EP0248700B1 - Packaging machine for "american" boxes - Google Patents

Abstract

A packing machine for American boxes comprising apparatus for supplying empty boxes, apparatus for supplying the contents of the box in batches, apparatus for transferring the batches and placing them in open boxes, and apparatus for discharging the boxes. The apparatus for supplying the empty boxes bears a magazine of folded box blanks and apparatus for opening and erecting the box and forming the bottom thereof.

Description

The invention relates to a case packing machine for American cases as defined in the first part of claim 1.

Numerous casing machines for American cases of this type are already known.

The improvements made to these known machines have above all focused on the search for greater reliability, better synchronization of the movements of the various mobile members which compose it; higher rates, new opening or folding devices (see in particular documents US 4,163,414, 2,280,773 and FR 2,029,300). We also know the use of handling robots (document DE 2 702 481), and many different embodiments of the different means constituting such machines in general (documents DE 2 754 057, BE 5 050 317, DE 871 420 , GB 2,079,715, GB 535,347, DE 3,417,508, GB 1,033,743, US 4,233,798 and US 3,164,938).

The casing machines known to date allowed the use of different box formats by means of manual adjustment of the various adjustment or operating parameters of the machine. This adjustment not only required a certain dexterity on the part of the operator but also a certain time during which the machine was idle. These drawbacks were accepted because the format changes were infrequent and the adjustment time considered essential given the mechanical adjustment means used.

It has been proposed (document EP 0 142 007) that components of a packaging machine be movable by means of adjustment screws coupled, one after the other, to mobile, portable drive means. Each component is successively brought back by the drive means to a reference position and then moved therefrom to the desired final position. The drive means are of the type constituted by a manually controlled engine block such as those used for electric hand tools (drill, sander, etc.). The structure of the envisaged adjustment means limits their use to a small number of means and to short strokes. This device requires effective access to the adjustment screws for coupling the drive means. Finally, the successive adjustment of the components lengthens the total adjustment time. In such a device, the settings are made independently of each other for the different components. Consequently, such a machine has crippling drawbacks if the format changes become more frequent and within a wider range and if the users seek to improve the productivity of the machine, by reducing downtime.

The invention therefore aims to solve the problem of the flexibility of operation of American case packing machines according to the different formats of cases used and this without requiring on the part of the user a particular know-how or a waste of time. important.

To this end, the case packing machine for American cases according to the invention is defined by the characteristics of claim 1.

Thanks to the constitution of the machine according to the invention, the adjustment thereof according to the different formats envisaged for the American cases is made particularly easy and quick.

The case packing machine according to the invention has, over those of the state of the art, more particularly illustrated by documents US 2 280 773 and EP 0 142 007, the characteristic that the very structure of the machine is designed to allow the adjustment for the change of format, the adjustments of the various components of the machine being combined with each other and occurring essentially at least partially simultaneously with drive means forming an integral part of the machine, fixed as a whole and acting on the different organs simultaneously. In contrast, the machine according to document EP 0 142 007 does not have a general structure specially adapted to an adjustment as contemplated by the invention and is satisfied, from a conventional machine structure, to make certain of its constituent parts, without combining the various adjustments between them, without incorporating the drive means into the machine.

• La figure est une vue schématique en élévation d'une forme de réalisation de principe d'une machine d'encaissage selon l'invention, illustrant le moyen qu'elle constitue.
• La figure 2 est une vue schématique de dessus partielle de la machine d'encaissage représentée sur la figure 1.
• La figure 3 est une vue schématique à plus grande échelle en coupe transversale selon la ligne 3.3 de la figure 2.
• La figure 4 est une vue schematique en coupe selon la ligne 4.4 de la figure 3 illustrant deux variantes possibles et différents formats.
• les figures 5 et 6 sont deux vues de côté et de dessus respectivement d'une autre forme de réalisation de la machine concernant la partie mise en volume de la caisse.
• Les figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 sont six vues schématiques en élévation partielles illustrant la cinématique de fonctionnement de la machine.
• La figure 13 est une vue de dessus illustrant cette cinématique.
• les figures 14 et 15 sont deux vues schématiques, frontales des moyens de constitution du fond de la caisse.
• Les figures 16, 17, 18, 19 sont quatre vues respectivement de côté, de dessus, frontales illustrant la partie d'évacuation de la machine.

Other preferred characteristics of the invention will result from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The figure is a schematic elevational view of an embodiment in principle of a casing machine according to the invention, illustrating the means which it constitutes.
• FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic partial top view of the case packing machine shown in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view on a larger scale in cross section along line 3.3 of FIG. 2.
• Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view along line 4.4 of Figure 3 illustrating two possible variants and different formats.
• Figures 5 and 6 are two side views and from above respectively of another embodiment of the machine relating to the volume portion of the box.
• Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 are six schematic views in partial elevation illustrating the kinematics of operation of the machine.
• Figure 13 is a top view illustrating this kinematics.
• Figures 14 and 15 are two schematic front views of the means of constitution of the bottom of the box.
• Figures 16, 17, 18, 19 are four respectively side, top, front views illustrating the discharge part of the machine.

The invention relates to a casing machine 1 for American boxes 2.

An American box 2 is known per se and has four lateral faces 3, a bottom 4 and a cover 5. The bottom 4 and the cover 5 each consist of two first flaps 6, 7 respectively and two second flaps 8, 9 respectively . Two first flaps 6, 7 and two second flaps 8, 9 are contiguous to two opposite lateral faces 3 respectively At the start, the body 2 forms a flattened blank, the lateral faces 3 being folded one against the other and the flaps 6 , 7, 8, 9 free and located in the same plane as the side faces 3.

The casing machine 1 is also intended for content 10 grouped in separate lots so as to be able to be cased in the various successive American cases placed in volume and opened.

The casing machine 1 comprises, in the first place, means 11 for supplying empty boxes on which are placed from upstream to downstream on the one hand a store 12 of blanks of folded boxes stacked and on the other hand, means 13 for opening, for volume of the body 2 and for forming its bottom 4 by folding and securing the flaps 6, 8.

The casing machine 1 comprises, secondly, means 14 for supplying the content 10 in batches suitable for being cased.

The casing machine 1 comprises, thirdly, means 15 for transferring the batches of content 10 with a view to placing them in the open boxes 2 prepared for this purpose, interposed between the end portions downstream of the supply means 11 and supply means 14.

