EP0510159B1 - Method, machine and assembly for packing a load provided with at least one edge-protecting corner piece, and device for grasping, moving, depositing and holding said corner piece - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for packaging a generally prism-shaped, and specifically parallelepiped-shaped load, wherein at least one rigid edge-protecting corner piece (4) is first placed on at least one edge (3) of the load (1) and rigidly fastened thereto, and wherein use is made of a device (14) for grasping, moving, depositing and holding corner pieces, said device being placed between a corner piece store (15) and the edge (3) of said load (1). A corner piece (4) is supplied to one edge (3) of the load (1) from the store (15) by said device (14) which alone can hold the corner piece (4) in place on the load edge (3) in at least a first area (16) while said piece (4) is fastened thereto, whereafter the device (14) is disengaged from said corner piece (4).

Description

The invention relates to a method, a machine and an installation for packaging a load provided with at least one edge protection angle and a device for gripping, moving, depositing and holding such an angle.

The invention is more particularly applicable to a palletized load comprising four protective angles of vertical longitudinal general direction applied to the four vertical edges of the load placed between its four vertical lateral faces. Such protective angles, in particular in folded cardboard, are intended to form a local padding ensuring better protection of the vertical edges of the load. When such a palletized load is intended to be covered with a packaging film, the angles prevent the edges if they are sharp, from piercing or cutting or breaking the packaging film.

Up to now, such protective angles when they have been provided have been mainly handled manually. Once applied to the vertical edges of the load they were held there by strapping or other similar means. This technology not only has the drawbacks inherent in any manual process (cost, limited throughput, etc.), but any mechanization comes up against the problem of interference with the moving parts used for and during packaging. These problems have had the effect of limiting the use of such angles, even though they would have many advantages in the case of overpacked pallet loads with high compressive forces. Mechanization has been proposed (see document EP-A-0 060543) but essentially for the horizontal and non-vertical upper edges. In addition, this mechanization considerably slows down the rates. Reference can also be made to documents DE-A-2 431 153, US-A-4 587 791, FR-A-2 540 828 and US-A-4 671 046. DE-A-2431 153 describes a strapping included in a vertical plane making it possible to secure a first load 13 of large dimensions with a second load 15 of smaller dimensions based on the first load 13. This document represents the state of the art according to the preambles of claims 1 and 25.

The prior art known for overpacking processes and machines for palletized loads includes the following documents: FR-A-2 468 506, FR-A-2 470 056, US-A-4 587 796, FR-A -2 228 669, FR-A-2 243 113, FR-A-2 413 270, FR-A-2 281 275, US-A-4 473 990, EP-A-0 184 485, EP-A-0 177 413, EP-A-0 180 517, US-A-4 587 796. These methods and machines are, in general, well known to those skilled in the art: it may be the implementation of the technique so-called "curtain", that of the full width straight or banded or even helical wrapping, that of the cover. In the so-called "curtain" technique, an overwrap film curtain is formed between two film reels with a vertical axis; then the load is advanced horizontally towards the curtain of film deformed in a U shape; then we close and secure the curtain on itself. In the wrapping technique, a relative pivoting is provided around a vertical axis of the load with respect to a reel of strip film. This wrapping technique includes several variants: the load remains fixed and the film reel rotates around it (so-called fixed table machine and rotating reel); The load pivots and the axis of the strip film reel remains in a fixed position (machine known as a turntable). The film strip has a width of the load height or a fraction thereof. The wrapping is straight or helical. The banding technique is also applicable to a load extending horizontally horizontally and displaced relatively along its axis. The reel of strip film having a horizontal axis. In the hooding technique, flattened film sheath is wound on a reel. The spool is unwound and the sheath is opened and pulled to be threaded onto the load by vertical downward sliding, using fingers, pliers, holding frame, belts, chains or other. These techniques use solid or perforated film like a net. This film is heat shrinkable or stretchable. In the latter case it is stretched or pre-stretched. The entire load or only part of it can be covered with film. These techniques can be subject to variants such as in particular: the deposition of a sheet or a plate or a roof or base frame on the upper or lower horizontal face (between the pallet and the load) of load. The overwrap film may include several layers. The pallet can be replaced by a false pallet. An overwrapping machine can also be integrated into an installation comprising, upstream, a palletizer.

An object of the invention is therefore to allow the mechanization and automation of the installation of such angles of vertical axis of protection on loads to be packaged.

Another object is to allow this installation by avoiding any collision with the moving parts of the machine used for the overwrapping.

Another goal is to be able to avoid in some cases the establishment of a strapping or other similar means specifically intended for the maintenance of the angle or angles before that (these) is (are) trapped (s) by the overwrap film.

Another object is to allow the installation of angles of different formats on loads of different formats.

Another object is to propose a method and a machine for overpacking loads including the installation of such angles.

Another object is to propose a device specially intended for gripping, moving when depositing and maintaining (during laying) such angles.

Another object is to propose a machine and an installation for packaging or overpacking loads, in particular palletized, including one or more such device (s).

Another object is to propose a load, in particular palletized packed with angles, obtained by the said process or with the said machine.

• amener la charge à emballer à un poste d'emballage ;
• prendre au moins une cornière de protection rigide dans un magasin de cornières de protection avec un dispositif de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien de cornières ;
• déposer au moins une cornière de protection rigide sur au moins une arête de la charge à emballer avec ledit dispositif, de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien de cornières ;
• maintenir dans une première zone la cornière sur l'arête avec ledit dispositif de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien de cornières et, simultanément, déposer sur la charge et la cornière des moyens de maintien rigides et permanents de la cornière sur la charge ;
• dégager le dispositif de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien de cornières ;
• évacuer la charge emballée du poste d'emballage,
• entourer certaines des faces de la charge ou un élément d'emballage de celle-ci et de la cornière maintenue en place par le dispositif avec au moins une bande appliquée sur la charge placée dans au moins une seconde zone différente de la première, de manière que la bande assure un maintien de la cornière, caractérisé en ce que la charge à emballer est une charge parallélépipédique ou sensiblement parallélépipédique comportant quatre arêtes verticales, sur lesquelles on dépose les cornières de protection rigide, en ce que lors du transfert de cornières d'un magasin de cornières sur l'arête, le dispositif de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien de cornières effectue une rotation d'axe vertical, en ce qu'on fait tourner le bras support de l'ordre d'un huitième de tour entre deux positions extrêmes et en ce qu'on amène en permanence une cornière dans l'ouverture de sortie du magasin quel que soit le degré de remplissage du magasin et on exerce une force tendant à l'empêcher de rentrer davantage dans le magasin.

