaking creases to facilitate setting-up cartons
-
- 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
- B65B49/00—Devices for folding or bending wrappers around contents
- B65B49/08—Reciprocating or oscillating folders
-
- 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
- B65B49/00—Devices for folding or bending wrappers around contents
- B65B49/14—Folders forming part of, or attached to, conveyors for partially-wrapped articles
-
- 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
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/02—Applying adhesives or sealing liquids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/70—Break-in flaps, or members adapted to be torn-off, to provide pouring openings
Definitions
- the present invention falls within the field of forming by folding cardboard sheets with a view to forming containers, for packaging therein at least one product but preferably several products.
- the term “product” encompasses an individual object.
- a product is a container, such as a bottle or a flask, or else a can, or even a cardboard brick.
- Such products can also be grouped, positioned within a cardboard box (or “cluster”) and / or wrapped in a film.
- a product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass.
- a product can be rigid or semi-rigid.
- Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food or cosmetic type.
- a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.
- Such products are obtained along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments passing through dedicated stations, such as, for example, the blowing of a bottle or flask made of plastic material, filling and capping, labeling, or even sterilization or pasteurization.
- dedicated stations such as, for example, the blowing of a bottle or flask made of plastic material, filling and capping, labeling, or even sterilization or pasteurization.
- the finished products are packaged in groups in batches, the products being held together by a plastic film, in particular shrunk through a bundling operation, or else inside containers.
- Such containers can be in the form of cardboard boxes or “cartons” for packaging products.
- Such cartons have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with an internal volume capable of receiving a group of products, staggered but preferably arranged in a matrix in columns and rows, or even several groups of superimposed products.
- FIG. 1 showing an elevational view of an example of a cardboard plate 100, appearing flat, it comprises a bottom 101, intended to receive the products on its upper face, which will be positioned internally once the container formed.
- the cardboard plate 100 On either side of said bottom 101, along its longitudinal edges, the cardboard plate 100 comprises two side walls, namely a left side wall 102 and a right side wall 103.
- the cardboard plate 100 further comprises a cover 104, along a longitudinal edge of one of the side walls, such as for example the right side wall 103.
- the cardboard plate 100 comprises a tongue 105.
- the tongue 105 can be fixed on the cover 104, on the side opposite to the longitudinal edge of junction with said one of the side walls; said tab 105 is then commonly called “outer tab”.
- the cardboard plate 100 comprises flaps, at least four in number, on the one hand, vertical flaps 106 connected to the side walls along their transverse edges and, on the other hand, horizontal flaps 107 connected. at the bottom 100 and at the cover 104 along their transverse edges.
- FIG. 2 showing a perspective view of the plate of Figure 1 during its folding
- the tongue 105 is folded orthogonally, with a deposit of glue which is carried out on its outer face, while the cover is folded down until it comes into contact with said outer face of the tongue 105 and the glue deposited, as visible in FIG. 3, then delimiting the internal volume of the container in the form of a cardboard box 1.
- the cover 104 is first folded, then the outer tab is folded over the adjacent side wall previously glued.
- the vertical flaps 106 are folded orthogonally, with a deposit of glue on the outside face, then the horizontal flaps 107 are folded down until they come into contact with the corresponding vertical flaps 106 and glue deposited.
- the cardboard box 1 is then formed and fully closed, as shown in Figure 5.
- Such a method can be applied to the forming of a tray, provided only with a bottom 101, side walls 102, 103 and vertical flaps 106, as well as only horizontal lower flaps 107.
- a tray therefore does not have a cover and a tongue.
- This tray generally has a height less than that of the products. Such a tray is formed is visible in Figure 6.
- the forming by folding of the cardboard plate 100 is generally carried out with products already previously grouped and positioned on the upper face of the bottom 101. The folding is therefore carried out around the products which will be enclosed in the container 1 thus obtained by folding the cardboard plate 100.
- This packing operation is commonly called “wrap” (for “packaging” in English).
- the forming of such a container 1 from a plate 100 can be carried out sequentially, step by step, with the plate 100 stopped at each step.
- the forming is preferably carried out continuously, with the plate 100 circulating on conveyors passing through various stations dedicated to the successive stages of folding the different parts of said plate 100, namely first of all the simultaneous folding of the left 102 and right 103 side walls, then the folding of the tongue 105 occurring at the same time as the cover 104 is folded down to form the volume of the future container 1, then the folding of the vertical flaps 106, followed by folding horizontal flaps 107.
- the invention relates very particularly to continuous forming by folding a cardboard plate with a view to forming a container; specifically the folding of the vertical flaps of such a cardboard plate.
- Such a folding operation is performed by a forming device comprising several successive stations dedicated to each of the aforementioned folding steps.
- At least one conveyor transports each cardboard plate on the upper face, in a direction of movement, from upstream to downstream, through the various modules, to at least one output conveyor.
- the forming device comprises means for folding the vertical flaps, located symmetrically on either side of said conveyor and acting in a synchronized manner with a view to jointly folding the vertical flaps located to the right and to the left with respect to said direction of movement. shifting.
- document EP 0 849 176 describes a forming device comprising means for folding vertical flaps provided with rotary pushers fixedly positioned on either side, namely to the right and to the left, of the conveyor transporting the cardboard plate.
- Such pushers are similar to motorized stars rotating in the same direction as the flow, according to a specific law of motion slaved to the speed of movement of said conveyor.
- each star is sized with branches spaced according to the length of the box to be formed, so that when moving the partially folded box, initially, a first branch of each star comes to rest against each vertical flaps located downstream and folds it at a right angle, then in a second step, another branch of each star folds the vertical flaps located upstream. In short, we close together first the vertical flaps at the front, then those at the back.
- a similar solution equipped with rotary pushers is described in document DE 10 2011 016 857.
- Another known solution comprises pushers mounted on belts or chains extending on either side of the conveyor transporting the boxes being formed.
- the drive of the belts is synchronized with the speed of said conveyor.
- the pushers are positioned at intervals depending on the length of said body, so that during its movement, first a first downstream pusher of each belt comes to fold the downstream vertical flaps, then a next upstream pusher comes. fold the upstream vertical flaps.
- Such systems induce a problem due to the successive intervention for the folding of the vertical flaps downstream then upstream with respect to the direction of movement of the box to be formed.
- the thrust applied first to the front combined with the speed of movement, is capable of moving the partially formed box and causing it to shift, due to the fact that the box rests on the upstream conveyor and is moved only by adhesion of its bottom resting on the upper face of said conveyor.
- this successive folding can push the products upstream, in particular in the case of light and slippery products, such as metal cans, especially products located in the center. Therefore, the folding of the rear vertical flaps comes against the products partially taken out of the box, which can be pushed back, but if they are not, can prevent the folding, in particular the subsequent folding of the horizontal flaps, occurring just after. .
- the folding of the horizontal flaps can be effected by lower and upper conveyors, equipped with spaced stops, also successively pushing back the downstream and then upstream horizontal flaps.
- the body is found entirely sandwiched between the stops of the lower and upper conveyors. Therefore, if the vertical flaps have been badly folded, or if a product is not entirely contained in the box, the cardboard material is found constrained, deformed or even torn, which also likely to interfere with the operation of the device. forming, requiring a detrimental stop of production to extract the defective box, to make adjustments.
- the products contained in a defective crate are taken out of the production cycle and lost.
- the object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a forming by folding of cardboard sheets in order to form containers, aiming at a simultaneous folding of the vertical flaps, downstream and upstream.
- Such simultaneous folding is obtained by pairs of pushers forming grippers on each side, said grippers being actuated jointly.
- the invention provides support for the body during its movement, especially its passage from the upstream conveyor to the output conveyor located downstream, in particular in the case of two lower and upper conveyors. Such support is obtained by the grip granted by the grippers.
- the invention envisages taking charge of the box and the products it contains in order to effect a positive transfer.
- this transfer ensures precise and known referencing of the container thus formed during this transfer.
- the invention relates to a device for forming a container by folding a cardboard plate, said plate being provided with at least vertical flaps, comprising at least:
- Such a forming device is characterized in that, on each side, said folding means comprise:
- each clamp a support for each clamp, said support being movable along said direction of movement.
- the synchronized mobility of the folding means in the form of grippers ensure a gripping of the body during and after the folding of the vertical flaps, while accompanying its movement.
- such a forming device may comprise at least one controller controlling in a synchronized manner, the joint actuation of the pushers of each clamp on each side, with the movement of said support, relative to the drive of said upstream conveyor.
- said folding means can form a transfer means by gripping said plate from said upstream conveyor to said downstream conveyor.
- Each pusher can be mounted in rotation with respect to said support.
- the pushers can be located vis-à-vis are vertically offset.
- the pushers of each clamp can be adjustable in spacing.
- Each of said pushers can include a removable gripping head.
- Said head may comprise at least one plate provided with an orthogonal concave contact surface.
- Each support can be motorized in translation along at least one guide from an upstream position to a downstream position, and vice versa.
- the invention also relates to a method of forming a container by folding a cardboard plate, said plate being provided with at least vertical flaps, in which at least: - A cardboard plate is driven in a direction of movement on the upper face of an upstream conveyor towards at least one downstream conveyor;
- each clamp in such a forming process, can be moved together along said direction of movement in synchronization with the drive of said cardboard plate by said upstream conveyor.
- said cardboard plate In the closed position, said cardboard plate can be transferred from said upstream conveyor to said at least one downstream conveyor.
- Figure 1 schematically shows an elevational view of an example of a cardboard plate
- FIG. 2 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after a first step of folding the side walls;
- FIG. 3 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after a second step of folding the cover onto the tongue;
- FIG. 4 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after folding of the vertical flaps;
- FIG. 5 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after folding of the horizontal flaps, said box then being formed;
- FIG. 6 schematically represents a perspective view of another cardboard plate after forming into a tray
- FIG. 7 schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of the forming device by folding, simplified to a single side of the upstream and downstream conveyors, showing in particular the grippers in the open position;
- Figure 8 schematically shows a view similar to Figure 7, showing in particular the grippers in the gripping position and accompanying a plate cardboard, after folding the vertical flaps;
- FIG. 9 schematically represents a side view of said forming device, showing in particular the return movement of the movable support, after taking charge of a cardboard plate then formed in the box by the output conveyor;
- FIG. 10 schematically represents a simplified elevational view of the forming device, corresponding to a first step, showing in particular the grippers in the open position located on either side before gripping a plate, in synchronized movement;
- FIG. 11 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 10 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the passage of the grippers in the gripping position of said cardboard plate, after folding of the vertical flaps;
- FIG. 12 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 11 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the grippers retaining the gripping position accompanying said cardboard plate, supported by downstream conveyors;
- FIG. 13 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 12 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the passage of the grippers in the open position, releasing said plate formed as a box taken over by said downstream conveyors;
- FIG. 14 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 13 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the return from downstream to upstream of the support with the clamps open, with a view to processing a subsequent plate.
- the term “plate” encompasses the cardboard plate in the form of a flat blank, but also throughout the folding steps when the box or the tray is partially formed, until a fully formed container 1 is obtained.
- the term “container” corresponds to a case or a fully formed tray, namely after folding of its horizontal flaps.
- the present invention relates to the forming of container 1 by folding a cardboard plate 100.
- a container 1 may be in the form of a box as shown in Figure 5 or a cardboard tray as shown in Figure 6.
- a container 1 is intended for the packaging of products. To do this, a container 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with an internal volume capable of receiving a group of products, staggered but preferably arranged in a matrix in columns and rows, or even several groups of superimposed products.
- a product is an individual object of the container type, such as a bottle or a flask, or else a can, or even a cardboard box.
- Several products can also be grouped, positioned within a cardboard box (or “cluster”) and / or wrapped in a film.
- a product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass.
- a product can be rigid or semi-rigid.
- Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food or cosmetic type.
- a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.
- containers 1 As mentioned above, the automated production of containers 1 is carried out by folding from 100 cardboard plates previously pre-cut and preformed, also called “cuts”.
- the invention relates very particularly to a container 1 forming, in particular continuously, by folding a cardboard plate 100. Such continuous forming is carried out by circulating a cardboard plate 100 along an installation dedicated to packaging products.
- Such an installation comprises several successive stations, intervening for the folding of the different parts of each plate 100, by synchronously following its movement, until a corresponding container 1 is obtained.