The casing machine 1 comprises fourthly, means 16 for evacuating the boxes on which the transfer means 15 already mentioned are placed from upstream to downstream and means 17 for forming the cover 5 by folding and securing the flaps 7, 9 which constitute it.

The upstream and downstream qualifiers are understood in relation to the direction of movement of the means of transport (supply or evacuation), namely the empty boxes for the supply means 11, the content packages 10 for the supply means 14 and the boxes 2 with the content lots 10 for the means of evacuation 16.

At the entrance to the machine, there are, on the one hand blanks stacked with boxes 2 and, on the other hand, batches of content 10. At the outlet, there are boxes filled with batches of content and closed.

The machine 1 is carried by a frame 18 resting on a generally horizontal support plane 19 (the ground), the supply means 11, 14 and discharge 16 extending generally horizontally. In particular, the discharge means 16 are placed substantially as an extension of the supply means 11 for empty boxes and the content supply means 14 are placed next to the discharge means 16, their direction of operation being opposite.

The means 13 for opening, for volume of the body 2 and for constituting its bottom 4 as well as the means 17 for constituting the cover 5 are mounted sliding but lockable on axes and moved along these axes by means drive associated with digital control means not shown. These digital control means also control the other means of the machine.

According to important features of the invention, the machine 1 is generally designed, as a whole, to be adjustable, the axes on which are slidably but lockable mounted the members of the machine being integrated into the machine itself, rather than added to a known basic structure. These axes are arranged for the movements and the combined and at least partially simultaneous adjustments of the various members. The drive means are also integrated into the machine 1, fixed as a whole and at least partially common to the different axes or members. The axes and / or the drive means and / or the components of the machine are accessible or not, accessibility being not a determining condition for the adjustment.

The drive means are preferably constituted by threaded rods driven in rotation by one or more motors. Other equivalent embodiments of the drive means can be envisaged (linear motors, jacks). As described later, at least some of the threaded rods extend transversely, right through the machine 1, carried by the frame 18, and comprise, at least for some of them, threads in opposite directions . This constructive arrangement illustrates the integration of the adjustment means mentioned above and highlights the possibility of a particularly large adjustment range.

The control means comprise manual means for displaying the format of the boxes 2 to be produced and filled and a programmable automaton associated with the manual display means and the drive means so that, depending on the setting of the manual means of display, the programmable controller controls the movement of the drive means until the means 13, 17 are brought into the positions corresponding to the chosen format. The various constituent bodies are thus adjusted automatically, in combination and at least partially simultaneously.

The manual display means (not shown) may consist of one or more mobile buttons in front of one or more dials on which the different possible formats are mentioned.

For example, the dials give the length, the width and the height of the boxes which can vary in particular and respectively between 150 and 450 mm, 100 and 300 mm, 190 and 500 mm. The adjustment of the machine by the display means can be continuous or discrete.

The programmable controller can include the appropriate electronic elements such as memory, microprocessor, etc ...

According to another preferred characteristic of the invention, taken in isolation and in combination with the other characteristics, the means 15 for transferring the batches of content 10 are constituted by a robot with three degrees of freedom (one vertical axis and two horizontal axes) of so as to allow the boxes 2 to be filled with the content batches 10 either vertically or laterally. Consequently, the case-packing machine 1 according to the invention is versatile and, depending on the control of the transfer means 15, may be of the vertical cartoning or lateral cartoning type.

The transfer means 15 (not shown in FIG. 1) comprise fixed support means 20 associated with the frame 18 and a plurality of arms 21 carried by the support means 20, moved by means of drive means such as jacks or motors, and terminated by gripping means 22 capable of gripping a batch of content 10. The gripping means 22 can be mechanical or pneumatic, in particular consisting of suction cups associated with a suction device. The gripping means 22 are constituted, for example, by a removable suction die head, comprising one or more lines and one or more rows of suction cups.

The supply means 11 comprise support and guiding means associated with the frame 18 intended for movable cleats for driving the boxes 2 moved by means of drive means such as endless chains movable by one or more motors (not shown).

The supply means 11, in particular the movable lugs for driving the boxes 2, define, for each box 2, a reference axis, in this case the lower horizontal edge upstream of the box 2.

In addition, this reference axis can occupy several fixed reference positions along the supply means 11, namely a first initial upstream position 23, a second intermediate opening position 24, and a third final position for forming the bottom. 25. These positions 23, 24, 25 are preferably equidistant from each other.

The adjustment of the means 13 for opening, setting in volume and constituting the bottom 4 is carried out with respect to the fixed positions 23, 24, 25.

The magazine 12 is located to the right of the first position 23. It has several guide rails 26 suitable for keeping the blanks of folded boxes, superposed inclined, for example at approximately 45 ° relative to the supply means 11. The magazine 12 is, if necessary, adjustable to be adapted to the different formats of boxes or it is removable to be replaced by another magazine corresponding to another format or else there are several magazines placed side by side, each adapted to a format, these different magazines being mounted on drive means (such as threaded rod and motor) associated with the digital control means already mentioned.

In all cases, the magazine means 12 are preferably adjustable automatically by means of one or more axes controlled digitally.

Means (not shown in detail) have the function of transferring the blanks from the magazine 12 to the supply means 11. They can be of the type with movable arm and suction cup driven by one or more motors, and by system crank or cam connecting rod.

At the second intermediate position 24 is a horizontal and transverse axis 27 on which is pivotally mounted an arm 28 terminated by one or more suction cups 29 which can be applied to the side face 3 from above adjoining the reference axis, so as to allow the opening of the body 2. Optionally, in combination, another movable suction cup, not shown, is provided to be applied to the lateral face from below adjoining the reference axis.

Between the second intermediate position 24, approximately, and the downstream end of the supply means 11 are two longitudinal beams 30, horizontal, lateral, located on either side of the supply means slightly above their plane. These beams 30 are movable horizontally and transversely but lockable in position in an adjustable manner thanks to the digital control means. They extend parallel and on either side of the supply means 11 and are provided with tapped bearings 31 horizontal and transverse. The casing machine 1 also comprises at least two threaded rods 32, horizontal and transverse, comprising at their two end portions threads in opposite directions, cooperating with the threaded bearings 31 coaxial with the two longitudinal members 30. These threaded rods 32 are placed in below supply means 11 so as not to interfere with the boxes 2. Horizontal and transverse rolling bearings 33 of the threaded rods 32 are provided in the frame 18. At least one drive motor, not shown, allows the drive in rotation and in synchronism of the threaded rods 32 by means of chains or the like 34 and therefore the displacement and the adjustment of the position of the side members 30.