These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by means of a method of packaging a load comprising the steps consisting in:

• bring the load to be packed to a packing station;
• take at least one rigid protective angle in a protective angle store with a device for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining angles;
• depositing at least one rigid protective angle on at least one edge of the load to be packaged with said device, for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining angles;
• maintain in a first zone the angle iron on the edge with said gripping device, displacement, deposition and maintenance of angles and, simultaneously, deposit on the load and the angle means of rigid and permanent retention of the angle on the load;
• clear the gripping device, moving, depositing and maintaining angles;
• remove the packaged load from the packing station,
• surround some of the faces of the load or a packaging element thereof and the angle iron held in place by the device with at least one strip applied to the load placed in at least one second zone different from the first, so that the strip maintains the angle iron, characterized in that the load to be packaged is a parallelepipedic or substantially parallelepipedic load comprising four vertical edges, on which the rigid protection angles are deposited, in that during the transfer of angles from an angle store on the edge, the device for gripping, moving, depositing and holding angle brackets performs a vertical axis rotation, in that the support arm is rotated the order of an eighth of a turn between two extreme positions and in that one continuously brings an angle iron into the outlet opening of the magazine regardless of the degree of filling of the magazine and a force tends to be exerted. prevent further entry into the store.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that a narrow strip is implemented such as a strip carrying out a localized support on the angle.

A subject of the invention is also a method, characterized in that a wide strip is used which is able to be able to substantially cover the faces of the load by providing support distributed over the angle.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that the strip is implemented in the manner of strapping or straight wrapping.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that the strip is implemented by helical wrapping.

The subject of the invention is also a method, characterized in that the wrapping begins in a second zone so as to allow the angle iron to be maintained, then once the device is released, the wrapping of the load and of the angle iron.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized by two second zones spaced from one another.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that the adhesive, soda, staple, clip, liaisonne the angle on the load or a packaging element thereof to ensure maintenance of the angle.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that the load packaging element is chosen with which the angle iron is rigidly associated in the group comprising the pallet, a spacer, an end plate or frame, a container of the same load.

The invention also relates to a process, characterized in that the adhesive, soda, staple, clip, bond the angle on the load or a packaging element thereof in or away from a first zoned.

A subject of the invention is also a method, characterized in that the angle iron is clamped on the load at at least one of its ends in an area separated from the first area by means of an end plate or frame having an edge folded over the angle iron by wedging it and for this purpose: the angle iron is brought to the edge and an end plate or frame with edge not folded over at least one end face of the load; then positively fold the edge of the frame plate onto the angle iron.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that the angle is clamped on the load at its two ends by two end plates or frames.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that at least partially covers at least some of the faces of the load and the angle iron held in place with wrapping film applied to the load, the angle iron and any its holding members: strip, glue, clip, clip, link, folded edge of plate or end frame.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that a protective angle iron having substantially the length of the corresponding edge of the load is used.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that protective angles are placed on the four substantially parallel lateral edges of the load.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that the load to be packaged is a palletized load.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that during the movement of a protective angle from the magazine to the corresponding edge of the load by means of said device (by means of the same said device its relative pivoting of about 180 ° with respect to its general longitudinal direction.

A subject of the invention is also a method, characterized in that the load and the angle iron are covered by wrapping with wrapping film in strip form coming from a film reel and, for this purpose, successively, a initial free end portion of said load film strip or a packaging element thereof, or an angle iron, or a retaining member thereof, there is provided a relative displacement of the load and the reel of film in such a way as to rotate the film reel axis around the wrapping axis of the load, said film strip is cut transversely once the wrapping has been carried out, and an end free end portion of said film strip is associated to the already wrapped film or to the load or a packaging element thereof, or an angle iron, or a holding member thereof.

The subject of the invention is also a method, characterized in that the load and the angle iron are covered by hooding with sheathed film coming from a flattened film sheath coil and for this purpose, successively the sheath is opened, the sheath is cut transversely to the desired length.

The invention also relates to a process, characterized in that stretch film is used.

The invention also relates to a process, characterized in that pre-stretched stretch film is used before being deposited and applied to the load.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that one starts from preformed angles, one grasps them, moves, deposits and maintains them substantially in this pre-formed state.

The invention also relates to a method, characterized in that one starts from flattened angles, they are grabbed and moved in this flattened state and they are given the desired configuration of angle by deforming them in situ on the corresponding edge of load.

The subject of the invention is also a method, characterized in that to give an angle iron its configuration, it is only grasped in the vicinity of its longitudinal edges and it is applied between these on a protruding edge of the load.

• un bâti ;
• un magasin de cornières où les cornières sont stockées avec leurs extrados tournés vers l'ouverture de sortie du magasin ;
• un bras-support porté par et monté sur le bâti, de façon mobile entre une position de saisie et une position de dépose et de maintien ;
• des premiers moyens tels qu'un vérin agissant sur le bras-support pour son entraînement entre et son blocage dans ses deux positions extrêmes ;
• des moyens de saisie et de maintien d'une cornière par son extrados, portés par le bras-support, se trouvant soit à l'état actif soit à l'état inactif tels qu'une ventouse de succion ;
• des moyens de commande spécifiques des moyens permettant le passage de l'un à l'autre des états et le maintien temporaire de l'un ou l'autre des deux états ;
• des moyens de commande généraux assurant la coordination des premiers moyens d'entraînement et des moyens de commande spécifiques, ledit bras-support supportant les moyens de saisie et de maintien à sa seconde partie extrême, les premiers moyens d'entraînement assurant le pivotement du bras-support entre ses deux positions extrêmes angulairement distantes d'une fraction de tour et les moyens de saisie et de maintien tels qu'une ventouse de succion étant, dans la position de saisie du bras-support, situés sensiblement dans l'ouverture de sortie du magasin, caractérisé en ce que le bras-support est monté pivotant par sa première partie extrême sur le bâti autour d'un axe d'articulation substantiellement vertical, en ce que ledit pivotement du bras support entre ses deux positions extrêmes est de l'ordre d'un huitième de tour, et en ce que le dispositif de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien comporte, en outre, des moyens aptes d'une part à amener en permanence une cornière dans l'ouverture de sortie du magasin, quel que soit le degré de remplissage du magasin et, d'autre part, à exercer au moins sur la cornière se trouvant dans cette ouverture une force tendant à l'empêcher de rentrer davantage dans le magasin.

The subject of the invention is also a device for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining a protective angle on the edge of a load by implementing the method according to the invention, comprising:

• a frame;
• an angle store where the angles are stored with their upper surfaces facing the outlet opening of the store;
• a support arm carried by and mounted on the frame, movably between a gripping position and a removal and holding position;
• first means such as a jack acting on the support arm for driving it between and blocking it in its two extreme positions;
• means for gripping and holding an angle iron by its upper surface, carried by the support arm, finding either in the active state or in the inactive state such as a suction cup;
• specific control means of the means allowing the passage from one to the other of the states and the temporary maintenance of one or the other of the two states;
• general control means ensuring the coordination of the first drive means and specific control means, said support arm supporting the gripping and holding means at its second end portion, the first drive means ensuring the pivoting of the arm -support between its two extreme positions angularly spaced apart by a fraction of a turn and the gripping and holding means such as a suction cup being, in the gripping position of the support arm, located substantially in the outlet opening of the magazine, characterized in that the support arm is pivotally mounted by its first end part on the frame around a substantially vertical articulation axis, in that said pivoting of the support arm between its two extreme positions is of the order of an eighth of a turn, and in that the gripping, moving, depositing and holding device also comprises means capable on the one hand of permanently bringing a e angle in the outlet opening of the store, whatever the degree of filling of the store and, on the other hand, to exert at least on the angle iron in this opening a force tending to prevent it from entering further the shop.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the gripping and holding means comprise at least two suction cups which in the gripping position of the support arm are located near the longitudinal edges of the opening of leaving the store.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the gripping and holding means comprise at least one shaping member in the general form of an angle iron.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the gripping and holding means are mounted movable on the support arm between two extreme relative positions, namely a gripping position and a removal position; second drive means for gripping and holding means ensuring their displacement between their extreme positions and the blocking therein; the general control means ensuring their coordination with the first drive means and the specific control means.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the gripping and holding means are pivotally mounted on the support arm about an articulation axis substantially parallel to the general longitudinal direction of the outlet opening of the shop ; the second drive means such as comprising a jack ensuring the pivoting of said means between its two extreme positions angularly spaced apart by a fraction of a turn, in particular of the order of a half turn.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the gripping and holding means comprise a support profile extending substantially parallel to the general longitudinal direction of the outlet opening of the magazine along which several pairs are arranged. of suction cup assemblies - shaping member.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the support profile is mounted journalled on the support arm.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that these means comprise a rear support plate for the angles, movable with transverse sliding and urged towards the outlet opening of the store by a suitable member as well as a support conveyor. of store angles.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the frame is mounted as a whole movable and lockable in the required position for adjusting the device according to the dimensions of the load concerned, by means of mobile support means in particular rollers and drive means, in particular jacks, depending on the device control means.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the frame is mounted movable to slide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the outlet opening of the store.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the gripping and holding means are mounted movable on the support arm according to an adjustable stroke in order to adjust the device according to the dimensions of the load concerned, under the dependence on the device control means.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the first drive means are arranged adjustable as regards the travel of the support arm between its two extreme positions, depending on the control means of the device, in view of the device setting according to the dimensions of the load.

• un bâti ;
• au moins un magasin pour les plaques ou cadres ;
• des moyens de saisie d'une plaque ou cadre se trouvant à l'état actif ou à l'état inactif ;
• des moyens support , des moyens de saisie ;
• des moyens d'entraînement, des moyens de support entre une localisation de saisie ou les moyens de saisie sont situés dans ou à proximité de l'ouverture de surcharge du magasin et une localisation de dépose ou les moyens de saisie sont situés dans ou à proximité de la zone ou la plaque ou cadre doit être sur la charge ;
• des moyens de commande coordonnant le fonctionnement de moyens de saisie et de moyens d'entraînement.

The invention also relates to a device for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining a protective angle on the edge of a load. according to the invention, comprising a device for supplying and depositing a flap end plate or frame, characterized in that it comprises:

• a frame;
• at least one store for plates or frames;
• means for gripping a plate or frame in the active state or in the inactive state;
• support means, gripping means;
• drive means, support means between a gripping location or the gripping means are located in or near the overload opening of the store and a deposit location or the gripping means are located in or near of the area where the plate or frame must be on the load;
• control means coordinating the operation of gripping means and driving means.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that a magazine is arranged to allow a stack of plates or frames placed horizontally, the discharge opening being greater.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the magazine has a common opening for discharging and reloading in plates or frames.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the gripping means are vacuum suction cups.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the drive means are arranged to ensure a double vertical and horizontal sliding respectively for on the one hand the gripping operation and that of depositing on the other hand the operation of passing from one location to another.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the frame is partly common to the packaging machine without interfering with the movable members thereof, in particular placed above and outwards; and the magazine is placed horizontally next to the packaging machine.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises several magazines and means ensuring a relative movement of magazines and support means.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that a store comprises a device ensuring a constant level of grip in the store regardless of its degree of filling, such as a lifting table.

• un bâti ;
• au moins un organe de déplacement de rabat porté par le bâti de façon mobile entre une position inactive ou le rabat peut être placé sensiblement coplanaire avec la plaque ou cadre et une position active ou le rabat est placé sensiblement orthogonalement à la plaque ou cadre ;
• des moyens d'entraînement de l'organe mobile entre ses deux positions.

The invention also relates to a device for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining a protective angle on the edge of a load according to the invention comprising a device for folding down a flap of a plate or frame of end, characterized in that it comprises:

• a frame;
• at least one flap displacement member carried by the frame movably between an inactive position or the flap can be placed substantially coplanar with the plate or frame and an active position or the flap is placed substantially orthogonally to the plate or frame;
• means for driving the movable member between its two positions.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it forms an isolated structural unit.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it is incorporated in a supply and deposit device according to the invention, the frame being incorporated in the support means in the general form of a plate at the periphery of which is placed at least one member, the drive means being carried by the plate, the control means ensuring the coordination of the movements of the member also.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the member is in the form of a finger pivotally mounted on the plate-frame along one of its edges, the finger being in the inactive position substantially coplanar with the frame plate and directed outwards and, in the active position substantially orthogonal to the frame plate and directed towards the gripping means.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it is incorporated in an overwrapping machine by being carried in free pivoting by an axis thereof coaxial with that and the table, this axis being itself carried by a bracket mounted sliding on a column.

The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it is incorporated in a packaging machine table provided with passage opening.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine for rigidly and permanently associating at least one protective angle on an edge of a load, characterized in that it comprises at least one gripping, moving, depositing device and maintaining an angle iron according to the invention and at least one device for ensuring a rigid, permanent association of the angle iron deposited and maintained on the load by said device with the load or a packaging element of the latter, the two devices operating in a coordinated fashion.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that said device for ensuring a rigid, permanent association of the angle iron deposited and maintained on the load with the latter or a packaging element thereof is chosen from the group comprising: a device for surrounding and applying a strip to the load and the angle iron; a device for bonding, welding, stapling, clipping, bonding the angle iron to the load or a packaging element thereof; a device for folding down the edge of an end plate or frame ensuring the wedging of the angle; a machine for overwrapping the palletized load, the overwrapping film ensuring at least the function of maintaining the angle iron.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine according to the invention, characterized in that it is associated with it, functionally downstream a machine for overpacking the load with the angle bar associated rigidly and permanently having the essential function the overpacking of the load.

A subject of the invention is also a packaging machine, characterized in that the load overwrapping machine having the essential function of overpacking it is chosen from the group comprising: curtain machines, wrapping machines , the hooding machines.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that it is functionally associated with it at least one device for supplying and depositing an end plate or frame on the edge or folding flap.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine according to the invention, characterized in that the devices for supplying or depositing a plate or end frame to fold the edge or flap thereof are functionally associated according to a sequence chosen from the group comprising the following sequences: the device for depositing a plate or end frame is first implemented , then the device for folding the edge, finally the device, the angle being then placed towards the outside of the folded edge; the device and the device for depositing a plate or frame are first implemented, then the device for folding the edge, the angle being then placed towards the inside of the folded edge.

A subject of the invention is also a packaging machine, characterized in that the overwrapping machine ensuring at least the angle retaining function is chosen from the group comprising: curtain machines, wrapping machines, machines of cover.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that the same overwrapping machine performs both the function of holding the angle iron and that of the actual overpacking of the load.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that the device and the device for ensuring a rigid association are structurally distinct.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that the device and the device for ensuring a rigid association are structurally at least partly common.