- One or more stations of the installation can be or form part of a device 2 for forming the container 1 by folding a cardboard plate 100 according to the invention.
- a forming device 2 is dedicated to folding the vertical flaps 106 of said plate 100.
- said plate 100 comprises at least vertical flaps 106, preferably a pair of vertical flaps located at each end, front and rear / upstream and downstream, each vertical flap 106 of each pair being located on either side / to the right and to the left.
- the forming device 2 or else a station located upstream ensures the folding of other parts of the plate 100, such as the simultaneous folding of the left 102 and right 103 side walls, then the folding of the tongue 105 occurring at the same time. while the cover 104 is folded down to form the volume of the future container 1, or else the folding of the cover 104 before folding the outer tab against the corresponding left 102 or right side wall 103.
- the forming device 2 or else a station located downstream ensures the folding of the horizontal flaps 107.
- a station ensures the supply of products, preferably grouped, as well as 100 cardboard plates flat.
- Such a feeding station comes in particular to deposit the products on the upper face of the bottom 101 of each plate 100.
- the forming device 2 comprises at least one upstream conveyor 3.
- the latter extends substantially horizontally, receiving each plate 100 on the upper face. It can be of any type, preferably with an endless belt, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 to 9.
- said endless belt can be in the form of a belt, be chain (s) or belt (s). ).
- Said upstream conveyor 3 therefore drives said plate 100 in said direction of movement, as well as the products thus transported on plate 100.
- This upstream conveyor 3 can extend over all or part of the installation, in particular from the supply station. .
- the forming device 2 also comprises at least one downstream conveyor 4.
- said device 2 may comprise at least a first downstream conveyor 40 and a second downstream conveyor 41 below.
- the latter extend substantially horizontally, approximately in alignment in the same plane as the upstream conveyor 3. They can be of any type, preferably endless belt, with a belt, chain (s) or belt (s).
- the downstream conveyors 40, 41 are especially dedicated to the folding of horizontal flaps 107, as well as to the transport of the container 1 formed in a maintained manner, once said lower horizontal flaps 107 have been folded.
- the downstream conveyors 40, 41 include tabs 42, spaced at regular intervals and shaped specifically.
- a plate 100 transferred to the downstream conveyors 40, 41 is clamped between the respective tabs 42 which come, on the one hand to fold the corresponding horizontal flaps 107 and, on the other hand, grip the container 1 then formed from the front and rear to hold it during its downstream movement.
- a cleat 42 of the first downstream conveyor 40 folds and holds the horizontal flap 107 located at the rear
- a cleat 42 of the second downstream conveyor 41 folds and maintains the horizontal flap 107 located at the front, or vice versa. , no matter in what order or simultaneously. This retention is particularly visible in Figures 9, 13 and 14.
- the forming device 2 may also include upper downstream conveyors similar, not shown. These upper downstream conveyors are positioned above the plane of the other conveyors, at a height defined as a function of the dimensions of the container 1 to be formed. The upper downstream conveyors also provided with cleats then ensure the folding of the horizontal flaps 107 located above or at the top.
- the forming device 2 comprises means 5 for folding the vertical flaps 106 of said cardboard plate 100.
- Such folding means 5 are mounted on a fixed structure, attached to the installation, on the ground and / or on at least the upstream conveyor 3.
- Said folding means 5 are located symmetrically on either side of at least said upstream conveyor 3.
- said folding means 5 extend on each side of upstream conveyor 3 and of at least one downstream conveyor 4, especially at their adjacent ends. The folding means 5 are therefore placed at the end of the upstream conveyor 3 and at the start of the downstream conveyor 4.
- the invention provides for maintaining the body 100 with improved folding of the vertical flaps 106, ensuring a positive referencing during the transfer between the upstream conveyor 3 and the downstream conveyor 4.
- the The invention provides for folding all the vertical flaps 107 at the same time, but also to maintain the box 100 once this folding has been carried out, until it is taken over by said at least one downstream conveyor 4.
- said folding means 5 comprise at least one pair of downstream and upstream pushers 50 forming a clamp.
- said pushers 50 are actuated jointly from an open position to a closed folding position of said corresponding vertical flaps 106.
- the actuation of the push-buttons 50 makes it possible to switch from the closed position to the open position. It will be noted that in the closed position, the pushers 50 are brought together or tightened. In the open position, the pushers 50 are retracted, ie they do not interfere with the travel path of the plate 100. More precisely, a pair of pushers 50 is located on the left, while another pair is located on the right.
- Each pair forms a clamp which allows the vertical flaps 106 located at the front and at the rear, on the corresponding side, to be folded. Therefore, all the pushers 50 are actuated jointly, to perform a simultaneous folding of all the vertical flaps 106. In short, the right and left clamps are closed together, ensuring forces uniformly distributed on the plate 100, reducing the risks of deformation. , shifting and untimely movement of products.
- said folding means 5 comprise at least one support 6 for each clamp, namely a pair of pushers 50 located on the right and a pair located on the left.
- said support 6 is movable along said direction of movement.
- each support 6 is driven along a forward path from upstream to downstream and vice versa along a return path.
- the bending takes place along the outward path, while the grippers are open along the return path, as seen in Figure 14.
- each support 6 allows the grippers to follow the movement of the plate 100, in particular ensuring the continuous aspect of the forming.
- This movement of each support 6 makes it possible, once the vertical flaps 106 have been folded, to move the plate 100 then held in clamping between the grippers, in particular during the transfer between the upstream conveyor 3 and the at least one upstream conveyor 4, until when the latter is taken over: the container 1 can then be released by opening the clamps.
- This transfer up to this taking over is notably visible in FIGS. 11 to 13.
- Each support 6 is driven linearly by suitable motorized means, in the form of a belt or a drive chain, or even through d. 'linear motorization.
- a linear motor is an electric motor in which each rotor and each stator are unwound, in particular flat; the linear motor generates a displacement force, in particular in translation, of at least one rotor relative to the stator.
- each support 6 forms a rotor moved along one or more stators.
- the folding means 5 may comprise for each support 6 a guide 7.
- Each guide 7 extends longitudinally over a determined distance, corresponding approximately before the end of the upstream conveyor 3 and after the taking over by the at least a downstream conveyor 4.
- each guide 7 then forms a stator.
- each support 6 is then motorized in translation along at least one guide 7 from an upstream position to a downstream position, and vice versa.
- each support 6 is mounted at the end of a robotic arm, of the multi-axis or articulated robot type.
- said forming device 2 may comprise at least one controller controlling in a synchronized manner, the joint actuation of the pushers 50 of each clamp on each side, with the displacement of said support 6, relative to the drive of said upstream conveyor 4.
- a controller can conventionally include computer means and / or automatic means necessary for its operation and its configuration by an operator.
- the invention provides a specific controller which manages the movements of the supports 6 and the simultaneous opening / closing of the pushers 50 with respect to the movement of the plate 100 on the upstream conveyor 4.
- the movements of the supports 6 are controlled in perfect synchronization, to the right as to the left.
- the longitudinal positions of the supports 6 are the same at all times, as is their speed.
- the controller therefore makes it possible to synchronize in position and speed the supports 6, so that the pushers 50 are perfectly opposite the vertical flaps 106 and that said supports 6 follow the movement of the plate 100 to be folded and grasped for its purpose. transfer.
- the controller can also make it possible to accelerate the movement of the supports 6, in particular to reduce the time along the return path when the folding means 5 are empty in the open position of the pushers 50, making it possible to return more quickly to come and process. the following plate 100.
- the control of the mobility of the supports 6 makes it possible to maintain the same speed, to accelerate or decelerate, in order to be referenced by relative to said at least one downstream conveyor 4, in particular to the positions of the corresponding tabs 42.
- the folding means 5 form a means of transfer by gripping said plate 100 from said upstream conveyor 3 to said downstream conveyor 4.
- the forming device 2 comprises means transfer by grasping the plate 100, these transfer means being constituted by the folding means 5 in the form of pushers 50 mounted on a movable support 6.
- each pusher 50 is mounted in rotation with respect to said support 6. In particular, such a rotation can be carried out through at least one point of contact. pivoting, as shown in Figures 10 to 14.
- Each pusher 50 then rotates to go from the open to closed position. Such a rotation makes it possible in particular to reduce the incident forces liable to shift the plate 100 or produce them during the folding of the vertical flaps 106.
- the pushers 50 can be subjected to one or more linear movements, or a combination of such linear movements, through a suitable mechanism.
- the pushers 50 of each clamp are adjustable in spacing. In short, it is possible to bring them closer or to move them away from the support 6, in order to adapt their distance as a function of the length of plate 100 to be treated.
- each of said pushers 50 comprises a removable gripping head.
- the change of the head makes it possible to adapt it to requirements.
- said head may comprise at least one plate provided with an orthogonal concave contact surface.
- the contact face provided to ensure the folding of the vertical flaps 106 has a squared shape, with perpendicular walls. This shape makes it possible in particular to fold the vertical flaps 106 at right angles, while providing support against the corresponding side wall 102,103, improving the retention of the plate 100 during folding and after its gripping during its transfer.
- the pushers 50 located opposite each other, are aligned in the same plane or substantially the same planes. These planes are horizontal or substantially horizontal, parallel with respect to the plane containing the surface of the upstream conveyor 4, but also in particular the surface (s) of the downstream conveyor (s) 4,40,41.
- the pushers 50 can be sized and positioned at an adjustable height so that the horizontal flaps 107 can be folded, without interference, while said pushers 50 are in the closed position. It will be noted that it is also possible to open the pushers 50 at any time, in particular during the folding of the horizontal flaps 107, so that the pushers 50 do not interfere during this operation.
- the pushers 50 located opposite are vertically offset.
- the pushers 50 on the right are higher or lower than the pushers 50 on the left.
- the plate may have a longer distal part.
- this elongated distal part can make it possible to correctly reposition products which would have possibly moved relative to their initial position, by pushing them back towards the inside of the plate 100.
- the invention also relates to a method of forming the container 1 by folding a cardboard plate 100.
- Such a forming method can be particularly suited to the use of the forming device 2 according to the invention.
- At least one cardboard plate 100 is driven in a direction of movement. This drive takes place on the upper face of the upstream conveyor 3 towards said at least one downstream conveyor 4.
- said vertical flaps 106 are folded on each side of said cardboard plate 100. In short, the vertical flaps 106 on the right and those on the left are folded on either side.
- the vertical flaps 106 located downstream and upstream are simultaneously folded with respect to said direction of movement.
- this folding is carried out by simultaneously gripping each side by closing a clamp, namely to the right and to the left at the same time.
- the clamps ensure that each plate 100 is held in grip, allowing it to be accompanied during its transfer.
- each clamp comprises pushers 50 and it is they which perform the folding by passing towards their closed position of the corresponding clamp.
- said cardboard plate 100 is transferred from said upstream conveyor 3 to said at least one downstream conveyor 4.
- the method manages the movements of the grippers, on the one hand, from their open position to their closed position, and vice versa, and on the other hand, their longitudinal displacement according to the direction of travel.
- each clamp is moved jointly along said direction of movement in synchronization with the drive of said cardboard plate 100 by said upstream conveyor 3.
- this management can be performed by the controller.
- the container forming 1 according to the invention through a simultaneous folding of the four vertical flaps 106, at the front and at the rear as well as at the right and at the left, especially through a rotation pushers 50, limit the disruptive forces liable to desynchronize the plate 100 with respect to the machine.
- the positive gripping of the grippers provides support for the plate 100 during its transfer between the conveyors 3, 4, or even allows it to be replaced if it is slightly offset. This maintenance by grasping the cardboard plate 100 also makes it possible to guarantee a high rate, or even to accelerate it.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to forming a container (1) by folding a cardboard panel (100) with at least vertical flaps (106), by means of a forming device (2) and a forming method. Such a device (2) comprises an upstream conveyor (3) which moves the panel (100) in a movement direction, a downstream conveyor (4), means (5) for folding the vertical flaps (106), the folding means (5) being located symmetrically with respect to the upstream conveyor (3), and is characterised in that, at each side, the folding means (5) comprise a pair of upstream and downstream pushing members (50) which form a set of pincers, the pushing members (50) being actuated jointly from an open position to a closed position for folding the corresponding vertical flaps (106), a support member (6) for each pincer, the support member (6) being movable in the movement direction.