The longitudinal members 30 have, for example, in cross section, a square shape on a vertical branch of which are the bearings 31 and on the horizontal branch of which rest the members described below.

The first spar (right spar in Figure 2 relative to the direction of advancement of the boxes 2) supports, from upstream to downstream, firstly, two arms 35, 36 extending in a horizontal plane pivoting around vertical axes 37, 38, having the function of folding the first two flaps 6 of the bottom 4 from the outside of the body 2. The first spar 30 supports, secondly, gluing means 39 placed horizontally and directed towards the vertical median plane of the machine 1. These sizing means 39 cooperate with the first flaps 6, folded, thanks to the arms 35, 36. Finally, the first spar 30 supports, thirdly, a vertical and longitudinal plate 40 by means of a cylinder 41, transverse. The plate 40 slides in transverse and horizontal direction and has the function of folding the second flaps 8 of the bottom 4, from the outside of the box 2.

The second spar 30 (left spar in FIG. 2) supports, opposite the plate 40, mobile means 42 forming a counterpart on the first flaps 6 inside the body 2.

The arms 35, 36 are movable between a retracted position (not shown) in which they are directed towards the outside of the machine and away from the supply means 11 and the boxes 2 and a working position where their respective support planes 43, 44 are coplanar in the plane of the bottom 4 (Figure 2). This plane is also that in which the nozzle of the gluing means 35 and the plate 40 are located in a previous external position.

The plate 40 is movable between two extreme positions, namely an anterior extreme working position already mentioned and an extreme posterior position, retracted, spaced from the bottom 4 and further away from the supply means 11.

In the working position, the upstream end portion of the support plane 43 of the upstream arm is located in or near the second reference position 24. The upstream end edge of the plate 40 is located, in turn, place or near the third reference position 25. The gluing means 39 are located slightly upstream of the plate 40, so as not to interfere with it.

The counterpart means 42 are constituted by a plurality of juxtaposed jacks 45 arranged in the form of a matrix comprising one or generally rows (FIG. 2) and one or generally columns (FIG. 3), the jacks 45 being carried by a vertical and longitudinal plate 46 spaced from the supply means 11 and rigidly associated with the second spar 30. Each of the jacks 45 has at the end of its rod an elementary counterpart plate 47. The jacks 45 are controlled by the control means already mentioned so that only part of the cylinders are active, namely those whose elementary counterpart plates 47 can penetrate into the body 2 concerned.

For example, the means 42 may comprise three rows and four columns of jacks 45 (FIG. 4). However, the number of rows and / or columns of cylinders 45 may be different and adapted to obtain the desired precision in the production of the different dimensions of different counterparts corresponding to the different formats of boxes envisaged.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4 which illustrate two possible extreme variants of box formats, the first, the largest, shown in plain lines and the second, the smallest, shown in broken lines. All of the jacks 45 are used for the first format while only one jack is used for the second format. The two beams 30 are respectively at their maximum spacing and at their minimum spacing for these two formats (the first and the second). The operation of the jacks 45 and the stroke of the jacks are controlled from the control means of the machine 1.

The production of a counterpart 42 in the form of a selectively controlled matrix allows the machine to be adapted to all box formats with particularly effective retention of the flaps from the inside, which ensures good attachment of the first and second flaps 4, 6 from the bottom 5. The jack matrix 45 is defined in dimensions by the largest box format to be treated.

The cylinders 45 made active allow the displacement of the corresponding plates 47 between two extreme positions, namely a retracted position (FIG. 2 and solid lines in FIG. 3) away from the supply means 11 so as not to interfere with the body 2 and an active working position (dashed lines in FIG. 2 for the first variant of boxes) or the plates 47 are placed inside the box 2 bearing on the first flaps 6 and therefore practically in the same plane as the plate 40 .

As follows from the above description, the simultaneous movement, over the same distance, but in the opposite direction, of the two beams 30 has the effect that the boxes 2 moving along the feed means 11 keep the same plane of reference namely the vertical median plane (of symmetry) of the machine. However, other embodiments are possible or the reference plane would be, for example, the plane of the bottom 4.

The feed means 11 with movable cleats comprise two sections in extension, namely a first upstream section extending between the first and second reference positions 23, 24 and a second downstream section extending between the second and third position 24, 25 to ensure the passage of the boxes 2 from the magazine 12 successively to each of these positions. In addition, the downstream section extends downstream to allow the exit of the boxes located on the supply means 11.

The machine comprises at least two gantries 50, fixed, vertical and transverse, spanning the supply means 11, placed for example respectively between the second and third reference positions 24, 25 and downstream of the third position 25 respectively. The horizontal and transverse upper crosspieces 51 of the gantries 50 comprise vertical, median bearings 52 for guiding threaded rods 53. Drive bearings 54 are supported by the crosspieces 51 so as to be able to pivot around their vertical axes and include d on the one hand internal threads cooperating with the threaded rods 53 to ensure their sliding drive and on the other hand the teeth external training or similar. A chain or the like 55 drives the bearings 54 in synchronism through the teeth. A motor (not shown) drives the chains 55. The threaded rods 53 are placed vertically and in the middle. At the lower ends of the threaded rods 53 is fixed at least one spar (and preferably two spars slightly spaced from one another) 56, horizontal and upper, for example median, vertically movable but lockable in position adjustable by means control extending above the supply means 11, in particular between the second reference position 24 and the downstream end of the supply means 11. The beam 56 can be applied to the upper horizontal face of the open body 2 without preventing its sliding. Squaring means 57 of the body 2 are carried by the beam 56 in line with the vertical folding plate 40 and plates 47 forming a counterpart 42. This structure is therefore such that the plane of the feeding means 11 also constitutes a reference plane of the boxes 2, the squaring means 37 being moved to ensure their adjustment as a function of the format of the box 2 considered.