• des moyens support de charge ;
• des moyens d'alimentation en film d'emballage ;
• des moyens mobiles pour permettre le recouvrement d'une charge portée par les moyens support avec le film provenant des moyens d'alimentation ;
• et au moins un dispositif de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien d'une cornière de protection selon l'invention.

Another subject of the invention is a machine for packaging a load comprising at least one rigid protective angle on at least one edge of the load with packaging film surrounding the load and applied to it, characterized in that 'she understands :

• load support means;
• means for supplying packaging film;
• mobile means for allowing the recovery of a load carried by the support means with the film coming from the supply means;
• and at least one device for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining a protective angle according to the invention.

A subject of the invention is also a packaging machine, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of gripping, moving, depositing and holding devices of substantially similar protective angles for the same plurality of edges of the load. to pack.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that the general longitudinal directions of the openings of the stores of the gripping, moving, depositing and holding devices are substantially parallel to one another; their support arms are located substantially in the same common plane, the devices are distributed around an area adjacent to the support means in which the load is located; and the general control means ensure the synchronous operation of the plurality of devices, the plurality of gripping and holding means being the most distant and the closest to each other respectively in the gripping positions on the one hand and removal and maintenance on the other hand.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that the load support means are a table with a substantially vertical axis; the mobile means for allowing the recovery of a load with the film comprise means for ensuring a relative pivoting of the table around its axis relative to the axis of the film reel; and a device for gripping, moving, depositing and holding comprises a store of vertical longitudinal general direction, the lower end of which is substantially coplanar with the table.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that it comprises four gripping, moving, depositing and holding devices.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that the table is fixed; the means for supplying packaging film and covering the load with said film comprise a ring supporting a film reel, substantially coaxial with the table, mounted to slide vertically along said axis between a lower position close to the plane of the table and a distant upper position, or means for supporting the film reel equivalent and ensuring the same path to the film reel, said crown defining a path for the vertical axis of a film strip reel; the gripping, moving, depositing and holding devices being essentially placed outside and near said crown and its path.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine, characterized in that the table is mounted so as to be able to pivot around its axis; the means for supplying the packaging film and for covering the load with said film comprise a carriage carried by a column generally sliding vertically; this machine also comprising a device for folding down an edge or flap of a plate or end frame carried with free pivoting by an axis coaxial with the axis, carried by a bracket carried by sliding by the column.

• . La figure 1 est une vue schématique, en perspective d'une charge palettisée pourvue de cornières d'angle et d'un film de suremballage entourant la charge et les cornières et participant au maintien à demeure de celles-ci.
• . Les figures 2A, 2B, 2C et 2D sont quatre vues schématiques en élévation (2C demie vue droite et 2D demie vue gauche) illustrant les étapes successives de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention dans une variante dans laquelle les cornières sont maintenues par deux bandes formant feuillard à savoir : amenée de cornières (figure 2A), maintien de celles-ci sur la charge et simultanément mise en place des bandes de maintien. Dans la sous variante des figures 2C et 2D, un film de suremballage recouvre la cornière et les bandes de maintien à savoir par banderolage d'un film d'emballage (figure 2C) et par houssage au moyen d'une housse (figure 2D).
• . Les figures 3A, 3B, 3C sont trois vues schématiques en élévation illustrant les étapes successives de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention dans une autre variante dans laquelle les cornières sont maintenues par du film d'emballage en bande banderolé sur la charge et les cornières, de façon hélicoïdale à savoir : amenée et maintien des cornières dans une première zone et début du banderolage dans une seconde zone (figure 3A), poursuite du banderolage, les cornières étant seulement maintenues par la bande de film (figure 3B), fin du banderolage (figure 3C).
• . Les figures 4A, 4B, 4C sont trois vues schématiques en élévation (4B demie vue de droite, 4C demie vue de gauche) illustrant les étapes successives de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention dans une autre variante dans laquelle les cornières sont maintenues par des agrafes enfoncées dans la charge ou des éléments d'emballage de celle-ci (caisse, palette) à savoir : amenée des cornières, maintien contre la charge et agrafage (figure 4A), mise en place d'un film de suremballage banderolant hélicoïdalement la charge , les cornières et les agrafes (figure 4B) ou maintien de la charge ainsi pourvue de cornières agrafées tel quel (figure 4C).
• . Les figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D sont quatres vues schématiques en élévation illustrant les étapes successives de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention dans une autre variante dans laquelle les cornières sont maintenues par association rigide aux deux extrémités sur la palette et sur une plaque ou cadre d'extrémité supérieure à bord rabattu à savoir : amenée de la plaque ou cadre sur la face supérieure horizontale de la charge avec son bord non rabattu (figure 5A), rabattement du bord et amenée par l'extérieur des cornières (figure 5B), association rigide des cornières au bord rabattu de la plaque ou cadre d'extrémité supérieure ainsi qu'à la palette (figure 5C), charge ainsi réalisée dépourvue de film de suremballage (figure 5D).
• . Les figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G et 6H sont huit vues schématiques en élévation illustrant les étapes successives de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention dans une autre variante dans laquelle les cornières sont maintenues coincées par les bords rabattus de deux plaques ou cadre d'extrémité inférieur et supérieur respectivement et au moyen d'un film de suremballage banderolé hélicoïdalement (demie vue droite figure 6G) ou sous forme de housse (demie vue gauche figure 6H), à savoir : sur une palette, amenée et dépôt d'une plaque ou cadre d'extrémité inférieure à bord non rabattu (figure 6A), constitution de la charge sur la palette et la plaque ou cadre d'extrémité inférieur (figure 6B), amenée et dépôt sur la face horizontale supérieure de la charge constituée d'une plaque ou cadre d'extrémité supérieur à bord non rabattu (figure 6C), amenée des cornières les bords restant non rabattus (figure 6D), une fois les cornières en place et maintenues ainsi, rabattement des deux bords de plaques ou cadres d'extrémité (figure 6E), coincement subséquent des cornières qui peuvent être cessées d'être maintenues, l'étant alors par les bords rabattus (figure 6F).
• . La figure 7 est une vue de dessus d'une machine de suremballage des faces latérales verticales d'une charge palettisée par banderolage de type à table fixe et bobine de film à axe tournant autour de la charge de façon hélicoïdale, conforme à l'invention, pour à la fois le suremballage de la charge et le maintien de la cornière.
• . La figure 8 est une vue verticale en élévation de la machine de la figure 7.
• . La figure 9 est une vue partielle de dessus à plus grande échelle d'un dispositif pour la saisie, le déplacement, le dépôt et le maintien de cornières.
• . La figure 10 est une vue en élévation frontale du dispositif de la figure 9.
• . La figure 11 est une vue en élévation de côté du dispositif de la figure 9.
• . Les figures 12 et 13 sont deux vues schématiques respectivement verticalement en élévation et de dessus d'une machine de suremballage par banderolage de type à table tournante, conforme à l'invention, pour à la fois le suremballage de la charge et le maintien de la cornière.
• . Les figures 14A à 14I sont neuf vues schématiques en élévation illustrant les étapes d'un procédé possible de mise en oeuvre de la machine à table tournante des figures 12 et 13 à savoir : la situation de départ ou une charge est sur la table et le début de saisie d'une plaque ou cadre d'extrémité supérieure (figure 14A), la dépose de cette plaque ou cadre sur la face horizontale supérieure de la charge, le bord n'étant pas rabattu et le début d'évacuation du dispositif d'amenée et de dépose de la plaque ou cadre (figure 14B) ; ce dispositif étant, dans cette réalisation distinct du dispositif pour rabattre des bords de la plaque ou cadre, ce dispositif étant escamoté, l'amenée du dispositif pour rabattre le bord verticalement et vers le bas vers la plaque ou cadre (figure 14C), l'amenée de cornières (figure 14D), les cornières étant maintenues par le dispositif d'amenée, la mise en oeuvre du dispositif pour rabattre le bord et le rabattement subséquent du bord (figure 14E), les cornières étant maintenues par le haut et le bord rabattu, pivotement de la table, donc de la charge et du dispositif pour rabattre le rabat et début du banderolage (figure 14F), fin du banderolage, la table étant arrêtée (figure 14G), évacuation de la charge, escamotage du dispositif pour rabattre le rabat de la plaque ou cadre d'extrémité et pivotement de ses doigts jusqu'à l'horizontale (figure 14H), machine prête à un nouveau cycle (figure 14I).
• . La figure 15 est une vue verticale en élévation d'une machine d'emballage de type à table fixe, à laquelle est incorporé un dispositif d'amenée de plaques ou cadres d'extrémité, cette figure ne représentant pas les dispositifs de saisie, déplacement, dépôt et maintien de cornière pour des raisons de simplicité et clarté, le dispositif de saisie pouvant inclure un dispositif pour rabattre le bord de la plaque ou cadre.
• . La figure 16 est vue de côté, partielle, du dispositif de la figure 15 illustrant sa partie mobile.
• . La figure 17 est une vue de côté, partielle, du dispositif de la figure 15 illustrant la variante à plusieurs magasins et à dispositif de saisie à niveau constant.
• . La figure 18 est vue en plan horizontal d'une variante possible d'un dispositif pour rabattre le rabat de la plaque ou cadre d'extrémité, plus spécialement applicable à une plaque ou cadre d'extrémité supérieure.
• . La figure 19 est une vue schématique en plan horizontal d'une autre variante possible d'un dispositif pour rabattre le rabat de la plaque ou cadre d'extrémité, plus spécialement applicable à une plaque ou cadre d'extrémité inférieure.
• . La figure 20 est une vue de côté du dispositif de la figure 19.
• . La figure 21 est une vue de même type que celle de la figure 20 montrant le fonctionnement du dispositif.