Description
Dispositif et procédé de formage de conteneur par pliage Folding container forming device and method
La présente invention entre dans le domaine du formage par pliage de plaques cartonnées en vue de former des conteneurs, pour y conditionner au moins un produit mais préférentiellement plusieurs produits. The present invention falls within the field of forming by folding cardboard sheets with a view to forming containers, for packaging therein at least one product but preferably several products.
Au sens de la présente invention, le terme « produit » englobe un objet individuel. Un tel produit est un récipient, comme une bouteille ou un flacon, ou bien une cannette, ou encore une brique cartonnée. De tels produits peuvent aussi être groupés, positionnés au sein d'une cartonnette (ou « cluster ») et/ou emballés dans un film. Un produit peut être en tout type de matériau, notamment en matériau plastique, en métal ou encore en verre. Un produit peut être rigide ou semi-rigide. Un tel récipient est destiné à contenir, de façon non exhaustive, un fluide, un liquide, des poudres ou des granulés, notamment de type agroalimentaire ou cosmétique. Un produit peut présenter tout type de forme, symétrique ou non, régulière ou irrégulière. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “product” encompasses an individual object. Such a product is a container, such as a bottle or a flask, or else a can, or even a cardboard brick. Such products can also be grouped, positioned within a cardboard box (or “cluster”) and / or wrapped in a film. A product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass. A product can be rigid or semi-rigid. Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food or cosmetic type. A product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.
De tels produits sont obtenus le long d'une ligne industrielle de production, subissant plusieurs traitement successifs en traversant des postes dédiés, comme par exemple le soufflage de bouteille ou flacon en matériau plastique, le remplissage et le bouchage, l'étiquetage, ou encore la stérilisation ou la pasteurisation. Une fois traités, les produits finis sont conditionnés par groupe en lots, les produits étant maintenus ensemble par un film plastique, notamment rétreint au travers d'une opération de fardelage, ou bien à l'intérieur de conteneurs. Such products are obtained along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments passing through dedicated stations, such as, for example, the blowing of a bottle or flask made of plastic material, filling and capping, labeling, or even sterilization or pasteurization. Once treated, the finished products are packaged in groups in batches, the products being held together by a plastic film, in particular shrunk through a bundling operation, or else inside containers.
De tels conteneurs peuvent se présenter sous la forme de caisses cartonnées ou « cartons » pour le conditionnement de produits. De tels cartons présentent une forme parallélépipédique rectangle, avec un volume intérieur à même de recevoir un groupe de produits, en quinconce mais préférentiellement disposés en matrice selon des colonnes et des rangées, voire plusieurs groupes de produits superposés. Such containers can be in the form of cardboard boxes or “cartons” for packaging products. Such cartons have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with an internal volume capable of receiving a group of products, staggered but preferably arranged in a matrix in columns and rows, or even several groups of superimposed products.
De manière connue, la confection automatisée de caisses cartonnées s'effectue par pliage à partir de plaques cartonnées préalablement prédécoupées et préformées, aussi appelées « découpes ». In a known manner, the automated production of cardboard boxes is carried out by folding from cardboard plates pre-cut and preformed, also called “cutouts”.
En référence à la figure 1 représentant une vue en élévation d'un exemple d'une plaque 100 cartonnée, se présentant à plat, elle comprend un fond 101 , destiné à recevoir les produits sur sa face supérieure, qui sera positionnée intérieurement une fois le conteneur formé. De part et d'autre dudit fond 101 , le long de ses bords longitudinaux, la plaque 100 cartonnée comprend deux parois latérales, à savoir une paroi latérale gauche 102 et une paroi latérale droite 103.
La plaque 100 cartonnée comprend encore un couvercle 104, le long d'un bord longitudinal d'une des parois latérales, comme par exemple la paroi latérale droite 103. Le long d'un bord longitudinal opposé de l'autre paroi latérale, respectivement la paroi latérale gauche 102, la plaque 100 cartonnée comprend une languette 105. Alternativement, la languette 105 peut être fixée sur le couvercle 104, du côté opposé au bord longitudinal de jonction avec ladite une des parois latérales ; ladite languette 105 est alors communément appelée « patte extérieure ». Referring to Figure 1 showing an elevational view of an example of a cardboard plate 100, appearing flat, it comprises a bottom 101, intended to receive the products on its upper face, which will be positioned internally once the container formed. On either side of said bottom 101, along its longitudinal edges, the cardboard plate 100 comprises two side walls, namely a left side wall 102 and a right side wall 103. The cardboard plate 100 further comprises a cover 104, along a longitudinal edge of one of the side walls, such as for example the right side wall 103. Along an opposite longitudinal edge of the other side wall, respectively the side wall. left side wall 102, the cardboard plate 100 comprises a tongue 105. Alternatively, the tongue 105 can be fixed on the cover 104, on the side opposite to the longitudinal edge of junction with said one of the side walls; said tab 105 is then commonly called “outer tab”.
A chaque extrémité, la plaque 100 cartonnée comprend des rabats, au moins au nombre de quatre, d'une part, des rabats verticaux 106 reliés aux parois latérales le long de leurs bords transversaux et, d'autre part, des rabats horizontaux 107 reliés au fond 100 et au couvercle 104 le long de leurs bords transversaux. At each end, the cardboard plate 100 comprises flaps, at least four in number, on the one hand, vertical flaps 106 connected to the side walls along their transverse edges and, on the other hand, horizontal flaps 107 connected. at the bottom 100 and at the cover 104 along their transverse edges.
En référence à la figure 2 représentant une vue en perspective de la plaque de la figure 1 au cours de son pliage, après une étape préalable de pliage des parois latérales gauche 102 et droite 103 orthogonalement par rapport au fond 101 , la languette 105 est pliée orthogonalement, avec une dépose de colle qui est effectuée sur sa face extérieure, tandis que le couvercle est rabattu jusqu'à venir au contact de ladite face extérieure de la languette 105 et de la colle déposée, comme visible sur la figure 3, délimitant alors le volume intérieur du conteneur sous forme de caisse cartonnée 1 . Alternativement, dans le cas d'une caisse cartonnée pourvue d'une patte extérieure, le couvercle 104 est d'abord plié, puis la patte extérieure est rabattue par-dessus la paroi latérale adjacente préalablement encollée. Referring to Figure 2 showing a perspective view of the plate of Figure 1 during its folding, after a prior step of folding the left side walls 102 and right 103 orthogonally relative to the bottom 101, the tongue 105 is folded orthogonally, with a deposit of glue which is carried out on its outer face, while the cover is folded down until it comes into contact with said outer face of the tongue 105 and the glue deposited, as visible in FIG. 3, then delimiting the internal volume of the container in the form of a cardboard box 1. Alternatively, in the case of a cardboard box provided with an outer tab, the cover 104 is first folded, then the outer tab is folded over the adjacent side wall previously glued.
Ensuite, au cours d'autres étapes successives, par chaque extrémité, les rabats verticaux 106 sont pliés orthogonalement, avec une dépose de colle en face extérieure, puis les rabats horizontaux 107 sont rabattus jusqu'à venir au contact des rabats verticaux 106 correspondants et de la colle déposée. La caisse cartonnée 1 est alors formée et entièrement fermée, comme visible sur la figure 5. Then, during other successive steps, at each end, the vertical flaps 106 are folded orthogonally, with a deposit of glue on the outside face, then the horizontal flaps 107 are folded down until they come into contact with the corresponding vertical flaps 106 and glue deposited. The cardboard box 1 is then formed and fully closed, as shown in Figure 5.
Une telle méthode peut être appliquée au formage d'une barquette, pourvue uniquement d'un fond 101 , des parois latérales 102,103 et des rabats verticaux 106, ainsi qu'uniquement de rabats horizontaux 107 inférieurs. Une telle barquette est donc dépourvue de couvercle et de languette. Cette barquette présente généralement une hauteur inférieure à celle des produits. Une telle barquette est formée est visible sur la figure 6. Such a method can be applied to the forming of a tray, provided only with a bottom 101, side walls 102, 103 and vertical flaps 106, as well as only horizontal lower flaps 107. Such a tray therefore does not have a cover and a tongue. This tray generally has a height less than that of the products. Such a tray is formed is visible in Figure 6.
On notera que le formage par pliage de la plaque 100 cartonnée s'effectue généralement avec des produits déjà préalablement groupés et positionnés en face supérieure du fond 101. Le pliage est donc réalisé autour des produits qui seront
enfermés dans le conteneur 1 ainsi obtenu par pliage de la plaque 100 cartonnée. Cette opération d'encaissage est communément appelée « wrap » (pour « emballage » en anglais). It will be noted that the forming by folding of the cardboard plate 100 is generally carried out with products already previously grouped and positioned on the upper face of the bottom 101. The folding is therefore carried out around the products which will be enclosed in the container 1 thus obtained by folding the cardboard plate 100. This packing operation is commonly called “wrap” (for “packaging” in English).
Plus avant, le formage d'une tel conteneur 1 à partir d'une plaque 100 peut s'effectuer de façon séquentielle, étape par étape, avec la plaque 100 arrêtée à chaque étape. Sur le type de machine concernée par l’invention, préférentiellement le formage s'effectue en continu, avec la plaque 100 circulant sur des convoyeurs traversant différents postes dédiés aux étapes successives de pliage des différentes parties de ladite plaque 100, à savoir d'abord le pliage simultané des parois latérales gauche 102 et droite 103, puis le pliage de la languette 105 survenant en même temps que le couvercle 104 est rabattu jusqu'à former le volume du futur conteneur 1 , puis le pliage des rabats verticaux 106, suivi du pliage des rabats horizontaux 107. Further, the forming of such a container 1 from a plate 100 can be carried out sequentially, step by step, with the plate 100 stopped at each step. On the type of machine concerned by the invention, the forming is preferably carried out continuously, with the plate 100 circulating on conveyors passing through various stations dedicated to the successive stages of folding the different parts of said plate 100, namely first of all the simultaneous folding of the left 102 and right 103 side walls, then the folding of the tongue 105 occurring at the same time as the cover 104 is folded down to form the volume of the future container 1, then the folding of the vertical flaps 106, followed by folding horizontal flaps 107.
L'invention vise tout particulièrement un formage en continu par pliage de plaque cartonnée en vue de former un conteneur ; spécifiquement le pliage des rabats verticaux d'une telle plaque cartonnée. The invention relates very particularly to continuous forming by folding a cardboard plate with a view to forming a container; specifically the folding of the vertical flaps of such a cardboard plate.
Une telle opération de pliage est effectuée par un dispositif de formage comprenant plusieurs postes successifs dédiés à chacune des étapes de pliage susmentionnées. Au moins un convoyeur transporte en face supérieure chaque plaque cartonnée, selon un sens de déplacement, depuis l'amont vers l'aval, au travers des différents modules, jusqu'à au moins un convoyeur de sortie. En particulier, le dispositif de formage comprend des moyens de pliage des rabats verticaux, situés symétriquement de part et d'autre dudit convoyeur et agissant de façon synchronisée en vue de plier conjointement les rabats verticaux situés à droite et à gauches par rapport audit sens de déplacement. Pour ce faire, le document EP 0 849 176 décrit un dispositif de formage comprenant des moyens de pliage des rabats verticaux pourvus de poussoirs rotatifs positionnés de façon fixe de part et d'autre, à savoir à droite et à gauche, du convoyeur transportant la plaque cartonnée. De tels poussoirs s'apparentent à des étoiles motorisées en rotation dans le même sens que le flux, suivant une loi de mouvement spécifique asservie à la vitesse de déplacement dudit convoyeur. De plus, chaque étoile est dimensionnée avec des branches espacées en fonction de la longueur de la caisse à former, de sorte que lors du déplacement de la caisse partiellement pliée, dans un premier temps, une première branche de chaque étoile vienne en appui contre chacun des rabats verticaux situés en aval et le plie à angle droit, puis dans un second temps, une autre branche de chaque étoile plie les rabats verticaux situées en amont. En somme, on ferme ensemble d'abord les rabats verticaux à l'avant, puis ceux à l'arrière.