The squaring means 57 comprise, on the one hand, an upstream pawl stop 58 for blocking the vertical transverse face upstream of the body 2 from above, being in the same plane as the third reference position 25 and, d 'other hand, a movable cleat 59 for biasing the vertical transverse face downstream of the body 2 from above and, upstream, carried by a chain 60 driven by a jack or the like 61 to an adjustable locking position thanks to automatic mechanical control means - such as a friction pinion - in which the body is kept perfectly square between the lower upstream cleat of the supply means 11 and the two upper cleats 58, 59. The use of a friction pinion to the advantage of an automatic adjustment of the position of the cleat 59. The chain 60 and the jack 61 are placed above the beam 56 so as not to interfere with the open body 2. The cleat 58 forms a ratchet to allow the passage of the boxes 2 from upstream to downstream. The cleat 59 can be in a retracted rest position above the beam 56.

The casing machine 1 according to the invention may comprise, downstream of the supply means 11, means 48 for sliding and / or pivoting the box previously volume-set and opened by the means 13 in order to transfer it to the discharge means 16 so that the opening of the box is placed either laterally or on top, depending on whether the casing machine is of the side casing or vertical casing type.

The supply means 14 for the content 10 can be in the form of a conveyor belt comprising transverse blocking bars 49 making it possible to drive and group the contents 10 into successive organized batches.

The discharge means 16 also include one or more conveyor belts for driving the boxes 2, in particular filled, downstream.

The machine 1 comprises at least two gantries 62, fixed, vertical and transverse, spanning the evacuation means 16 and whose upper transverse 63 horizontal and transverse comprise guide bearings 64 for threaded rods 65 vertical. Drive bearings 66 are carried so as to be able to pivot about their vertical axes by the bearings 64 and comprise, on the one hand, threads cooperating with the threaded rods 65 to ensure their drive and, on the other hand, external drive teeth or the like. A chain or the like 67 driven by a motor (not shown) drives the bearings so that the threaded rods 65 are slidably synchronized. At the lower ends of the threaded rods 65 is fixed a spar 68, upper, median, movable vertically but lockable in position in an adjustable manner thanks to the digital control means, extending above the discharge means 16. This spar 68 supports d 'upstream downstream, firstly, an arm 69 pivoting about a horizontal and transverse axis 70 and driven by a jack 71 having the function of folding two first flaps 7 of the cover 5; secondly, gluing means 72 of the first flaps 7 previously folded; thirdly and in a fixed manner, two ramps 73, inclined up and down, and from upstream to downstream and from the outside to the inside, that is to say approaching one of the 'other while approaching the evacuation means 16 in the direction of advancement of the boxes 2 and having the function of folding the two second flaps 8 of the cover 5 during the advancement of the case 2 on the evacuation means 16; and, finally, fourthly, an endless belt 74 placed horizontally and longitudinally, applied to the second flaps 8 thus folded, that is to say on the cover 5, driven in scrolling by a motor 75 itself carried by the spar 68. The function of the endless strip 74 is to keep the second flaps 8 applied to the first flaps 7 for the time necessary for the adhesive distributed by the gluing means 72 to set.

The arm 69 is movable between two extreme positions, namely, an inactive retracted position where it is placed horizontally in the upper part and away from the body 2 placed below and a working position where it is placed in the general direction vertical descending with its horizontal support plane 76. In this same horizontal plane are located the end of the gluing means 72 and the endless belt 74. The gluing means 72 are generally placed vertically and downwards. Between the arm 69 and the gluing means 72 is provided a support plate 77 inclined upstream and horizontal downstream under which the first flaps 7 can slide and whose function is to prevent these flaps 7 do not unfold after having escaped from the arm 69. This plate 77 is located immediately between the arm 69 and the gluing means 72. The lower downstream ends of the ramps 73 are also located in the plane mentioned above. In order for the effective attachment of the cover 5 to be ensured, the endless strip 74 extends over a certain appropriate length, as a function of the speed of the strip and of the time required for bonding.

The machine 1 also comprises two endless lateral belts 78 placed on either side of the discharge means 16, applied to the longitudinal lateral faces 3 of the boxes 2 and carried by mobile and adjustable longitudinal beams 79 and threaded rods 80 horizontal transverse and placed below the discharge means 16, these threaded rods 80 being driven in rotation by a motor and chains, so as to allow the endless belts 78 to move towards or away as a function of the body 2 considered.

The various motors described with regard to the means 13 and the means 17 as well as the motors of the transfer means 15 or even that associated with the endless belts 78 are controlled by the digital control means mentioned above.

Naturally, the description which has just been given relates only to one possible embodiment of the invention, other embodiments being nevertheless possible.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 19, of an effective embodiment of the machine 1 generally conforming to the embodiment of principle described above.

The supply means 12 are adjustable. To this end, the rails 26 are carried perpendicularly by two arms 81 inclined at approximately 45 ° on the horizontal, from upstream to downstream and from bottom to top, themselves carried by two support pieces 82 extending longitudinally. and laterally, with adjustable spacing, having, in vertical elevation a generally angular shape comprising a horizontal section and a vertical section, carried by two horizontal and transverse threaded rods respectively upstream and downstream 83 and 84 each with two opposite threads, cooperating respectively with tapped bearings of the support parts 82, respectively at the upstream end of the horizontal sections close to the association zone with the arms 81 and at the lower end of the vertical sections. Toothed pulleys 85 and 86 wedged on the threaded rods 83 and 84 mesh an endless chain 87 itself driven by a motor 88 fixed as a whole. Bearings 89 of the frame 18 maintain the threaded rods 83 and 84.

As this results from this structure, the rails 26 of the magazine 12 are of adjustable spacing equally and concomitantly with the spacing of two longitudinal, lateral and horizontal slides 90 extending along the part of the machine 1 on which the body 2 is set in volume with its bottom 4 formed rigidly (before the means 48). These slides 90 have, in cross section, a square shape and they have the double function of constituting a support plane and a lateral guide of the boxes 2 or of blanks which constitute them.