The other characteristics and advantages of the invention will result from the description which follows of several possible but non-limiting forms of implementation with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• . Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a palletized load provided with corner angles and an overwrap film surrounding the load and the angles and participating in the retention of the latter.
• . FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are four schematic elevation views (2C half right view and 2D half left view) illustrating the successive stages of implementing the method according to the invention in a variant in which the angles are maintained by two strips forming a strip, namely: supply of angles (FIG. 2A), maintenance of these on the load and simultaneously positioning of the retaining bands. In the sub-variant of FIGS. 2C and 2D, an overwrapping film covers the angle iron and the retaining strips, namely by wrapping a wrapping film (FIG. 2C) and by covering with a cover (FIG. 2D) .
• . FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C are three schematic elevation views illustrating the successive stages of implementing the method according to the invention in another variant in which the angles are maintained by wrapping film in a banded strip on the load and the angles, helically, namely: bringing and maintaining the angles in a first zone and beginning of the banding in a second zone (FIG. 3A), continuation of the banding, the angles being only held by the film strip (FIG. 3B), end of the wrapping (FIG. 3C).
• . FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C are three schematic elevation views (4B half view from the right, 4C half view from the left) illustrating the successive stages of implementing the method according to the invention in another variant in which the angles are maintained by staples driven into the load or packaging elements thereof (case, pallet), namely: supply of angles, support against the load and stapling (Figure 4A), placement of a wrapping film wrapping helically the load, the angles and the staples (Figure 4B) or holding the load thus provided with stapled angles as is (Figure 4C).
• . FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D are four schematic elevation views illustrating the successive stages of implementing the method according to the invention in another variant in which the angles are maintained by rigid association at the two ends on the pallet and on an upper end plate or frame with folded edge, namely: bringing the plate or frame to the horizontal upper face of the load with its edge not folded down (FIG. 5A), folding the edge and brought from outside the angles ( FIG. 5B), rigid association of the angles with the folded edge of the plate or upper end frame as well as with the pallet (FIG. 5C), charge thus produced without overwrap film (FIG. 5D).
• . FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G and 6H are eight schematic elevation views illustrating the successive stages of implementing the method according to the invention in another variant in which the angles are kept wedged by the folded edges of two plates or lower and upper end frame respectively and by means of an overwrapping film wrapped helically (half right view Figure 6G) or in the form of a cover (half left view Figure 6H), namely: on a pallet, feed and deposit of a lower end plate or frame with non-folded edge (Figure 6A), build up of the load on the pallet and lower plate or end frame (Figure 6B), feed and deposit on the upper horizontal face of the load consisting of a plate or upper end frame with non-folded edge (FIG. 6C), brought from the angles, the edges remaining non-folded (FIG. 6D), once the angles in place and may ntenues thus, folding down of the two edges of plates or end frames (FIG. 6E), subsequent jamming of the angles which can be ceased to be maintained, being so by the folded edges (FIG. 6F).
• . FIG. 7 is a top view of a machine for overwrapping the vertical lateral faces of a palletized load by wrapping of the fixed table type and film reel with an axis rotating around the load helically, according to the invention , for both overpacking the load and maintaining the angle.
• . Figure 8 is a vertical elevation view of the machine of figure 7.
• . Figure 9 is a partial top view on a larger scale of a device for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining angles.
• . FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the device in FIG. 9.
• . FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the device in FIG. 9.
• . Figures 12 and 13 are two schematic views respectively in vertical elevation and from above of a wrapping machine by wrapping of the rotary table type, according to the invention, for both the overpacking of the load and the maintenance of the angle iron.
• . FIGS. 14A to 14I are nine schematic elevation views illustrating the steps of a possible method of implementing the rotary table machine of FIGS. 12 and 13, namely: the starting situation or a load is on the table and the start of gripping an upper end plate or frame (Figure 14A), the removal of this plate or frame on the upper horizontal face of the load, the edge not being folded down and the start of evacuation of the device d 'supply and removal of the plate or frame (Figure 14B); this device being, in this separate embodiment of the device for folding down the edges of the plate or frame, this device being retracted, the supply of the device for folding the edge vertically and downwards towards the plate or frame (FIG. 14C), l '' ledge angles (Figure 14D), the angles being maintained by the feeding device, the implementation of the device for folding the edge and the subsequent folding of the edge (FIG. 14E), the angles being maintained from above and the edge folded down, pivoting of the table, therefore of the load and of the device for folding down the flap and beginning of the wrapping (FIG. 14F), end of the wrapping, the table being stopped (FIG. 14G), discharge of the load, retraction of the device for folding the flap of the plate or end frame and pivoting of his fingers to the horizontal (figure 14H), machine ready for a new cycle (figure 14I).
• . FIG. 15 is a vertical view in elevation of a packaging machine of the fixed table type, in which is incorporated a device for feeding plates or end frames, this figure not showing the gripping, moving devices. , filing and retaining angle for reasons of simplicity and clarity, the gripping device may include a device for folding the edge of the plate or frame.
• . Figure 16 is a partial side view of the device of Figure 15 illustrating its movable part.
• . Figure 17 is a side view, partial, of the device of Figure 15 illustrating the variant with several magazines and constant level gripping device.
• . Figure 18 is a horizontal plan view of a possible variant of a device for folding the flap of the plate or end frame, more particularly applicable to a plate or upper end frame.
• . Figure 19 is a schematic horizontal plan view of another possible variant of a device for folding the flap of the plate or end frame, more particularly applicable to a plate or lower end frame.
• . FIG. 20 is a side view of the device in FIG. 19.
• . Figure 21 is a view of the same type as that of Figure 20 showing the operation of the device.