Une solution similaire équipée de poussoirs rotatifs est décrite dans le document DE 10 2011 016 857. Such a folding operation is performed by a forming device comprising several successive stations dedicated to each of the aforementioned folding steps. At least one conveyor transports each cardboard plate on the upper face, in a direction of movement, from upstream to downstream, through the various modules, to at least one output conveyor. In particular, the forming device comprises means for folding the vertical flaps, located symmetrically on either side of said conveyor and acting in a synchronized manner with a view to jointly folding the vertical flaps located to the right and to the left with respect to said direction of movement. shifting. To do this, document EP 0 849 176 describes a forming device comprising means for folding vertical flaps provided with rotary pushers fixedly positioned on either side, namely to the right and to the left, of the conveyor transporting the cardboard plate. Such pushers are similar to motorized stars rotating in the same direction as the flow, according to a specific law of motion slaved to the speed of movement of said conveyor. In addition, each star is sized with branches spaced according to the length of the box to be formed, so that when moving the partially folded box, initially, a first branch of each star comes to rest against each vertical flaps located downstream and folds it at a right angle, then in a second step, another branch of each star folds the vertical flaps located upstream. In short, we close together first the vertical flaps at the front, then those at the back. A similar solution equipped with rotary pushers is described in document DE 10 2011 016 857.
Une autre solution connue comprend des poussoirs montés sur des courroies ou chaînes s'étendant de part et d'autre du convoyeur transportant les caisses en cours de formage. L'entraînement des courroies est synchronisé avec la vitesse dudit convoyeur. De plus, les poussoirs sont positionnés à intervalles dépendant de la longueur de ladite caisse, de sorte qu'au cours de son déplacement, d'abord un premier poussoir aval de chaque courroie vienne plier les rabats verticaux aval, puis un poussoir suivant amont vienne plier les rabats verticaux amont. Another known solution comprises pushers mounted on belts or chains extending on either side of the conveyor transporting the boxes being formed. The drive of the belts is synchronized with the speed of said conveyor. In addition, the pushers are positioned at intervals depending on the length of said body, so that during its movement, first a first downstream pusher of each belt comes to fold the downstream vertical flaps, then a next upstream pusher comes. fold the upstream vertical flaps.
De tels systèmes induisent une problématique du fait de l'intervention successive pour les pliages des rabats verticaux en aval puis en amont par rapport au sens de déplacement de la caisse à former. En effet, la poussée appliquée d'abord à l'avant, combinée avec la vitesse de déplacement, est susceptible de déplacer la caisse partiellement formée et de provoquer son décalage, du fait que la caisse repose sur le convoyeur amont et est déplacée uniquement par adhérence de son fond reposant en face supérieur dudit convoyeur. Such systems induce a problem due to the successive intervention for the folding of the vertical flaps downstream then upstream with respect to the direction of movement of the box to be formed. Indeed, the thrust applied first to the front, combined with the speed of movement, is capable of moving the partially formed box and causing it to shift, due to the fact that the box rests on the upstream conveyor and is moved only by adhesion of its bottom resting on the upper face of said conveyor.
En outre, ce pliage successif peut repousser les produits vers l'amont, en particulier dans le cas de produits légers et glissants, comme des cannettes métalliques, surtout les produits situés au centre. Dès lors, le pliage des rabats verticaux arrière vient contre les produits partiellement sortis de la caisse, qui peuvent être repoussés, mais s'ils ne le sont pas, peuvent empêcher le pliage, en particulier le pliage ultérieur des rabats horizontaux, intervenant juste après. In addition, this successive folding can push the products upstream, in particular in the case of light and slippery products, such as metal cans, especially products located in the center. Therefore, the folding of the rear vertical flaps comes against the products partially taken out of the box, which can be pushed back, but if they are not, can prevent the folding, in particular the subsequent folding of the horizontal flaps, occurring just after. .
A ce titre, le pliage des rabats horizontaux peut s'effectuer par des convoyeurs inférieur et supérieur, équipés de butées espacées, venant aussi repousser successivement les rabats horizontaux aval puis amont. En outre, au moment de ce pliage, la caisse se retrouve entièrement enserrée entre les butées des convoyeurs inférieur et supérieur. Dès lors, si les rabats verticaux ont été mal pliés, ou encore si un produit n'est pas entièrement contenu dans la caisse, le matériau cartonné se retrouve contraint, déformé voire déchiré, ce qui aussi susceptible d'interférer avec le fonctionnement du dispositif de formage, nécessitant un arrêt préjudiciable de la production pour extraire la caisse défectueuse, opérer des réglages. En outre, les produits contenus dans une caisse défectueuse sont sortis du cycle de production et perdus. As such, the folding of the horizontal flaps can be effected by lower and upper conveyors, equipped with spaced stops, also successively pushing back the downstream and then upstream horizontal flaps. In addition, at the time of this folding, the body is found entirely sandwiched between the stops of the lower and upper conveyors. Therefore, if the vertical flaps have been badly folded, or if a product is not entirely contained in the box, the cardboard material is found constrained, deformed or even torn, which also likely to interfere with the operation of the device. forming, requiring a detrimental stop of production to extract the defective box, to make adjustments. In addition, the products contained in a defective crate are taken out of the production cycle and lost.
Par ailleurs, un pliage successif des rabats verticaux d'abord en aval puis en amont est donc susceptible de déformer la caisse. En effet, une forme optimale, parallélépipédique rectangle, respectant l'orthogonalité des parois, est importante et doit être optimale,
d'une part, pour l'aspect esthétique et le bon conditionnement des produits, mais surtout d'autre part, lorsque plusieurs caisses doivent être superposées, notamment sur des palettes. Une déformation d'une seule caisse est susceptible de déséquilibrer un empilage de caisses, rendant leur manutention précaire et dangereuse pour les opérateurs. Furthermore, a successive folding of the vertical flaps first downstream and then upstream is therefore likely to deform the body. Indeed, an optimal shape, rectangular parallelepiped, respecting the orthogonality of the walls, is important and must be optimal, on the one hand, for the aesthetic appearance and the good packaging of the products, but above all on the other hand, when several boxes must be stacked, in particular on pallets. A deformation of a single box is likely to unbalance a stack of boxes, making their handling precarious and dangerous for the operators.
Plus avant, un autre inconvénient survient du fait du pliage des rabats verticaux au travers desdits moyens de pliage, nécessairement suivi du pliage des rabats horizontaux en recouvrement. En effet, il est alors nécessaire de transférer la caisse partiellement formée, contenant des produits, depuis le convoyeur d'entrée vers le convoyeur de sortie, en particulier vers les convoyeurs inférieur et supérieur. Pendant ce transfert, la caisse n'est alors pas maintenue, passant au niveau d'une zone morte, voire vide pour le passage des butées du convoyeur inférieur. Lors de ce passage, la caisse est alors en porte-à-faux en aval sur le convoyeur aval, n'étant pas maintenue et reposant uniquement par adhérence sur ledit convoyeur, avant que sa partie située en amont arrive sur le convoyeur de sortie, en particulier entre les convoyeurs inférieur et supérieur. Ce passage est susceptible de déséquilibrer ou de désynchroniser la caisse partiellement formée, de déplacer les produits qu'elle contient, rendant encore plus complexe d'assurer le pliage des rabats verticaux, mais aussi le pliage suivant des rabats horizontaux, entravant le formage voulu optimal. Further on, another drawback arises due to the folding of the vertical flaps through said folding means, necessarily followed by the folding of the horizontal overlapping flaps. Indeed, it is then necessary to transfer the partially formed box, containing products, from the input conveyor to the output conveyor, in particular to the lower and upper conveyors. During this transfer, the body is then not maintained, passing at the level of a dead zone, or even empty for the passage of the stops of the lower conveyor. During this passage, the body is then cantilevered downstream on the downstream conveyor, not being maintained and resting only by adhesion on said conveyor, before its part situated upstream arrives on the output conveyor, especially between the lower and upper conveyors. This passage is likely to unbalance or desynchronize the partially formed box, to move the products it contains, making it even more complex to ensure the folding of the vertical flaps, but also the following folding of the horizontal flaps, hampering the optimal desired forming. .
L'invention a pour but de pallier les inconvénients de l’état de la technique en proposant un formage par pliage de plaques cartonnées en vue de former des conteneurs, visant un pliage simultané des rabats verticaux, en aval et en amont. Un tel pliage simultané est obtenu par des paires de poussoirs formant des pinces de chaque côté, lesdites pinces étant actionnées conjointement. The object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a forming by folding of cardboard sheets in order to form containers, aiming at a simultaneous folding of the vertical flaps, downstream and upstream. Such simultaneous folding is obtained by pairs of pushers forming grippers on each side, said grippers being actuated jointly.
En outre, de façon combinée, l'invention prévoit un accompagnement de la caisse au cours de son déplacement, surtout son passage depuis le convoyeur amont vers le convoyeur de sortie situé en aval, en particulier dans le cas de deux convoyeurs inférieur et supérieur. Un tel accompagnement est obtenu par la préhension octroyée par les pinces. In addition, in combination, the invention provides support for the body during its movement, especially its passage from the upstream conveyor to the output conveyor located downstream, in particular in the case of two lower and upper conveyors. Such support is obtained by the grip granted by the grippers.
En somme, au moment du pliage des rabats verticaux, l'invention envisage une prise en charge de la caisse et des produits qu'elle contient pour effectuer un transfert positif. En outre, ce transfert assure un référencement précis et connu du conteneur ainsi formé au cours de ce transfert. In short, when the vertical flaps are folded, the invention envisages taking charge of the box and the products it contains in order to effect a positive transfer. In addition, this transfer ensures precise and known referencing of the container thus formed during this transfer.
Pour ce faire, l'invention concerne un dispositif de formage de conteneur par pliage de plaque cartonnée, ladite plaque étant pourvue au moins de rabats verticaux,
comprenant au moins : To do this, the invention relates to a device for forming a container by folding a cardboard plate, said plate being provided with at least vertical flaps, comprising at least:
- un convoyeur amont entraînant ladite plaque cartonnée selon une direction de déplacement ; an upstream conveyor driving said cardboard plate in a direction of movement;
- un convoyeur aval ; - a downstream conveyor;
- des moyens de pliage des rabats verticaux de ladite plaque cartonnée, lesdits moyens de pliage étant situés symétriquement de part et d'autre d'au moins ledit convoyeur amont. - Means for folding the vertical flaps of said cardboard plate, said folding means being situated symmetrically on either side of at least said upstream conveyor.
Un tel dispositif de formage se caractérise par le fait que, de chaque côté, lesdits moyens de pliage comprennent : Such a forming device is characterized in that, on each side, said folding means comprise:
- une paire de poussoirs aval et amont formant une pince, lesdits poussoirs étant actionnés conjointement depuis une position ouverte vers une position refermée de pliage desdits rabats verticaux correspondants, et inversement ; - A pair of downstream and upstream pushers forming a clamp, said pushers being actuated jointly from an open position to a closed folding position of said corresponding vertical flaps, and vice versa;
- un support de chaque pince, ledit support étant mobile le long de ladite direction de déplacement. a support for each clamp, said support being movable along said direction of movement.
Ainsi, la mobilité synchronisée des moyens de pliage sous forme de pinces assurent une préhension de la caisse au cours et après le pliage des rabats verticaux, tout en accompagnant son déplacement. Thus, the synchronized mobility of the folding means in the form of grippers ensure a gripping of the body during and after the folding of the vertical flaps, while accompanying its movement.
Selon des caractéristiques additionnelles, non limitatives, un tel dispositif de formage peut comprendre au moins un contrôleur commandant de façon synchronisée, l'actionnement conjoint des poussoirs de chaque pince de chaque côté, avec le déplacement dudit support, par rapport à l'entraînement dudit convoyeur amont. According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, such a forming device may comprise at least one controller controlling in a synchronized manner, the joint actuation of the pushers of each clamp on each side, with the movement of said support, relative to the drive of said upstream conveyor.
En position refermée des poussoirs, lesdits moyens de pliage peuvent former un moyen de transfert par préhension de ladite plaque depuis ledit convoyeur amont vers ledit convoyeur aval. In the closed position of the pushers, said folding means can form a transfer means by gripping said plate from said upstream conveyor to said downstream conveyor.
Chaque poussoir peut être monté en rotation par rapport audit support. Each pusher can be mounted in rotation with respect to said support.
Les poussoirs peuvent être situés en vis-à-vis sont décalés verticalement. The pushers can be located vis-à-vis are vertically offset.
Les poussoirs de chaque pince peuvent être réglables en écartement. The pushers of each clamp can be adjustable in spacing.
Chacun desdits poussoirs peut comprendre une tête de préhension amovible. Each of said pushers can include a removable gripping head.