The means for transferring the blanks successively and to the unit of the magazine 12 up to the feeding means 11 (movable cleat) are constituted, in this embodiment, by an arm 91, longitudinal, median placed between the slides 90 ( or alternatively several arms side by side), axially wedged and freely rotating on the upstream threaded rod 83 forming a pivot axis. The arm 91 comprises, integrally, a link 92 at about 120 ° directed towards the rear and upstream when the arm 91 is at rest horizontally. At the connecting rod 92 is articulated the end of a rod 93 itself articulated, at its other end at the end of a lever 94 mounted articulated in its central part, freely around the downstream threaded rod 84 and at l other end of which is articulated the end of a lever 96 pivotally mounted at its other end about a horizontal, transverse, fixed axis 97, placed at the bottom of the machine 1 substantially between the opening means of the body 2 and the means of final production of the bottom 4, that is to say between the positions 24, 25. In the middle part, the lever 96 comprises a lug or the like cooperating with a cam 98 mounted on an axis 99, horizontal transverse and fixed, also placed at the lower part of the machine 1, in particular downstream of the axis 97. The arm 91 comprises a plurality of suction cups. Where appropriate, means are provided for selectively actuating the suction cups close to the threaded rod 83 and, on the contrary, not actuating those distant from it depending on the format of the blank to be transferred. The arm 91 is movable between two positions: a horizontal position directed downstream and an inclined extraction position in correspondence with the magazine 12 in particular from upstream to downstream and from bottom to top at about 60 °.

The supply means are, as indicated above, preferably of the movable cleat drive type. More specifically, three or three series of tabs are provided, namely a first cleat 100 between the upstream position 23 and the intermediate position 24, a second cleat 101 between the intermediate position 24 and the final position 25 and a third cleat 102 between the final position 25 and the area of the means 48, that is to say when the body 2 is constituted. Preferably, pairs of tabs 100, 101, 102 are provided close to the slides 90. The tab 100 is carried by a first carriage 103 and the tabs 101 and 102 by a second carriage 104. The carriages 103 and 104 are mounted to slide horizontal longitudinal by means of one or more generally of two running rails 105, horizontal and longitudinal on which roll and are guides of the rollers 106 of the carriages.

A link 107 connects the two carriages 103,104 spaced from each other by a fixed distance to ensure their displacement in synchronism. The reciprocating sliding movement of the carriages 103, 104 upstream and downstream is ensured in particular by means of the link 107 and from a cam 108 mounted on the axis 99 driving a link 109 articulated, at its other end at the middle part of a lever 110 articulated, at its first end lower than a horizontal, transverse, lower fixed axis 111 of the machine 1, located approximately plumb with the magazine 12 and articulated, at its second end higher than a connecting rod reference 112 itself articulated to the carriage 103. The lever 110 is moved between two extreme positions each at about 45 ° on the horizontal, upstream and downstream respectively.

Furthermore, the tabs 100, 101, 102 are themselves carried by bodies mounted articulated on the respective carriages 103 and 104 around axes 113, 114 and 115 respectively. Below the axes 113, 114, 115 is a horizontal and longitudinal rail 116. Preferably, two side rails are provided. The rail 116 is arranged sliding vertically by means of a suitable device such as a deformable parallelogram with links 117 driven by drive means such as a cam 118 wedged on the axis 99 driving, via a crank pin 119 articulated on axis 97, a rod 120 generally horizontal and longitudinal, articulated at its opposite end to several rods designated as a whole by 121 articulated between them and finally to the deformable parallelogram with rod 117. In the rail 116 forming slide are mounted rollers 122 and 123 doors by links 124 and 125 respectively, articulated on the axes 113 and 114 respectively and rigidly associated with the bodies of the lugs 100 and 101 respectively. In addition, a return link 126 articulated to the two bodies of the lugs 101 and 102 so as to ensure their synchronous rotation and in opposite directions, the lugs 100 and 101 pivoting synchronously and in the same direction. The rail 116 is movable between two upper and lower extreme positions in which, respectively, the tabs 100, 101 and 102 are in the protruding active position and in the retracted inactive position, this with respect to the reference plane constituted by the slides 90. This arrangement allows the forward movement of the tabs 100, 101 and 102 downstream in the active position upon their return upstream in the inactive position.

As indicated above, the tabs 100, 101, 102 are preferably in pairs and located laterally in order to better take the box 2 and are adjustable in transverse spacing so as to take the box rather towards its lateral edges, which improves the guidance. For this purpose, the cleats are mounted sliding axially along fluted shafts such as 195, by means of complementary fluted sleeves 196 cooperating with the shafts 195. With the sleeve 196 is rigidly associated a grooved roller 197 also mounted on and around the splined shaft 195. A longitudinal projection 198 forming a rail cooperates with the groove of the roller 197. This longitudinal projection 198 forming a rail is joined integrally and kinematically to the spar of one of the spars 30. The fluted shafts 195 are carried so as to be pivoting. They are movable with transverse (relative to their axis) and longitudinal (relative to the machine) sliding. The projections forming the rails cause the axial sliding of the sleeves 196 and therefore the transverse adjustment of the cleats.

The arm 28 carrying the suction cup 29 for opening the box 2 is driven by a link 127 which is articulated thereto and which is controlled by a cam 128 fixed on the axis 99. For example, the cam 128 drives via a lug or similar a crank pin 129 articulated on the axis 97 at its lower end and to which is articulated, at its upper end a rod 130 generally horizontal and longitudinal around an axis 132 and to which is articulated the rod 127. This arrangement is such that the arm 28 can pivot 90 ° between two extreme positions respectively horizontal directed downstream and vertical upward.

Preferably, there is also provided one or more suction cups 133 intended to be applied to and maintain the lower horizontal lateral face of the body 2 when it is opened for the volume setting. This or these suction cups 133 are with vertical axis and carried, directly or not, by an arm 134 generally vertical and guided by guide means such as a sheath 135, controlled by vertical sliding by a rod 136 itself controlled by a cam 137 fixed on the axis 99, the connecting rod 136 being moreover articulated around a transverse, lower, fixed horizontal axis 138 located approximately below and vertically in line with the third final position 25. This structure allows the or the suction cups 133 are movable between an active upper working position and a retracted inactive lower position.

The arms 35, 36 are also driven around their axes 37, 38 from two cams 139, 140 respectively fixed on the axis 99, by means of an appropriate linkage, it being emphasized that the axes 37 and 38 are vertical and the transverse horizontal axis 99. For example, the cam 139 controls a crank pin 141 mounted articulated on the axis 97, on which is articulated a connecting rod 142, at one end, which generally horizontal connecting rod 142 is articulated, at its other end at the end of a lever 143 articulated in its median part around a horizontal and transverse axis 144 located at least substantially in line with the magazine 12, the lever 143 is articulated at its other end to a connecting rod 145 articulated to a connecting rod 146 of a single part with the arm 35 and therefore pivotally mounted around the axis 37. The connecting rod 145 is articulated with the lever 143 around a horizontal axis and with the connecting rod 146 around a vertical axis. A similar structure is provided with regard to the cam 140 and the arm 36, namely crankpin 147, connecting rod 148, lever 149, connecting rod 150, and connecting rod 151. The lever 149 is articulated around the axis 144. Between the connecting rod 150 and the link 151 is interposed a return device 152, with rod and lever.