The invention relates to the packaging of a load comprising on at least one edge 3 a separate and attached protective angle 4 kept rigidly on the load 1. According to an alternative embodiment such an angle 4 is interposed between the load 1 and an outer overwrap film 2.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the load 1 is a prismatic palletized load - in this case parallelepipedic - limited by four vertical lateral faces 5, and two upper horizontal 6 and lower 7 faces, the latter resting on a pallet or forming "false pallet". The edges 3 are the four vertical edges between and separating the faces 5. The angles 4 used have a general longitudinal direction which is then substantially vertical.

• . des moyens support 8 de la charge ;
• . des moyens 9 d'alimentation en film 2, provenant des moyens 9 ;
• . des moyens 10 mobiles pour permettre le recouvrement d'une partie au moins de certaines faces de la charge portée par les moyens 8 avec le film 2 provenant des moyens 9.

A machine for overwrapping a load 1 as seen here with overwrap film 2, this machine ensuring the maintenance of the angle iron 4 and / or the actual overpacking of the load generally comprises:

• . load support means 8;
• . means 9 for supplying film 2, coming from means 9;
• . movable means 10 to allow the covering of at least part of certain faces of the load carried by the means 8 with the film 2 coming from the means 9.

In the embodiments more especially considered, the means 8 are a table with a substantially vertical axis 11; the means 9 comprise a reel of film in a strip (overwrapping by wrapping) or in the form of a flattened sheath (overwrapping by covering); and the means 10 comprising: or means for ensuring a relative pivoting of the table 8 about its axis 11 with respect to the film reel 9 or to the film coming from this the table 8 being either fixed and the reel 9 of strip film rotating around, or the table 8 rotating around its vertical axis 11 and the reel 9 of strip film having a fixed position axis (wrapping by wrapping); or means for ensuring the opening of the sheath coming from the flattened sheath coil 9 as well as the threading of the sheath thus opened on the load 1 carried by the table (overwrapping by covering).

In the case of the wrapping machine by wrapping of the fixed table type shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the table 8 is fixed and the means 10 comprise a ring 12 of axis 11 supporting the film reel 9, mounted to slide in parallel to the axis 11 between a lower position close to the horizontal plane of the table 8 and a parallel upper position distant from the table 8, in particular lying at a level slightly above that of the upper horizontal face 6. The crown 12 defines a particularly circular path for the axis of the film reel 9 around the vertical lateral faces 5. Given the axial sliding movement of the crown 12, the film reel 9 performs, in addition to a rotation about its axis, of the made of the unwinding of the film, a helical movement of axis 11.

In such an overwrapping machine, it is possible, instead of a crown 12, to have means for supporting the film reel 9 equivalent and ensuring a path identical or equivalent to the latter or to its axis. These support means can be, for example, a bent arm (horizontal upper and vertical down) rotating around a vertical axis of its horizontal section, parallel and spaced from the vertical section.

With such an overwrapping machine, the load 1 and the (or them) can be covered by wrapping angle (s) 4 by wrapping with the film 2 in strip coming from the film reel 9. For this purpose, successively, an initial free end part of the film strip 2 is associated with the load 1; a relative movement of the load 1 and of the film reel 9 is ensured so as to rotate the axis of the film reel 9 around the axis 11 of wrapping the load; the film strip 2 is cut transversely once the wrapping has been carried out; and an end free end portion of the film strip 2 is associated with the previously wrapped film or with the load.

An overwrapping machine for wrapping the vertical lateral faces 5 of a load 1 by wrapping and allowing both the overpackaging of the load and the maintenance of the angles can also be of the table type 8 rotating around its vertical axis 11 by a pin 8a, the film reel having a generally fixed vertical direction axis. Such a machine is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 12 and 13. It derives from a conventional machine of this type, known from the prior art by the presence instead of a roof presser plate of a device 54 for folding down the projecting edge or flap 53 of a plate or upper end frame 52 placed on the upper face 6 of the load 1, this device 54 being arranged like such a pressure plate, that is to say carried pivotally free by an axis 48 located above, coaxial with the axis 11 of the table 8, itself carried by a bracket 49 carried slidingly by a column 50 forming a frame so as to be able to slide upwards downwards, thanks to training means. In this way the device 54 for folding down can be applied to the upper horizontal face 6 of a load 1 placed on the table 8 and turn at the same time as this. This column 50 also receives the means for feeding a film 9 most often comprising a carriage generally also mounted to slide vertically. The device 54 can be incorporated into a device 51 for supplying the plate or frame, these two devices 51, 54 being described below.

An overpacking machine implemented in the invention for overpacking the load and / or maintaining an angle can also be (not shown) of the "curtain" type, the load sliding horizontally on a conveyor and meeting a curtain of vertical film of general horizontal longitudinal direction stretched between two film reels with vertical axes, the curtain then being deformed into a U then closed in on itself and finally welded transversely and cut; or of the "hooded" type, the film coming from a sheath, in particular with bellows, originally flattened which is then opened with members such as belts, fingers, suction boxes or the like and then strung open on the load, from above. In the case of a packaging machine of the "hooding" type, successively the sheath is opened, it is threaded onto the load and the angle iron, the sheath is cut transversely to the desired length.

An overwrapping machine as implemented may also include (not shown) a film reel with a horizontal axis rotating around an elongated load in the longitudinal direction and movable to slide along it.

Film 2 is full or openwork like a net. It is of the stretch type or of the heat-shrink type. In the in the case of a stretch film, the film is preferably pre-stretched before its application to the load.

The covering of the load 1 with the film 2 by means of an overwrapping machine as mentioned above is such that the film surrounds the load (in at least one direction) as well as the angle or angles thereon . The film covers all of the adjoining faces of the load in this direction or only a part. Depending on the film dimensions used, the covering is simple (full width) or comprises several juxtaposed sections, in particular overlapping in the case of a helical wrapping. This helical wrapping can be crossed up and down.