Ladite tête peut comprendre au moins une platine pourvue d'une surface de contact concave orthogonale. Said head may comprise at least one plate provided with an orthogonal concave contact surface.
Chaque support peut être motorisé en translation le long d'au moins un guide depuis une position amont jusqu'à une position aval, et inversement. Each support can be motorized in translation along at least one guide from an upstream position to a downstream position, and vice versa.
L'invention concerne aussi un procédé de formage de conteneur par pliage de plaque cartonnée, ladite plaque étant pourvue au moins de rabats verticaux, dans lequel au moins :
- on entraîne selon une direction de déplacement une plaque cartonnée en face supérieure d'un convoyeur amont vers au moins un convoyeur aval ; The invention also relates to a method of forming a container by folding a cardboard plate, said plate being provided with at least vertical flaps, in which at least: - A cardboard plate is driven in a direction of movement on the upper face of an upstream conveyor towards at least one downstream conveyor;
- on plie lesdits rabats verticaux de chaque côté de ladite plaque cartonnée ; caractérisé en ce que - Folding said vertical flaps on each side of said cardboard plate; characterized in that
- on plie simultanément les rabats verticaux situés en aval et en amont par rapport à ladite direction de déplacement en effectuant une préhension simultanée de chaque côté par fermeture d'une pince. - The vertical flaps located downstream and upstream with respect to said direction of movement are simultaneously folded by simultaneously gripping each side by closing a clamp.
Selon des caractéristiques additionnelles, non limitatives, dans un tel procédé de formage, on peut déplacer chaque pince conjointement le long de ladite direction de déplacement de façon synchronisée avec l'entraînement de ladite plaque cartonnée par ledit convoyeur amont. According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, in such a forming process, each clamp can be moved together along said direction of movement in synchronization with the drive of said cardboard plate by said upstream conveyor.
En position de fermeture, on peut transférer ladite plaque cartonnée depuis ledit convoyeur amont vers ledit au moins un convoyeur aval. In the closed position, said cardboard plate can be transferred from said upstream conveyor to said at least one downstream conveyor.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée qui va suivre des modes de réalisation non limitatifs de l'invention, en référence aux figures annexées, dans lesquelles : Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which will follow of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures, in which:
La figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue en élévation d'un exemple d'une plaque cartonnée ; Figure 1 schematically shows an elevational view of an example of a cardboard plate;
La figure 2 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective de ladite plaque cartonnée de la figure 1 , après une première étape de pliage des parois latérales ;FIG. 2 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after a first step of folding the side walls;
La figure 3 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective de ladite plaque cartonnée de la figure 1 , après une deuxième étape de pliage du couvercle sur la languette ; FIG. 3 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after a second step of folding the cover onto the tongue;
La figure 4 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective de ladite plaque cartonnée de la figure 1 , après pliage des rabats verticaux ; FIG. 4 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after folding of the vertical flaps;
La figure 5 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective de ladite plaque cartonnée de la figure 1 , après pliage des rabats horizontaux, ladite caisse étant alors formée ; FIG. 5 schematically represents a perspective view of said cardboard plate of FIG. 1, after folding of the horizontal flaps, said box then being formed;
La figure 6 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective d'une autre plaque cartonnée après formage en barquette ; FIG. 6 schematically represents a perspective view of another cardboard plate after forming into a tray;
La figure 7 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif de formage par pliage, simplifié à un unique côté des convoyeurs amont et aval, montrant notamment les pinces en position ouverte ; FIG. 7 schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of the forming device by folding, simplified to a single side of the upstream and downstream conveyors, showing in particular the grippers in the open position;
La figure 8 représente schématiquement une vue similaire à la figure 7, montrant notamment les pinces en position de préhension et d'accompagnement d'une plaque
cartonnée, après pliage des rabats verticaux ; Figure 8 schematically shows a view similar to Figure 7, showing in particular the grippers in the gripping position and accompanying a plate cardboard, after folding the vertical flaps;
La figure 9 représente schématiquement une vue de côté dudit dispositif de formage, montrant notamment le déplacement retour du support mobile, après la prise en charge d'une plaque cartonnée alors formée en caisse par le convoyeur de sortie ; FIG. 9 schematically represents a side view of said forming device, showing in particular the return movement of the movable support, after taking charge of a cardboard plate then formed in the box by the output conveyor;
La figure 10 représente schématiquement une vue simplifiée en élévation du dispositif de formage, correspondant à une première étape, montrant notamment les pinces en position ouverte situées de part et d'autre avant préhension d'une plaque, en déplacement synchronisé ; FIG. 10 schematically represents a simplified elevational view of the forming device, corresponding to a first step, showing in particular the grippers in the open position located on either side before gripping a plate, in synchronized movement;
La figure 11 représente schématiquement une vue similaire à la figure 10 et correspondant à une étape suivante, montrant notamment le passage des pinces en position de préhension de ladite plaque cartonnée, après pliage des rabats verticaux ; La figure 12 représente schématiquement une vue similaire à la figure 11 et correspondant à une étape suivante, montrant notamment les pinces conservant la position de préhension en accompagnement de ladite plaque cartonnée, prise en charge par des convoyeurs avals ; FIG. 11 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 10 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the passage of the grippers in the gripping position of said cardboard plate, after folding of the vertical flaps; FIG. 12 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 11 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the grippers retaining the gripping position accompanying said cardboard plate, supported by downstream conveyors;
La figure 13 représente schématiquement une vue similaire à la figure 12 et correspondant à une étape suivante, montrant notamment le passage des pinces en position d'ouverture, libérant ladite plaque formée en caisse prise en charge par lesdits convoyeurs avals ; FIG. 13 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 12 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the passage of the grippers in the open position, releasing said plate formed as a box taken over by said downstream conveyors;
La figure 14 représente schématiquement une vue similaire à la figure 13 et correspondant à une étape suivante, montrant notamment le retour depuis l'aval vers l'amont du support avec les pinces ouvertes, en vue du traitement d'une plaque suivante. FIG. 14 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 13 and corresponding to a following step, showing in particular the return from downstream to upstream of the support with the clamps open, with a view to processing a subsequent plate.
On notera que, pour améliorer la visibilité, les rabats horizontaux de la plaque n'ont pas été représentés sur les figures 9 à 14. Note that, to improve visibility, the horizontal flaps of the plate have not been shown in Figures 9 to 14.
Dans le cadre de la présente invention, sauf explicité autrement, on notera que le terme « plaque » englobe la plaque cartonnée sous forme de découpe à plat, mais aussi tout au long des étapes de pliage lorsque la caisse ou la barquette est partiellement formée, jusqu'à obtenir un conteneur 1 entièrement formé. De même, sauf stipulé autrement, le terme « conteneur » correspond à une caisse ou une barquette entièrement formée, à savoir après pliage de ses rabats horizontaux. In the context of the present invention, unless otherwise explained, it will be noted that the term “plate” encompasses the cardboard plate in the form of a flat blank, but also throughout the folding steps when the box or the tray is partially formed, until a fully formed container 1 is obtained. Likewise, unless otherwise stipulated, the term “container” corresponds to a case or a fully formed tray, namely after folding of its horizontal flaps.
La présente invention concerne le formage de conteneur 1 par pliage de plaque 100 cartonnée. The present invention relates to the forming of container 1 by folding a cardboard plate 100.
Un conteneur 1 peut se présenter sous la forme d'une caisse comme visible sur la figure 5 ou d'une barquette cartonnée comme visible sur la figure 6. Un conteneur 1 est destiné
au conditionnement de produits. Pour ce faire, un conteneur 1 présente une forme parallélépipédique rectangle, avec un volume intérieur à même de recevoir un groupe de produits, en quinconce mais préférentiellement disposés en matrice selon des colonnes et des rangées, voire plusieurs groupes de produits superposés. A container 1 may be in the form of a box as shown in Figure 5 or a cardboard tray as shown in Figure 6. A container 1 is intended for the packaging of products. To do this, a container 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with an internal volume capable of receiving a group of products, staggered but preferably arranged in a matrix in columns and rows, or even several groups of superimposed products.
On notera qu'un produit est objet individuel de type récipient, comme une bouteille ou un flacon, ou bien une cannette, ou encore une brique cartonnée. Plusieurs produits peuvent aussi être groupés, positionnés au sein d'une cartonnette (ou « cluster ») et/ou emballés dans un film. Un produit peut être en tout type de matériau, notamment en matériau plastique, en métal ou encore en verre. Un produit peut être rigide ou semi- rigide. Un tel récipient est destiné à contenir, de façon non exhaustive, un fluide, un liquide, des poudres ou des granulés, notamment de type agroalimentaire ou cosmétique. Un produit peut présenter tout type de forme, symétrique ou non, régulière ou irrégulière. It will be noted that a product is an individual object of the container type, such as a bottle or a flask, or else a can, or even a cardboard box. Several products can also be grouped, positioned within a cardboard box (or “cluster”) and / or wrapped in a film. A product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass. A product can be rigid or semi-rigid. Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food or cosmetic type. A product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.
Pour améliorer la visibilité des dessins, les produits n'ont pas été représentés sur les figures. To improve the visibility of the drawings, the products have not been shown in the figures.
Comme évoqué précédemment, la confection automatisée de conteneurs 1 s'effectue par pliage à partir de plaques 100 cartonnées préalablement prédécoupées et préformées, aussi appelées « découpes ». As mentioned above, the automated production of containers 1 is carried out by folding from 100 cardboard plates previously pre-cut and preformed, also called “cuts”.
L'invention vise tout particulièrement un formage de conteneur 1 , notamment en continu, par pliage de plaque 100 cartonnée. Un tel formage en continu s'effectue par circulation d'une plaque 100 cartonnée le long d'une installation dédiée au conditionnement de produits. The invention relates very particularly to a container 1 forming, in particular continuously, by folding a cardboard plate 100. Such continuous forming is carried out by circulating a cardboard plate 100 along an installation dedicated to packaging products.
On notera qu'au sens de l'invention, sauf stipulé autrement, la circulation s'effectue selon une direction de déplacement, notamment visible sur les figures 9 à 14. Cette direction de déplacement s'étendant longitudinalement le long de l'installation, notamment selon un sens depuis l'amont vers l'aval. Le descriptif suivant des éventuelles positions s'entend par rapport à cette direction de déplacement, notamment concernant les termes « de part et d'autre », « à droite » ou « à gauche ». It will be noted that within the meaning of the invention, unless otherwise stipulated, the movement takes place in a direction of movement, in particular visible in FIGS. 9 to 14. This direction of movement extending longitudinally along the installation, in particular in one direction from upstream to downstream. The following description of the possible positions is understood in relation to this direction of movement, in particular concerning the terms “on either side”, “on the right” or “on the left”.
Une telle installation comprend plusieurs postes successifs, intervenant pour le pliage des différentes parties de chaque plaque 100, en suivant de façon synchronisée son déplacement, jusqu'à obtenir un conteneur 1 correspondant. Such an installation comprises several successive stations, intervening for the folding of the different parts of each plate 100, by synchronously following its movement, until a corresponding container 1 is obtained.
Un ou plusieurs postes de l'installation peuvent être ou faire partie d'un dispositif 2 de formage de conteneur 1 par pliage de plaque 100 cartonnée selon l'invention. Préférentiellement, un tel dispositif 2 de formage est dédié au pliage des rabats verticaux 106 de ladite plaque 100. En somme, ladite plaque 100 comprend au moins
des rabats verticaux 106, préférentiellement un couple de rabats verticaux situés à chaque extrémité, avant et arrière / amont et aval, chaque rabat vertical 106 de chaque couple se situant de part et d'autre / à droite et à gauche. One or more stations of the installation can be or form part of a device 2 for forming the container 1 by folding a cardboard plate 100 according to the invention. Preferably, such a forming device 2 is dedicated to folding the vertical flaps 106 of said plate 100. In short, said plate 100 comprises at least vertical flaps 106, preferably a pair of vertical flaps located at each end, front and rear / upstream and downstream, each vertical flap 106 of each pair being located on either side / to the right and to the left.