A single motor 153 with geared motor and angle gear, placed in the lower part of the jaw, carried by the frame 18, in particular substantially perpendicular to the final position 25 drives the axis 99 and therefore the cams 98, 108, 118, 128, 137, 139 and 140, the axis 99 is carried by bearings 154.

In the downstream part for forming and securing the bottom 4, the machine 1 comprises, instead of the plate 40 two bars 155 extending horizontally and longitudinally carried by two arms 156 (or pairs of arms) articulated around horizontal and longitudinal axes 157 in the same vertical plane and close to one another, the assembly 155, 156, 157 forming a sort of axially extended clamp opening and closing. The axes 157 are carried by a carriage 158 carried and mounted to slide vertically by means of two vertical threaded columns 159 cooperating with threads of the carriage 158, placed in the same longitudinal vertical plane. These two threaded columns 159 are themselves carried, at their lower parts by the corresponding spar 30 and, at their upper parts by a longitudinal and upper horizontal spacer 160 maintained at a fixed spacing by means of rods or the like 161, horizontal and transverse of another spacer 162 horizontal, longitudinal, upper, coplanar with the spacer 162 but on the opposite lateral side of the machine, which spacer 162 supports two vertical columns 163 placed opposite the threaded columns 159 but on the other lateral side of the machine. The columns 163 are, in turn, carried by one or more carriages 164, driven, rolling in the horizontal transverse direction, sliding and by means of rollers 165 on horizontal and transverse slides 166 fixedly carried by the frame 18. Two other threaded columns 167 near the columns 163 extend vertically carried between and by the carriage (s) 164 and the spacer 162. Toothed gears 168 wedged at the projecting upper ends of the threaded columns 159 and 167, connected by a chain without end 169 or any equivalent means associated with a motor 170, to which we will return later, allows synchronous drive and in the same direction of the threaded columns 159 and 167. On the threaded columns 167 is mounted a carriage 171 by suitable tappings, this carriage 171 being placed horizontally in the same plane but opposite the carriage 158. The carriage 171 supports the counterpart means 42. The two carriages 158, 171 are therefore moved synchronously and are horizontally and transversely at a constant distance from each other. In addition to the rods 161, one or more lower transverse horizontal rods 172 are provided to maintain this distance.

Means such as jacks have the function of opening and closing the clamp 155, 156, 157.

The counterpart means 42 are, in this embodiment constituted by a single line of jacks 45 arranged in a horizontal plane intended to come to be applied to the bottom of the body 2, from the inside, in its median zone, opposite and against the two arms 156 brought close to each other, the corresponding clamp being closed. The change in shape of the body 2 is taken into account for the jacks 45, only in the event of a change in horizontal length, the number of active jacks being adapted accordingly. The structure described above with the rods 161 and 172 has the consequence that the stroke of the jacks 45 is constant whatever the body format 2 (in transverse direction).

The spar 56 of the machine is, in this embodiment, carried by an upper horizontal frame 173 mounted to slide vertically by means of four vertical threaded columns 174 of fixed axes carried by the frame 18 of the machine. These threaded columns 174 are arranged, in particular connected by sprockets, chains or the like to rotate in synchronism in the same direction. According to the invention the threaded columns 174 are driven by the same motor 170 as the threaded columns 159 and 167, with, however, a reduction gear so that the sliding stroke of the frame 173 is twice that of the carriages 158 and 171 or that the stroke of the carriages 158 and 171 is half that of the frame 173. For this purpose, the motor 170 can be of vertical axis and housed at the lower part of the machine, fixed as a whole on its lateral edge and driving the threaded columns 159 and 167 via a toothed wheel 175 double that 176 driving the threaded columns 174, the toothed wheel 175 has a vertical fixed axis carried by the frame 18. Given the displacement of the threaded columns 159, there is provided between these and the shaft of the toothed wheel 175 a universal joint 177. As follows from the above description, concerning the principle embodiment, the side members 30 are mounted to slide horizontally ement and transversely, in opposite directions and in synchronism thanks to threaded rods 32 and a motor 178 and support the slides 90.

As this results from the above, the displacements of the side members 30, therefore of the tabs 100, 101, 102, in transverse direction is independent but combined with the relative displacement of the jacks 45, hence the existence of the carriage 171. The threaded columns 159 and 167 not only rotate half as fast as the threaded columns 174 but also the vertical axes of the threaded columns 159 and 167 are movable horizontally and transversely while the axes of the threaded columns 174 are fixed, hence the frame structure 173 of dimensions larger than that of the threaded columns 159 and 167 in their different positions. The clamp 155, 156, 157 occupies, in turn, a fixed transverse relative position relative to the corresponding spar 30 so as to be permanently in the same relative position relative to the bottom 4 of the body 2 whatever its format.

We now consider the discharge part of the machine 1. The beam 68 is carried directly by four threaded columns 179 with vertical axes carried in the lower part by the frame 18. the threaded columns 179 are driven from a gear motor 180 by a chain 181 and toothed pigs 182. The arm 69 is driven by a geared motor 183 and a crank rod 184, instead of a jack. The support plate 77 extends downstream beyond the gluing means 72, as far as the middle part of the ramps 73. A single geared motor 185 carried by the frame of the machine, in a fixed position causes on the one hand, the endless belt 74 by means of a drum 186 of horizontal axis and, on the other hand by identical drums 187 of vertical axes, the endless side bands 78. To this end, the moto- reduction gear 185 is associated with the drum 186 by a sliding angle box 188 on a keyed shaft 189 and with the drums 187 by sliding cardan drives 190. Finally, rollers 191 are provided for lateral retention of the body at its upper part , of vertical axes carried by two longitudinal and horizontal supports themselves carried by transverse threaded rods 192 by bearings 193 carried by the beam 68. A gear motor 194 also carried by the beam 68 allows the driving of the threaded rods so the reg rollers 191.