In the embodiment of the overwrapping machine shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, there is also provided a device 13 for depositing a flexible sheet of overwrapping film on the upper horizontal face 6 of the load 1.

As already mentioned, such an overwrapping machine as has just been described can be used not only to ensure the overwrapping of the palletized load 1 furnished with one or more angles 4, when '' such an overwrap is desired, the overwrapping step then taking place at the end of the packaging process, but also to ensure substantially alone or in combination with the overwrap the maintenance of the angle iron (s) 4 temporarily maintained, moreover, on the load 1. In the case where it is desired to use the overwrapping machine for maintaining the angle or angles 4, first places the angle iron 4 on the edge 3 considered by means of a device 14 for gripping, moving, depositing and temporary maintenance to which we return later. Then, we cover the load 1 with the film 2, thanks to the overwrapping machine. We also cover, at least partially, the angle iron 4 held in place by the device 14, until it is trapped by the film 2 applied to the load and, consequently, held in place by the only overwrapping film. We then implement a device 14 for gripping, moving, depositing and maintaining protective angle 4 placed between a store 15 of angles of protection 4 and the edge 3 of the load 1 to be fitted with an angle iron 4. A protective angle iron 4 is brought in and deposited on an edge 3 of the load from the magazine 15 by means of said device 14. With the same said device 14 only temporarily maintains the protective angle 4 thus brought to the edge 3 in a first zone 16 and, simultaneously, covers the angle 4 in a second zone 17 different from the first zone 16 with the packaging film 2 e t this at least until the packaging film 2 once surrounds the load 1 and also covering the angle iron 4 ensures its maintenance. Once the angle iron 4 thus held by the packaging film 2, the said device 14 is released from the angle iron 4 and the covering of the load 1 and the angle iron 4 is continued with the packaging film 2.

An angle iron 4 has in the embodiment considered substantially the length of the corresponding edge 3. The first zone 16 is, in this embodiment, the lower half of the angle iron 4 and the second zone 17 its upper end part. According to other possible variants, the zones 16, 17 are different.

In the embodiment considered by the figures, protective angles 4 are placed on the four substantially parallel lateral edges 3 of the load 1. This positioning takes place simultaneously with several, in particular four, separate devices 14 for gripping, moving, depositing and maintenance operating in synchronism.

• un bâti 18 ;
• un magasin 15 de cornières agencé pour que dans celui-ci les cornières 4 soient stockées avec leurs extrados tournés vers l'ouverture de sortie 19 du magasin 15, notamment soient imbriquées ou superposées les unes dans ou sur les autres ;
• un bras-support 20 porté par le bâti 18, monté sur ce dernier de façon mobile entre deux positions extrêmes : une position de saisie et une position commune de dépose et de maintien, où il est respectivement proche de l'ouverture de sortie 19 du magasin 15 et éloigné de celle-ci et proche d'une arête 3 de la charge 1 ;
• des premiers moyens 21 agissant sur le bras-support 20 pour son entraînement entre et son blocage dans ses deux positions extrêmes ;
• des moyens 22 de saisie et de maintien d'une cornière 4 essentiellement par son extrados et sa première zone 16, portés par le bras-support 20, se trouvant soit à l'état actif soit à l'état inactif ;
• des moyens de commande spécifiques des moyens 22 de saisie et de maintien permettant le passage de l'un à l'autre des états et le maintien temporaire de l'un ou l'autre des deux états ;
• des moyens de commande généraux assurant la coordination des premiers moyens d'entraînement 21 et des moyens de commande spécifiques.

Such a device 14 generally comprises:

• a frame 18;
• a store 15 of angles arranged so that therein the angles 4 are stored with their upper surfaces facing the outlet opening 19 of the store 15, in particular are nested or superimposed one in or on the other;
• a support arm 20 carried by the frame 18, mounted on the latter movably between two extreme positions: a gripping position and a common position of removal and holding, where it is respectively close to the outlet opening 19 of the store 15 and distant from it and close to an edge 3 of the load 1;
• first means 21 acting on the support arm 20 for driving it between and blocking it in its two extreme positions;
• means 22 for gripping and holding an angle 4 essentially by its upper surface and its first zone 16, carried by the support arm 20, being either in the active state or in the inactive state;
• specific control means of the gripping and holding means 22 allowing the passage from one to the other of the states and the temporary maintenance of one or the other of the two states;
• general control means ensuring the coordination of the first drive means 21 and specific control means.

The outlet opening 19 of the magazine 15 has an elongated shape substantially complementary to that of the protective angles 4. Such an opening 19 therefore has a longitudinal direction 19a substantially parallel to the general longitudinal direction of the angles 4. Its longitudinal edges 19b are substantially parallel to direction 19a.

So that the upper surface of an angle iron 4 is both directed towards the outlet opening 19 when the angle iron 4 is in the magazine 15 and opposite the load 1 when the angle iron 4 is on it ci, and even when the outlet opening 19 is generally turned towards the load 1, the process is such that during the movement of a protective angle 4 from the magazine 15 to the corresponding edge 3 of the load 1 by means of said device 14, by means of the same said device 14, the relative pivoting of the angle iron 4 is approximately 180 ° relative to its general longitudinal direction.

According to a first embodiment, we start from preformed angles and stored in this way, we grab them, move them, deposit and maintain them substantially in this pre-formed state.

According to a second alternative embodiment, one starts from flattened angles, they are grabbed and moved in this flattened state and they are given the desired configuration of angle by deforming them in situ on the corresponding edge 3 of the load 1. For this purpose the angle is gripped only in the vicinity of its longitudinal edges 23 and it is applied between these two edges 23 on one edge 3 projecting from the load 1.

In the embodiment considered, the support arm 20 is movable and pivotable because it is mounted as such at its first end portion 24 on the frame 18 around a fixed hinge axis 25, substantially parallel to the general longitudinal direction 19a.

The gripping and holding means 22 are supported at the second end portion 26 of the support arm 20.

In this embodiment, the first drive means 21 comprise a jack which ensures the pivoting of the support arm 20 around the axis 25 and between its two extreme positions. These are angularly spaced apart by a fraction of a turn, for example of the order of an eighth of a turn.

According to other possible embodiments, not shown, the support arm 20 is: mobile with pivoting about an axis arranged or arranged differently; sliding mobile, in particular horizontal in the direction of the edge 3 to be covered with the angle iron; articulated around a point; carried by a handling robot; or finally is mobile according to a combination of these different movements (articulation, pivoting, sliding). The movement is more or less complex depending on the displacement imposed on the angle iron between the magazine 15 more or less distant from the load 1 or its support means 8 and from the load 1 or its support means 8.

The gripping and holding means 22 can use at least one suction cup 27 which in the gripping position of the support arm 20 is situated substantially in the opening 19 of the magazine 15, the opening of the suction cup 27 being then able to come and take an angle 4 located in the opening 19, by its upper surface.

In the envisaged embodiment, at least two suction cups 27 are provided which, in the gripping position of the support arm 20, are located near the longitudinal edges 19b of the outlet opening 19 of the magazine 15.