Dès lors, le dispositif 2 de formage ou bien un poste situé en amont assure le pliage d'autres parties de la plaque 100, comme le pliage simultané des parois latérales gauche 102 et droite 103, puis le pliage de la languette 105 survenant en même temps que le couvercle 104 est rabattu jusqu'à former le volume du futur conteneur 1 , ou bien le rabattage du couvercle 104 avant de replier la patte extérieure contre la paroi latérale gauche 102 ou droite 103 correspondante. De surcroît, après pliage des rabats verticaux 106, le dispositif 2 de formage ou bien un poste situé en aval assure le pliage des rabats horizontaux 107. Therefore, the forming device 2 or else a station located upstream ensures the folding of other parts of the plate 100, such as the simultaneous folding of the left 102 and right 103 side walls, then the folding of the tongue 105 occurring at the same time. while the cover 104 is folded down to form the volume of the future container 1, or else the folding of the cover 104 before folding the outer tab against the corresponding left 102 or right side wall 103. In addition, after folding the vertical flaps 106, the forming device 2 or else a station located downstream ensures the folding of the horizontal flaps 107.
Par ailleurs, en entrée de l'installation, un poste assure l'alimentation en produits, de préférence groupés, ainsi que des plaques 100 cartonnées à plat. Un tel poste d'alimentation vient notamment déposer les produits en face supérieure du fond 101 de chaque plaque 100. Furthermore, at the inlet of the installation, a station ensures the supply of products, preferably grouped, as well as 100 cardboard plates flat. Such a feeding station comes in particular to deposit the products on the upper face of the bottom 101 of each plate 100.
Ceci étant, selon l'invention, le dispositif 2 de formage comprend au moins un convoyeur amont 3. Ce dernier s'étend sensiblement horizontalement, recevant chaque plaque 100 en face supérieure. Il peut être de tout type, préférentiellement à bande sans fin, comme visible sur les figures 7 à 9. En outre, ladite bande sans fin peut se présenter sous forme d'un tapis, être à chaîne(s) ou à courroie(s). Ledit convoyeur amont 3 entraîne donc ladite plaque 100 selon ladite direction de déplacement, ainsi que les produits ainsi transportés sur la plaque 100. Ce convoyeur amont 3 peut s'étendre sur toute ou partie de l'installation, notamment depuis le poste d'alimentation. This being the case, according to the invention, the forming device 2 comprises at least one upstream conveyor 3. The latter extends substantially horizontally, receiving each plate 100 on the upper face. It can be of any type, preferably with an endless belt, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 to 9. In addition, said endless belt can be in the form of a belt, be chain (s) or belt (s). ). Said upstream conveyor 3 therefore drives said plate 100 in said direction of movement, as well as the products thus transported on plate 100. This upstream conveyor 3 can extend over all or part of the installation, in particular from the supply station. .
Le dispositif 2 de formage comprend aussi au moins un convoyeur aval 4. Préférentiellement, ledit dispositif 2 peut comprendre inférieurement au moins un premier convoyeur aval 40 et un deuxième convoyeur aval 41 . Ces derniers s'étendent sensiblement horizontalement, approximativement en alignement dans un même plan que le convoyeur amont 3. Ils peuvent être de tout type, préférentiellement à bande sans fin, avec un tapis, à chaîne(s) ou à courroie(s). En outre, les convoyeurs aval 40,41 sont notamment dédiés au pliage de rabats horizontaux 107, ainsi qu'au transport de façon maintenu du conteneur 1 formé, une fois lesdits rabats horizontaux 107 inférieurs repliés. Pour ce faire, les convoyeurs aval 40,41 comprennent des taquets 42, espacés à intervalles réguliers et conformés spécifiquement. Dès lors, une plaque 100 transférée vers les convoyeurs aval 40,41 , est enserrée entre les taquets 42 respectifs qui viennent, d'une part replier les rabats horizontaux 107 correspondants et, d'autre part,
enserrer par l'avant et l'arrière le conteneur 1 alors formé pour le maintenir au cours de son déplacement aval. En particulier, un taquet 42 du premier convoyeur aval 40 plie et maintient le rabat horizontal 107 situé à l'arrière, tandis qu'un taquet 42 du deuxième convoyeur aval 41 plie et maintient le rabat horizontal 107 situé à l'avant, ou inversement, peu importe dans quel ordre ou simultanément. Ce maintien est notamment visible sur les figures 9, 13 et 14. The forming device 2 also comprises at least one downstream conveyor 4. Preferably, said device 2 may comprise at least a first downstream conveyor 40 and a second downstream conveyor 41 below. The latter extend substantially horizontally, approximately in alignment in the same plane as the upstream conveyor 3. They can be of any type, preferably endless belt, with a belt, chain (s) or belt (s). In addition, the downstream conveyors 40, 41 are especially dedicated to the folding of horizontal flaps 107, as well as to the transport of the container 1 formed in a maintained manner, once said lower horizontal flaps 107 have been folded. To do this, the downstream conveyors 40, 41 include tabs 42, spaced at regular intervals and shaped specifically. Therefore, a plate 100 transferred to the downstream conveyors 40, 41, is clamped between the respective tabs 42 which come, on the one hand to fold the corresponding horizontal flaps 107 and, on the other hand, grip the container 1 then formed from the front and rear to hold it during its downstream movement. In particular, a cleat 42 of the first downstream conveyor 40 folds and holds the horizontal flap 107 located at the rear, while a cleat 42 of the second downstream conveyor 41 folds and maintains the horizontal flap 107 located at the front, or vice versa. , no matter in what order or simultaneously. This retention is particularly visible in Figures 9, 13 and 14.
De même, le dispositif 2 de formage peut comprendre supérieurement des convoyeurs aval supérieurs similaires, non représentés. Ces convoyeurs avals supérieurs sont positionnés au-dessus du plan des autres convoyeurs, selon une hauteur définie en fonction des dimensions du conteneur 1 à former. Les convoyeurs avals supérieurs munis aussi de taquets assurent alors le pliage des rabats horizontaux 107 situés supérieurement ou en haut. Likewise, the forming device 2 may also include upper downstream conveyors similar, not shown. These upper downstream conveyors are positioned above the plane of the other conveyors, at a height defined as a function of the dimensions of the container 1 to be formed. The upper downstream conveyors also provided with cleats then ensure the folding of the horizontal flaps 107 located above or at the top.
Plus avant, le dispositif 2 de formage comprend des moyens 5 de pliage des rabats verticaux 106 de ladite plaque 100 cartonnée. De tels moyens 5 de pliage sont monté sur une structure fixe, rapportées à l'installation, au sol et/ou sur au moins le convoyeur amont 3. Further on, the forming device 2 comprises means 5 for folding the vertical flaps 106 of said cardboard plate 100. Such folding means 5 are mounted on a fixed structure, attached to the installation, on the ground and / or on at least the upstream conveyor 3.
Lesdits moyens 5 de pliage sont situés symétriquement de part et d'autre d'au moins ledit convoyeur amont 3. De préférence, lesdits moyens 5 de pliage s'étendent de chaque côté du convoyeur amont 3 et du au moins un convoyeur aval 4, notamment aux niveaux de leurs extrémités adjacentes. Les moyens 5 de pliage sont donc disposés à la fin du convoyeur amont 3 et au début du convoyeur aval 4. Said folding means 5 are located symmetrically on either side of at least said upstream conveyor 3. Preferably, said folding means 5 extend on each side of upstream conveyor 3 and of at least one downstream conveyor 4, especially at their adjacent ends. The folding means 5 are therefore placed at the end of the upstream conveyor 3 and at the start of the downstream conveyor 4.
Dès lors, avantageusement, l'invention prévoit d'assurer un maintien de la caisse 100 avec un pliage amélioré des rabats verticaux 106, assurant un référencement positif lors du transfert entre le convoyeur amont 3 et le convoyeur aval 4. En ce faire, l'invention prévoit de plier tous les rabats verticaux 107 au même moment, mais aussi de maintenir la caisse 100 une fois ce pliage effectué, jusqu'à la prise en charge par ledit au moins un convoyeur aval 4. Therefore, advantageously, the invention provides for maintaining the body 100 with improved folding of the vertical flaps 106, ensuring a positive referencing during the transfer between the upstream conveyor 3 and the downstream conveyor 4. To do this, the The invention provides for folding all the vertical flaps 107 at the same time, but also to maintain the box 100 once this folding has been carried out, until it is taken over by said at least one downstream conveyor 4.
Pour ce faire, de chaque côté, lesdits moyens 5 de pliage comprennent au moins une paire de poussoirs 50 aval et amont formant une pince. De plus, lesdits poussoirs 50 sont actionnés conjointement depuis une position ouverte vers une position fermée de pliage desdits rabats verticaux 106 correspondants. Inversement, l'actionnement des poussoirs 50 permet de passer de la position fermée vers la position ouverte. On notera qu'en position fermée, les poussoirs 50 sont rapprochés ou resserrés. En position ouverte, les poussoirs 50 sont escamotés, à savoir qu'ils n'interfèrent pas avec le chemin de défilement de la plaque 100.
Plus précisément, une paire de poussoirs 50 est situées à gauche, tandis qu'une autre paire est située à droite. Chaque paire forme une pince qui permet de plier les rabats verticaux 106 situés à l'avant et à l'arrière, du côté correspondant. Dès lors, tous les poussoirs 50 sont actionnés conjointement, pour effectuer un pliage simultané de tous les rabats verticaux 106. En somme, on ferme ensemble les pinces droite et gauche, assurant des forces uniformément réparties sur la plaque 100, diminuant les risques de déformation, de décalage et de déplacement intempestif des produits. To do this, on each side, said folding means 5 comprise at least one pair of downstream and upstream pushers 50 forming a clamp. In addition, said pushers 50 are actuated jointly from an open position to a closed folding position of said corresponding vertical flaps 106. Conversely, the actuation of the push-buttons 50 makes it possible to switch from the closed position to the open position. It will be noted that in the closed position, the pushers 50 are brought together or tightened. In the open position, the pushers 50 are retracted, ie they do not interfere with the travel path of the plate 100. More precisely, a pair of pushers 50 is located on the left, while another pair is located on the right. Each pair forms a clamp which allows the vertical flaps 106 located at the front and at the rear, on the corresponding side, to be folded. Therefore, all the pushers 50 are actuated jointly, to perform a simultaneous folding of all the vertical flaps 106. In short, the right and left clamps are closed together, ensuring forces uniformly distributed on the plate 100, reducing the risks of deformation. , shifting and untimely movement of products.
De surcroît, lesdits moyens 5 de pliage comprennent au moins un support 6 de chaque pince, à savoir d'une paire de poussoirs 50 située à droite et d'une paire située à gauche. Avantageusement, ledit support 6 est mobile le long de ladite direction de déplacement. En somme, chaque support 6 est entraîné selon un chemin aller depuis l'amont vers l'aval et inversement selon un chemin retour. En outre, le pliage s'effectue le long du chemin aller, tandis que les pinces sont ouvertes le long du chemin retour, comme visible sur la figure 14. In addition, said folding means 5 comprise at least one support 6 for each clamp, namely a pair of pushers 50 located on the right and a pair located on the left. Advantageously, said support 6 is movable along said direction of movement. In short, each support 6 is driven along a forward path from upstream to downstream and vice versa along a return path. In addition, the bending takes place along the outward path, while the grippers are open along the return path, as seen in Figure 14.
Ainsi, le mouvement de chaque support 6 permet aux pinces de suivre le déplacement de la plaque 100, assurant notamment l'aspect continu du formage. Ce mouvement de chaque support 6 permet, une fois les rabats verticaux 106 pliés, de déplacer la plaque 100 alors maintenue en enserrement entre les pinces, en particulier lors du transfert entre le convoyeur amont 3 et le au moins une convoyeur amont 4, jusqu'à la prise en charge par ce dernier : le conteneur 1 peut alors être relâché en ouvrant les pinces. Ce transfert jusqu'à cette prise en charge est notamment visible sur les figures 11 à 13. Chaque support 6 est entraîné linéairement par des moyens motorisés adaptés, sous forme d'une courroie ou d'une chaîne d'entraînement, voire au travers d'une motorisation linéaire. Thus, the movement of each support 6 allows the grippers to follow the movement of the plate 100, in particular ensuring the continuous aspect of the forming. This movement of each support 6 makes it possible, once the vertical flaps 106 have been folded, to move the plate 100 then held in clamping between the grippers, in particular during the transfer between the upstream conveyor 3 and the at least one upstream conveyor 4, until when the latter is taken over: the container 1 can then be released by opening the clamps. This transfer up to this taking over is notably visible in FIGS. 11 to 13. Each support 6 is driven linearly by suitable motorized means, in the form of a belt or a drive chain, or even through d. 'linear motorization.