Claims (28)

1. Machine for boxing American boxes comprising means (11) for feeding empty boxes associated upstream to downstream with a blank charger (12) of stacked boxes folded flat, means for successively transferring the blanks and at the unit charger (12) as far as the feeding means (11), means for opening (13) and volume placing the box and structuring its bottom (4) by folding and rendering integral its flaps (6, 8); means (14) for bringing the contents (10) of the boxes (2) into batches suitable for being boxed; means for transferring (15) the content batches (10) into the boxes inserted between the downstream end portions of the means (11) for moving the empty boxes and means for moving the contents of the boxes (14); and means for removing the filled boxes (16) associated upstream to downstream with the means for transferring the batches with the contents of the boxes (15) and means for forming the cover (5) of the box by folding and rendering integral its flaps (7, 9), wherein the means (13, 17) for opening, volume placing and forming the bottom and the cover are mounted in sliding fashion on threaded rods and able to be blocked on their axes, the threaded rods being able to be driven by motors, the threaded rods and the motors forming traction mechanisms permanently integrated in the machine associated with digital control means and enabling said means (13, 17) to be moved so as to simultaneously adjust them, at least partly; and wherein it comprises two lateral longitudinal members (30), which with respect to each other are transversally mobile and blockable and are thus spacing-adjustable, extending parallel and on both sides of the feeding means (11) and fitted with threaded bearings (31); at least two threaded rods (32) co-operating with the threaded bearings (31); bearings (33) for the threaded bearings (32) fitted in the frame (18); a motor for driving the threaded rods (32) by means of a chain or similar device (34); a first longitudinal member (30) supporting from upstream to downstream two swinging arms (35, 36) for folding the two first flaps (6) of the bottom (4), means for spreading glue (39) on the first folded flaps (6) and on means (40,155,156,157) for folding the second flaps (8); the second longitudinal member (30) opposite the means for folding the second flaps (155, 156, 157) supporting mobile means forming a counterpart (42) so as to keep in place the first flaps (5) via the inside of the box, these means being able to be adapted to the various box formats.

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means of the traction mechanisms include means for the manual display of the format of the American boxes to be embodied and filled, and a programmable automaton associated with the manual display means and the traction mechanisms so that, according to the adjustment of the manual display means, the programmable automaton controls the movement of the traction mechanisms until the means for opening (13) and (17), for the volume placing and structuring of the bottom and cover are brought into the positions corresponding to the selected formats.

3. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the means (15) for transferring the content batches (10) are constituted by a robot with a three degree of freedom so as to enable the boxes (2) to be filled with the content batches, either vertically or laterally.

4. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the feeding means (11) comprise upstream means for sliding and/or pivoting (48) the filled up and opened box so as to transfer it onto the removal means so that the opening angle of the boxes is placed on the top, namely laterally.

5. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the means forming the counterpart (42) are constituted by a plurality of matrix-disposed juxtaposed jacks comprising at least one line and one pipe, each jack comprising an elementary counterpart insert (47), the jacks (45) being controlled by the control means, so that only one portion of the jacks (45) is activated, namely those whose elementary inserts forming the counterpart (47) are able to penetrate inside the box in question.

6. Machine according to claim 5, wherein the jack matrix (47) is defined by the largest box format to be processed.

7. Machine according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises at least two vertical and transversal fixed porticos (50) spanning the bringing means (11) and whose upper crossmembers (51) comprise beasrings for guiding (52) the threaded rods (53); transmission bearings (54) borne by the crossmembers comprising internal screw threads cooperating with the threaded rods (53) and transmission teeth or similar devices; a chain or similar device driving the bearings (54) in synchronism; a motor to drive the transmission bearings (54) by means of the chain (55) controlled by the control means; at least one vertically mobile but blockable median upper horizontal longitudinal member extending over the moving means (11) and able to be applied to the upper horizontal face of the box enabling it to slide; squaring means (57) being borne by the member (56) at the right of a folding plate (40), means for folding the second flaps (8) and means forming a counterpart (42).

8. Machine according to claim 7, wherein the squaring means (57) comprise firstly a blocking upstream catch tappet (58) for the upstream vertical transversal face of the box, and secondly a mobile tappet (59) for stressing the downstream vertical transversal face of the box borne by a longitudinal chain driven as far as a blocking position by a jack or similar device (61).

9. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the means (11) for feeding the empty boxes and the means for evacuating the full boxes (16) are substantially placed with one in prolongation of the other, the means for bringing the contents of the boxes (14) being placed near said evacuation means (16).

10. Machine according to claim 1, wherein it comprises at least two fixed, vertical and transversal porticos (62) spanning the means for evacuating the full boxes (16) whose upper crossmembers (63) comprise bearings (64) for guiding the threaded rods (65); transmission bearings (66) borne by the crossmembers (63) comprising internal screw threads co-operating with the threaded rods (65) and drive teeth or similar devices; a chain or similar device (67) driving the bearings (66) in synchronism; a motor for driving the chain (67) and bearings (66); an upper mobile vertically but blockage longitudinal member (68) fixed to the lower ends of the threaded rods (65) extending over the means for evacuating (16) the full boxes; this longitudinal member (68) supporting from upstream to downstream an arm (69) pivoting around an horizontal axis (70) whose function is to fold the two first flaps (7) of the cover (5), means for glueing (72) the first flaps (6) thus folded, two fixed ramps (73) slanted from top to bottom, from upstream to downstream and from outside to inside intended to fold the second flaps (9) of the cover (5) on account of the forward movement of the boxes onto the evacuation means (16), and fourthly an endless strip (74) coplanar with the arms in a working position and with the glueing means (72) applied to the second folded flaps (9) and driven by a motor in synchronism with the evacuating means (16) intended to keep the second flaps (9) applied to the first flaps (7) with the time required for the glue to take.

11. Machine according to claim 10, wherein it comprises two endless lateral strips (78) borne by longitudinal members (79) by means of threaded rods (80) driven in synchronism with the evacuation means (16) with lateral adjustable spacing (3).

12. Machine according to claim 10, wherein the feeding means (12) are adjustable, the rails they comprise being borne by two arms (81), and two supporting pieces extending longitudinally and laterally with adjustable spacing borne by two respectively upstream and downstream transversal and horizontal threaded rods (83 and 84), each with two opposing screw pitches, borne by the frame (18) of the machine and respectively cooperating with the threaded bearings of the support pieces (82) and driven by a motor (88) fixed in its assembly.