Rappelons qu'un moteur linéaire est un moteur électrique dont chaque rotor et chaque stator sont déroulés, notamment à plat ; le moteur linéaire génère une force de déplacement notamment en translation d'au moins un rotor par rapport au stator. Dans le cas présent, préférentiellement, chaque support 6 forme un rotor déplacé le long d'un ou de plusieurs stators. Let us recall that a linear motor is an electric motor in which each rotor and each stator are unwound, in particular flat; the linear motor generates a displacement force, in particular in translation, of at least one rotor relative to the stator. In the present case, preferably, each support 6 forms a rotor moved along one or more stators.
A ce titre, les moyens 5 de pliage peuvent comprendre pour chaque support 6 un guide 7. Chaque guide 7 s'étend longitudinalement sur une distance déterminée, correspondant approximativement avant la fin du convoyeur amont 3 et après la prise en charge par le au moins un convoyeur aval 4. As such, the folding means 5 may comprise for each support 6 a guide 7. Each guide 7 extends longitudinally over a determined distance, corresponding approximately before the end of the upstream conveyor 3 and after the taking over by the at least a downstream conveyor 4.
Dans le cas d'une motorisation linéaire, chaque guide 7 forme alors un stator. In the case of a linear motorization, each guide 7 then forms a stator.
Selon les modes de réalisation susmentionnés, chaque support 6 est alors motorisé en
translation le long d'au moins un guide 7 depuis une position amont jusqu'à une position aval, et inversement. According to the aforementioned embodiments, each support 6 is then motorized in translation along at least one guide 7 from an upstream position to a downstream position, and vice versa.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation possible, chaque support 6 est monté à l'extrémité d'un bras robotisé, de type multi-axes ou robot articulé. According to another possible embodiment, each support 6 is mounted at the end of a robotic arm, of the multi-axis or articulated robot type.
Préférentiellement, afin de coordonner le fonctionnement du dispositif 2 avec le déplacement de la plaque 100, ledit dispositif 2 de formage peut comprendre au moins un contrôleur commandant de façon synchronisée, l'actionnement conjoint des poussoirs 50 de chaque pince de chaque côté, avec le déplacement dudit support 6, par rapport à l'entraînement dudit convoyeur amont 4. Un tel contrôleur peut classiquement comprendre des moyens informatiques et/ou des moyens automatiques nécessaires à son fonctionnement et à sa configuration par un opérateur. Ainsi, l'invention prévoit un contrôleur spécifique qui gère les mouvements des supports 6 et l'ouverture/fermeture simultanée des poussoirs 50 par rapport au déplacement de la plaque 100 sur le convoyeur amont 4. Preferably, in order to coordinate the operation of the device 2 with the movement of the plate 100, said forming device 2 may comprise at least one controller controlling in a synchronized manner, the joint actuation of the pushers 50 of each clamp on each side, with the displacement of said support 6, relative to the drive of said upstream conveyor 4. Such a controller can conventionally include computer means and / or automatic means necessary for its operation and its configuration by an operator. Thus, the invention provides a specific controller which manages the movements of the supports 6 and the simultaneous opening / closing of the pushers 50 with respect to the movement of the plate 100 on the upstream conveyor 4.
En outre, les mouvements des supports 6 sont contrôlés en parfaite synchronisation, à droite comme à gauche. En somme, les positions longitudinales des supports 6 sont les mêmes à chaque instant, de même que leur vitesse. In addition, the movements of the supports 6 are controlled in perfect synchronization, to the right as to the left. In short, the longitudinal positions of the supports 6 are the same at all times, as is their speed.
De plus, le contrôleur permet donc de synchroniser en position et en vitesse les supports 6, de sorte que les poussoirs 50 soient parfaitement en face des rabats verticaux 106 et que lesdits supports 6 suivent le déplacement de la plaque 100 à plier et saisir pour son transfert. In addition, the controller therefore makes it possible to synchronize in position and speed the supports 6, so that the pushers 50 are perfectly opposite the vertical flaps 106 and that said supports 6 follow the movement of the plate 100 to be folded and grasped for its purpose. transfer.
Le contrôleur peut aussi permettre d'accélérer le mouvement des supports 6, notamment pour diminuer le temps le long du chemin retour lorsque les moyens 5 de pliage sont à vide en position d'ouverture des poussoirs 50, permettant de revenir plus vite pour venir traiter la plaque 100 suivante. The controller can also make it possible to accelerate the movement of the supports 6, in particular to reduce the time along the return path when the folding means 5 are empty in the open position of the pushers 50, making it possible to return more quickly to come and process. the following plate 100.
A ce titre, une fois la plaque 100 saisie par les pinces, lorsqu'elle quitte le convoyeur amont 3, le contrôle de la mobilité des supports 6 permet de conserver la même vitesse, d'accélérer ou de décélérer, afin de se référencer par rapport audit au moins un convoyeur aval 4, notamment aux positions des taquets 42 correspondants. As such, once the plate 100 gripped by the grippers, when it leaves the upstream conveyor 3, the control of the mobility of the supports 6 makes it possible to maintain the same speed, to accelerate or decelerate, in order to be referenced by relative to said at least one downstream conveyor 4, in particular to the positions of the corresponding tabs 42.
Plus avant, qu'en position refermée des poussoirs 50, lesdits moyens 5 de pliage forment un moyen de transfert par préhension de ladite plaque 100 depuis ledit convoyeur amont 3 vers ledit convoyeur aval 4. En somme, le dispositif 2 de formage comprend des moyens de transfert par saisie de la plaque 100, ces moyens de transfert étant constitués par les moyens 5 de pliage sous forme de poussoirs 50 montés sur un support 6 mobile.
Plus avant, selon un mode préférentiel de réalisation, comme visible sur les figures 7 et 8, chaque poussoir 50 est monté en rotation par rapport audit support 6. En particulier, une telle rotation peut être effectuée au travers d'au moins un point de pivotement, comme visible sur les figures 10 à 14. Chaque poussoir 50 tourne alors pour passer de la position ouverte vers refermée. Une telle rotation permet notamment de diminuer les forces incidentes susceptibles de décaler la plaque 100 ou les produis au cour du pliage des rabats verticaux 106. Further, than in the closed position of the pushers 50, said folding means 5 form a means of transfer by gripping said plate 100 from said upstream conveyor 3 to said downstream conveyor 4. In short, the forming device 2 comprises means transfer by grasping the plate 100, these transfer means being constituted by the folding means 5 in the form of pushers 50 mounted on a movable support 6. Further, according to a preferred embodiment, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, each pusher 50 is mounted in rotation with respect to said support 6. In particular, such a rotation can be carried out through at least one point of contact. pivoting, as shown in Figures 10 to 14. Each pusher 50 then rotates to go from the open to closed position. Such a rotation makes it possible in particular to reduce the incident forces liable to shift the plate 100 or produce them during the folding of the vertical flaps 106.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, les poussoirs 50 peuvent être assujettis à un ou plusieurs mouvements linéaires, ou une combinaison de tels mouvements linéaires, au travers d'un mécanisme adapté. According to another embodiment, the pushers 50 can be subjected to one or more linear movements, or a combination of such linear movements, through a suitable mechanism.
Selon un mode de réalisation, les poussoirs 50 de chaque pince sont réglables en écartement. En somme, il est possible de les rapprocher ou de les écarter par rapport au support 6, afin d'adapter leur distance en fonction de la longueur de plaque 100 à traiter. According to one embodiment, the pushers 50 of each clamp are adjustable in spacing. In short, it is possible to bring them closer or to move them away from the support 6, in order to adapt their distance as a function of the length of plate 100 to be treated.
Selon un mode de réalisation, chacun desdits poussoirs 50 comprend une tête de préhension amovible. En somme, il est possible de changer les têtes des poussoirs 50, en fonction des dimensions de la plaque 100. Ainsi, en conservant le même mécanisme des poussoirs 50, le changement de la tête permet de l'adapter aux besoins. According to one embodiment, each of said pushers 50 comprises a removable gripping head. In short, it is possible to change the heads of the pushers 50, depending on the dimensions of the plate 100. Thus, by keeping the same mechanism of the pushers 50, the change of the head makes it possible to adapt it to requirements.
Plus avant, préférentiellement, ladite tête peut comprendre au moins une platine pourvue d'une surface de contact concave orthogonale. En somme, la face de contact prévue pour assurer le pliage des rabats verticaux 106 présente une forme équerrée, avec des parois perpendiculaires. Cette forme permet notamment de plier les rabats verticaux 106 à angle droit, tout en assurant un appui contre la paroi latérale 102,103 correspondante, améliorant le maintien de la plaque 100 au cours du pliage et après sa préhension lors de son transfert. Further, preferably, said head may comprise at least one plate provided with an orthogonal concave contact surface. In short, the contact face provided to ensure the folding of the vertical flaps 106 has a squared shape, with perpendicular walls. This shape makes it possible in particular to fold the vertical flaps 106 at right angles, while providing support against the corresponding side wall 102,103, improving the retention of the plate 100 during folding and after its gripping during its transfer.
Selon un mode de réalisation, les poussoirs 50, situés en vis-à-vis, sont alignés dans un même plan ou sensiblement les mêmes plans. Ces plans sont horizontaux ou sensiblement horizontaux, parallèles par rapport au plan contenant la surface du convoyeur amont 4, mais aussi notamment la ou les surfaces du ou des convoyeurs aval 4,40,41. According to one embodiment, the pushers 50, located opposite each other, are aligned in the same plane or substantially the same planes. These planes are horizontal or substantially horizontal, parallel with respect to the plane containing the surface of the upstream conveyor 4, but also in particular the surface (s) of the downstream conveyor (s) 4,40,41.
Plus avant, les poussoirs 50 peuvent être dimensionnés et positionnés selon une hauteur réglable de sorte que les rabats horizontaux 107 puissent être pliés, sans interférence, alors que lesdits poussoirs 50 sont en position fermés.
On notera qu'il est aussi possible d'ouvrir les poussoirs 50 à tout moment, notamment au cours du pliage des rabats horizontaux 107, afin que les poussoirs 50 n'interfèrent pas au cours de cette opération. Further, the pushers 50 can be sized and positioned at an adjustable height so that the horizontal flaps 107 can be folded, without interference, while said pushers 50 are in the closed position. It will be noted that it is also possible to open the pushers 50 at any time, in particular during the folding of the horizontal flaps 107, so that the pushers 50 do not interfere during this operation.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, les poussoirs 50 situés en vis-à-vis sont décalés verticalement. En somme, les poussoirs 50 de droite sont plus haut ou plus bas que les poussoirs 50 de gauche. Ainsi, il est possible de venir croiser les poussoirs 50 lors de leur fermeture, améliorant transversalement la préhension de la plaque 100 sur une plus grande largeur, notamment au-delà de la largeur des rabats verticaux 106. According to another embodiment, the pushers 50 located opposite are vertically offset. In short, the pushers 50 on the right are higher or lower than the pushers 50 on the left. Thus, it is possible to come and cross the pushers 50 when they are closed, transversely improving the grip of the plate 100 over a greater width, in particular beyond the width of the vertical flaps 106.
Dans ce cas, en référence au mode de réalisation correspondant, la platine peut présenter une partie distale plus longue. En outre, cette partie distale allongée peut permettre de repositionner correctement des produits qui se seraient éventuellement déplacés par rapport à leur position initiale, en les repoussant vers l'intérieur de la plaque 100. In this case, with reference to the corresponding embodiment, the plate may have a longer distal part. In addition, this elongated distal part can make it possible to correctly reposition products which would have possibly moved relative to their initial position, by pushing them back towards the inside of the plate 100.
L'invention concerne aussi un procédé de formage de conteneur 1 par pliage de plaque 100 cartonnée. The invention also relates to a method of forming the container 1 by folding a cardboard plate 100.
Un tel procédé de formage peut être particulièrement adapté à la mise en oeuvre du dispositif 2 de formage selon l'invention. Such a forming method can be particularly suited to the use of the forming device 2 according to the invention.
Au cours de ce procédé de formage, au moins on entraîne une plaque 100 cartonnée selon une direction de déplacement. Cet entraînement s'effectue en face supérieure du convoyeur amont 3 vers ledit au moins un convoyeur aval 4. During this forming process, at least one cardboard plate 100 is driven in a direction of movement. This drive takes place on the upper face of the upstream conveyor 3 towards said at least one downstream conveyor 4.
Au cours du déplacement de ladite plaque 100, on plie lesdits rabats verticaux 106 de chaque côté de ladite plaque 100 cartonnée. En somme, on effectue le pliage des rabats verticaux 106 de droite et de ceux de gauche, de part et d'autre. During the movement of said plate 100, said vertical flaps 106 are folded on each side of said cardboard plate 100. In short, the vertical flaps 106 on the right and those on the left are folded on either side.
Avantageusement, on plie simultanément les rabats verticaux 106 situés en aval et en amont par rapport à ladite direction de déplacement. De plus, on effectue ce pliage en effectuant une préhension simultanée de chaque côté par fermeture d'une pince, à savoir à droite et à gauche en même temps. En outre, en position fermée, les pinces assurent un maintien en saisie de chaque plaque 100, permettant de l'accompagner pendant son transfert. Advantageously, the vertical flaps 106 located downstream and upstream are simultaneously folded with respect to said direction of movement. In addition, this folding is carried out by simultaneously gripping each side by closing a clamp, namely to the right and to the left at the same time. In addition, in the closed position, the clamps ensure that each plate 100 is held in grip, allowing it to be accompanied during its transfer.
En référence au mode de réalisation correspondant du dispositif 2 de formage, chaque pince comprend des poussoirs 50 et c'est eux qui effectuent le pliage en passant vers leur position fermée de la pince correspondante. With reference to the corresponding embodiment of the forming device 2, each clamp comprises pushers 50 and it is they which perform the folding by passing towards their closed position of the corresponding clamp.
De plus, préférentiellement, en position de fermeture, on transfert ladite plaque 100 cartonnée depuis ledit convoyeur amont 3 vers ledit au moins un convoyeur aval 4.
Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, le procédé assure la gestion des mouvements des pinces, d'une part, depuis leur position d'ouverture vers leur position de fermeture, et inversement, et d'autre part, leur déplacement longitudinal selon la direction de déplacement. Pour ce faire, on déplace chaque pince conjointement le long de ladite direction de déplacement de façon synchronisée avec l'entraînement de ladite plaque 100 cartonnée par ledit convoyeur amont 3. In addition, preferably, in the closed position, said cardboard plate 100 is transferred from said upstream conveyor 3 to said at least one downstream conveyor 4. In either case, the method manages the movements of the grippers, on the one hand, from their open position to their closed position, and vice versa, and on the other hand, their longitudinal displacement according to the direction of travel. To do this, each clamp is moved jointly along said direction of movement in synchronization with the drive of said cardboard plate 100 by said upstream conveyor 3.
Dans le cas du mode correspondant de réalisation du dispositif 2 de formage, cette gestion peut être effectuée par le contrôleur. Ainsi, le formage de conteneur 1 selon l'invention, au travers d'un pliage simultané des quatre rabats verticaux 106, à l’avant et à l’arrière ainsi qu’à droite et à gauche, surtout au travers d'une rotation des poussoirs 50, limite les efforts perturbateurs, susceptibles de désynchroniser la plaque 100 par rapport à la machine. In the case of the corresponding embodiment of the forming device 2, this management can be performed by the controller. Thus, the container forming 1 according to the invention, through a simultaneous folding of the four vertical flaps 106, at the front and at the rear as well as at the right and at the left, especially through a rotation pushers 50, limit the disruptive forces liable to desynchronize the plate 100 with respect to the machine.
La préhension positive des pinces confère un accompagnement de la plaque 100 lors de son transfert entre les convoyeurs 3,4, voire permet de la replacer si elle est légèrement décalée. Ce maintien par saisie de la plaque 100 cartonnée permet aussi de garantir une cadence élevée, voire de l'accélérer.
The positive gripping of the grippers provides support for the plate 100 during its transfer between the conveyors 3, 4, or even allows it to be replaced if it is slightly offset. This maintenance by grasping the cardboard plate 100 also makes it possible to guarantee a high rate, or even to accelerate it.
Claims
1 . Dispositif (2) de formage de conteneur (1 ) par pliage de plaque (100) cartonnée, ladite plaque (100) étant pourvue au moins de rabats verticaux (106), comprenant au moins :1. Device (2) for forming a container (1) by folding a cardboard plate (100), said plate (100) being provided with at least vertical flaps (106), comprising at least:
- un convoyeur (3) amont entraînant ladite plaque (100) cartonnée selon une direction de déplacement ; - an upstream conveyor (3) driving said cardboard plate (100) in a direction of movement;
- un convoyeur aval (4) ; - a downstream conveyor (4);
- des moyens (5) de pliage des rabats verticaux (106) de ladite plaque (100) cartonnée, lesdits moyens (5) de pliage étant situés symétriquement de part et d'autre d'au moins ledit convoyeur amont (3) ; caractérisé par le fait que, de chaque côté, lesdits moyens (5) de pliage comprennent :- Means (5) for folding the vertical flaps (106) of said cardboard plate (100), said folding means (5) being situated symmetrically on either side of at least said upstream conveyor (3); characterized in that, on each side, said folding means (5) comprise:
- une paire de poussoirs (50) aval et amont formant une pince, lesdits poussoirs (50) étant actionnés conjointement depuis une position ouverte vers une position refermée de pliage desdits rabats verticaux (106) correspondants, et inversement ; - a pair of downstream and upstream pushers (50) forming a clamp, said pushers (50) being actuated jointly from an open position to a closed folding position of said corresponding vertical flaps (106), and vice versa;
- un support (6) de chaque pince, ledit support (6) étant mobile le long de ladite direction de déplacement. - a support (6) for each clamp, said support (6) being movable along said direction of movement.
2. Dispositif (2) de formage selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend au moins un contrôleur commandant de façon synchronisée, l'actionnement conjoint des poussoirs (50) de chaque pince de chaque côté, avec le déplacement dudit support (6), par rapport à l'entraînement dudit convoyeur amont (3). 2. Device (2) for forming according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one controller controlling synchronously, the joint actuation of the pushers (50) of each clamp on each side, with the movement of said support (6), relative to the drive of said upstream conveyor (3).
3. Dispositif (2) de formage selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait qu'en position refermée des poussoirs (50), lesdits moyens (5) de pliage forment un moyen de transfert par préhension de ladite plaque (100) depuis ledit convoyeur amont (3) vers ledit convoyeur aval (4). 3. Device (2) for forming according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the closed position of the pushers (50), said folding means (5) form a transfer means by gripping said plate (100) from said upstream conveyor (3) to said downstream conveyor (4).
4. Dispositif (2) de formage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chaque poussoir (50) est monté en rotation par rapport audit support (6). 4. Device (2) for forming according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each pusher (50) is mounted in rotation with respect to said support (6).
5. Dispositif (2) de formage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les poussoirs (50) situés en vis-à-vis sont décalés verticalement. 5. Device (2) for forming according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pushers (50) located vis-à-vis are offset vertically.
6. Dispositif (2) de formage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les poussoirs (50) de chaque pince sont réglables en écartement. 6. Device (2) for forming according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pushers (50) of each clamp are adjustable in spacing.
7. Dispositif (2) de formage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chacun desdits poussoirs (50) comprend une tête de préhension amovible.
7. Device (2) for forming according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said pushers (50) comprises a removable gripping head.
8. Dispositif (2) de formage selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait que ladite tête comprend au moins une platine pourvue d'une surface de contact concave orthogonale. 8. Device (2) for forming according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said head comprises at least one plate provided with an orthogonal concave contact surface.
9. Dispositif (2) de formage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que chaque support est motorisé en translation le long d'au moins un guide depuis une position amont jusqu'à une position aval, et inversement. 9. Device (2) for forming according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each support is motorized in translation along at least one guide from an upstream position to a downstream position, and vice versa.
10. Procédé de formage de conteneur (1) par pliage de plaque (100) cartonnée, ladite plaque (100) étant pourvue au moins de rabats verticaux (106), procédé de formage dans lequel au moins : - on entraîne selon une direction de déplacement une plaque (100) cartonnée en face supérieure d'un convoyeur amont (3) vers au moins un convoyeur aval (4) ; 10. Container forming method (1) by folding a cardboard plate (100), said plate (100) being provided at least with vertical flaps (106), forming method in which at least: - is driven in a direction of moving a cardboard plate (100) on the upper face of an upstream conveyor (3) towards at least one downstream conveyor (4);
- on plie lesdits rabats verticaux (106) de chaque côté de ladite plaque (100) cartonnée ; caractérisé en ce que - Folding said vertical flaps (106) on each side of said cardboard plate (100); characterized in that
- on plie simultanément les rabats verticaux (106) situés en aval et en amont par rapport à ladite direction de déplacement en effectuant une préhension simultanée de chaque côté par fermeture d'une pince. - The vertical flaps (106) located downstream and upstream with respect to said direction of movement are simultaneously folded by simultaneously gripping each side by closing a clamp.
11. Procédé de formage selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que11. Forming method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that
- on déplace chaque pince conjointement le long de ladite direction de déplacement de façon synchronisée avec l'entraînement de ladite plaque (100) cartonnée par ledit convoyeur amont (3). - Each clamp is moved jointly along said direction of movement synchronously with the drive of said cardboard plate (100) by said upstream conveyor (3).
12. Procédé de formage selon la revendication 11 , caractérisé en ce que12. Forming method according to claim 11, characterized in that
- en position de fermeture, on transfert ladite plaque (100) cartonnée depuis ledit convoyeur amont (3) vers ledit au moins un convoyeur aval (4).
- In the closed position, said cardboard plate (100) is transferred from said upstream conveyor (3) to said at least one downstream conveyor (4).
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FR1910202A FR3100800B1 (en) | 2019-09-16 | 2019-09-16 | Folding container forming device and method |
PCT/EP2020/075768 WO2021052961A1 (en) | 2019-09-16 | 2020-09-15 | Device and method for forming a container by folding |
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WO2023126771A1 (en) * | 2021-12-29 | 2023-07-06 | R.A Jones & Co. | Process for moving packages and manipulator for packages provided to operate according to this process |
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DE102005018394A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2006-10-26 | Uhlmann Pac-Systeme Gmbh & Co Kg | Conveyor |
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IT1393562B1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2012-04-27 | Process S R L | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE CLOSURE OF PACKAGING |
CN101992859A (en) * | 2009-08-17 | 2011-03-30 | 利乐拉瓦尔集团及财务有限公司 | Final folder for cardboard packer |
DE102011016857A1 (en) | 2011-04-13 | 2012-10-18 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Device for e.g. forming cardboard box for packing of articles in packaging machine, has folding element comprising electric drive motor formed by gearless direct drive, where direct drive is formed by electrical inner rotor motor |
ITBO20130387A1 (en) * | 2013-07-23 | 2015-01-24 | Gd Spa | UNIT AND METHOD OF WRAPPING FOR THE BENDING OF A BLOCKED IN A PACKING MACHINE. |
DE102014102333A1 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2015-08-27 | Sig Technology Ag | Apparatus and method for prefolding package coats |
DE102015110235A1 (en) * | 2015-06-25 | 2016-12-29 | Sig Technology Ag | Apparatus, method and system for gentle prefolding of packaging coats |
CN205169017U (en) * | 2015-12-11 | 2016-04-20 | 刘莎莎 | Carton packing machine's hem mechanism |
CN105730772B (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2017-11-24 | 山东科技大学 | A kind of automatic packaging machine for different length corrugated case |
CN105947261B (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2024-01-19 | 上海金谦机械技术有限公司 | Mirror box flap turnover mechanism of mirror box boxing equipment |
-
2019
- 2019-09-16 FR FR1910202A patent/FR3100800B1/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-09-15 CN CN202080064737.3A patent/CN114401898B/en active Active
- 2020-09-15 US US17/760,750 patent/US20220332447A1/en active Pending
- 2020-09-15 WO PCT/EP2020/075768 patent/WO2021052961A1/en unknown
- 2020-09-15 EP EP20771561.6A patent/EP4031454A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
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WO2021052961A1 (en) | 2021-03-25 |
CN114401898A (en) | 2022-04-26 |
US20220332447A1 (en) | 2022-10-20 |
FR3100800A1 (en) | 2021-03-19 |
FR3100800B1 (en) | 2021-10-29 |
CN114401898B (en) | 2024-03-08 |
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