13. Machine according to claim 1, wherein it comprises two lateral longitudinal horizontal slides (90) extending along part of the machine (1) on which the box (2) is placed in volume and its bottom rigidly structured having as a transversal cross section a square shape intended to constitute a support plane and a lateral guide for the boxes (2) or flaps constituting them.

14. Machine according to any one of claims 1, 12 or 13, wherein the means to successively transfer the flaps and at the charger unit (12) as far as the feeding means (11) include at least one longitudinal arm (91) placed between the slides (90) axially immobilized and freely rotating on the threaded rod (83) forming a swivel pin and a rod assembly (93, 94, 95) cooperating with a cam (98).

15. Machine according to claim 1, wherein it comprises three catches (100, 101, 102) for driving the boxes between a first upstream position (23) to the right of the charger (12), a second intermediate positon (24) where the means (27, 28, 29) for opening the boxes are situated, and a third final position (25) where the means (4) for structuring the bottom of the box and the means (42) forming the counterpart are located, the first catch (100) being borne by a first carriage (103) and the second and third catches (101 and 102) by a second carriage (104), the carriages (103 and 104) being mounted with longitudinal horizontal sliding, a rocker bar (107) connecting the two carriages (103, 104) by keeping them spaced from each other by a fixed distance so as to ensure they move in synchronism.

16. Machine according to claim 15, wherein the alternate sliding movement of the carriages (103, 104) is ensured by means of a rod assembly (107, 109, 110, 112) cooperating with a cam (108).

17. Machine according to either claim 15 or 16, wherein the catches (100, 101, 102) are borne by bodies mounted joined onto the respective carriages (103 and 104) around axes (113, 114 and 115) respectively below which is a horizontal longitudinal rail (116) disposed sliding vertically.

18. Machine according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises at least one sucker (133) intended to be applied to and maintain the lower horizontal lateral face of the box (2) when opened for placing in volume and borne by a generally vertical arm (134) and guided by the guiding means (135) controlled with vertical sliding by a rod assembly (136, 138) cooperating with a cam (137).

19. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the folding arms of the first flaps of the bottom (35, 36) are driven around their axes (37, 38) from two cams (139, 140) with the aid of the rod assembly (141, 142, 143, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150 and 151, 152).

20. Machine according to any one of claims 1, 14,15,16,17 or 19, wherein it comprises a single motor (153) placed at the lower part of the machine and borne by the frame (18) driving a spindle (99) on which cams (98,108,118,128,137, 139 and 140) are mounted associated with means (91) to transfer the flaps to the carriages (103, 104) to ensure their sliding and the swivelling of the catches (100, 101, 102), with means (27, 28, 29) open the boxes, with means (133, 134, 135, 136) for keeping the lower horizontal lateral face of a box (2) distanced from its opening angle and with folding arms (35, 36).

21. Machine according to claim 1, wherein it comprises, as forming one part of the means to fold the flaps of the bottom of the box, two bars (155) extending horizontally and longitudinally borne by two arms (156) joined around horizontal and longitudinal axes (157) within a given vertical plane and close to each other, the bar/arm/axes assembly (155, 156, 157) forming an axially extended clamp, said axes (157) being borne by a carriage (158) borne by being mounted sliding vertically on two vertical threaded columns (159) borne by the corresponding longitudinal member (30) and an upper longitudinal horizontal brace (160) maintained with fixed spacing by means of the horizontal transversal rods (161) of another upper longitudinal horizontal brace (162) coplanar with the brace (160) but on the lateral opposing side of the machine, the brace (162) supporting two vertical columns (163) borne by a carriage (164) driven, movable transversally horizontally, sliding and by means of rollers (165) on transversal horizontal slides (166) borne immobilized by the frame (18), two threaded columns (167) close to the columns (163) extending vertically and borne between and by the carriage (164) and the brace (162), a motor (170) allowing for synchronous driving in the same direction of the threaded columns (159 and 167), a carriage (171), mounted on the threaded columns (167) by internal screw threads being placed horizontally within the same plane and opposite the carriage (158), supporting the means forming the counterpart (42) so that the two carriages (158, 171) are moved in synchronism by being at a constant distance with respect to each other.

22. Machine according to claims 7 and 21, wherein the longitudinal member (56) to be applied to the upper horizontal box face is borne by an upper horizontal frame (173) mounted with vertical sliding by means of four vertical threaded columns (174) with fixed axes borne by the frame (18) of the machine, said columns being driven by the motor (170) driving the threaded columns (159 and 167), means for folding the flaps of the bottom of the box with a reduction gear being inserted so that the sliding travel of the frame (173) is double that of the carriages (158 and 171) supporting the clamps (155, 156, 157).

23. Machine according to claim 10, wherein the longitudinal member (68) is borne by four threaded columns (179) with vertical axes borne by the frame (18) driven from a back-geared motor (180).

24. Machine according to claim 10, wherein the arm (69) is driven by a back-geared motor (183) and a connecting rod (184).

25. Machine according to claim 10, wherein it comprises, between the arm (69) and the glueing means (72), a slanted support plate (77) on which the first flaps of the box cover are able to slide, this support plate (77) extending downstream beyond the glueing means (72) as far as under the median section of the flaps (73).

26. Machine according to either claim 10 or 11, wherein a single back-geared motor (185) borne by the frame (18) firstly drives the endless strip (74) by means of a drum (186) with a horizontal axis, and secondly the lateral endless strips (78) by drums (187) with vertical axes, the back-geared motor (185) being associated with the drum (186) by a sliding-angle box (188) on a wedged shaft (189) and with the drums (187) by sliding cardan transmissions (190).

27. Machine according to claim 10, wherein it comprises rollers (191), for the lateral support of the box at its upper section, with vertical axes borne by two longitudinal horizontal supports, themselves borne by transversal threaded rods (192) by bearings (193) borne by the longitudinal member (68), a back-geared motor (194) allowing for driving of the threaded rods (192) and thus for adjustment of the rollers (191).

28. Machine according to any one of claims 1, 15 or 17, wherein the catches (100, 101, 102) are each per pair with transversal spacing adjustable with the aid of ribbed sleeves (196) cooperating by sliding on ribbed shafts (195), throat rollers (197) mounted on and around the ribbed shafts (195) cooperating with longitudinal projections adjacent to the longitudinal members (30).

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