The suction cups 27 are associated with suction means with a cut-off such that when the suction means are operating, the suction cups then in the active state, suck air through their gripping faces. When the suction means are cut, the suction cups, then in the inactive state, do not suck the air.

Such suction cups 27 are commonly used in the packaging field. There is no need to describe them further. They can be replaced by equivalent members such as suction box or even finger or gripping pliers.

It is also expected that the gripping and holding means 22 comprise at least one conformation 28 in general form of angle iron. Such a shaping member 28 aims to ensure pressure on the upper surface of the protective angle 4 during its installation so that it is well conformed to the load 1 at the location and in the vicinity of the edge 3 and that there is no substantial clearance between the load 1 and the protective angle 4. This shaping member which can also be used in the case of pre-formed angles allows, in the case of originally flattened angles, conform them according to a form of angle iron.

In the envisaged embodiment, in addition to the overall movement of the support arm 20, provision is made for the gripping and holding means 22 to be mounted relatively displaceable on the support arm 20 between two extreme relative positions, namely a gripping position and a deposit position. To this end, second drive means 29 are provided for gripping and holding means 22 ensuring the displacement of the means 22 from one to the other of the two extreme positions and allowing blocking in one or the other. 'other of these. The general control means already mentioned ensure the coordination of the second drive means 29 with the first control means and the specific control means.

In particular, the gripping and holding means 22 are pivotally mounted on the support arm 20, at its second end portion 26 around an axis of articulation 30 substantially parallel to the general direction 19a as well as to the axis 25. In this case, the second drive means 29 comprise a jack 31 which is articulated on the one hand to the support arm 20 on the side of the second end portion 26, on the other hand to a toothed pinion 32 articulated at 33 on the support arm 20 and on which a toothed pinion 34 fixed in rotation on the axis 30. With such a structure, the second drive means 29 ensure the pivoting of the gripping and holding means between its two extreme relative positions angularly spaced apart by a fraction of a turn, in particular the order of a U-turn.

The second drive means 29 can be the subject of other embodiments, corresponding as well to the same kinematics of movement of the gripping and holding means 22 as to another kinematics.

• bras-support 20 en position de saisie : les moyens de saisie et de maintien 22 sont en position de saisie. Leur localisation est alors dans ou à proximité immédiate de l'ouverture 19. Alors, les moyens 22 sont soit à l'état actif, soit à l'état inactif. A l'état actif les ventouses 27 aspirent contre elles et maintiennent ainsi une cornière de protection 4. A l'état inactif, les ventouses 27 ne peuvent maintenir contre elles une cornière de protection 4. Cette dernière situation intervient lorsque le dispositif 14 est à l'état d'attente .
• bras-support 20 en position de dépose et de maintien : les moyens de saisie 22 sont en position de dépose. Ils sont alors écartés du magasin 15 et situés à proximité immédiate de l'arête 3 concernée. Alors, les moyens 22 sont soit à l'état actif pour continuer à assurer le maintien effectif de la cornière de protection 4, soit à l'état inactif pour libérer la cornière de protection 4, et tandis que celle-ci est appliquée sur l'arête, 3 revenir vers le magasin 15.

The general control means are arranged to allow the following situations:

• support arm 20 in the gripping position: the gripping and holding means 22 are in the gripping position. Their location is then in or in the immediate vicinity of the opening 19. Then, the means 22 are either in the active state, or in the inactive state. In the active state the suction cups 27 suck against them and thus maintain a protective angle 4. In the inactive state, the suction cups 27 cannot maintain against them a protective angle 4. The latter situation occurs when the device 14 is at the waiting state.
• support arm 20 in the removal and holding position: the gripping means 22 are in the removal position. They are then moved away from the magazine 15 and located in the immediate vicinity of the edge 3 concerned. Then, the means 22 are either in the active state to continue to ensure the effective maintenance of the protective angle 4, or in the inactive state to release the protective angle 4, and while the latter is applied to the edge, 3 back to store 15.

• a/ passage des moyens de saisie et de maintien 22 à l'état actif ;
• b/ passage du bras-support 20 à la position de dépose et de maintien et des moyens de saisie et de maintien 22 en position de dépose ;
• c/ dans cette dernière position du bras-support 20 et des dits moyens 22, passage de ceux-ci à l'état inactif ;
• d/ passage du bras-support 20 et des moyens de saisie et de maintien 22 à la position de saisie.

The general control means ensure, in relation to an initial situation where the support arm 20 is in the gripping position and the gripping and holding means 22 in the gripping position and in the inactive state - waiting state - the following sequence:

• a / passage of the gripping and holding means 22 in the active state;
• b / passage of the support arm 20 in the removal and holding position and gripping and holding means 22 in the removal position;
• c / in this last position of the support arm 20 and of the said means 22, passage of the latter in the inactive state;
• d / passage of the support arm 20 and of the gripping and holding means 22 to the gripping position.

Step a / allows to enter the protective angle 4 located in the opening 19 and this in the area 16. In step b / the two passages considered occur simultaneously or not. This step b / makes it possible to transport the angle iron carried by the means 22 to the load and the edge 3 concerned. In step c / the reinforcing angle 4 is separated from the holding means 22. This is made possible without substantial movement of the protective angle 4 because, simultaneously, the film 2 keeps the angle 4 applied to the load 1 in the second zone 17. In step d / the device returns to the waiting state. This step d / occurs in masked time since simultaneously the covering of the load 1 and the angle iron 4 with the film can continue. Likewise step a / and the start of step b / can occur while film 2 is deposited on the load 1 including, possibly on the edge 3 which must receive the angle iron 4. At the end of the step b /, the edge 3 must be free of film 2 to allow the angle 4 to be applied to this edge 3.

Preferably, the gripping and holding means 22 comprise a support profile 35 extending substantially parallel to the general longitudinal direction 19b of the outlet opening 19 of the magazine 15, along which are arranged several pairs of suction cup assemblies 27- shaping members 28. The support profile 35 is in this case placed in a median manner relative to the opening 19, the suction cups 27 and the shaping member 28 being located on either side of the support profile 35. The pairs of suction cup assemblies 27 shaping member 28 are, in the embodiment considered two in number, one at each lower 36 and upper 37 end portion of the support profile 35. The support profile 35 is journalled on the support arm 20. The toothed pinion 34 and more generally the second drive means 29 are located at an end part of the support profile 35, in this case the lower end part. e 36 where the support profile 35 is carried by the support arm 20.

The support arm 20 and the gripping and holding means 22 are located sectorally with respect to the general longitudinal direction of an angle iron. This arrangement makes it possible to maintain the protective angle 4 by its first zone 16 only, leaving its second zone 17 free.

To allow flexibility of use of the device 14, namely the use of angles 4 of different lengths (heights when the angles are of generally vertical direction as in the embodiment considered), provision is made for the magazine 15 to have a transverse end 38 ( in this case upper) open through which can protrude more or less the angles 4. In such a case, the magazine 15 also comprises projections 39 for holding the first angle located in the opening in the vicinity of the suction cups 27 and transverse ends 38, 40, the latter lower and close to the horizontal plane of the support arm 20.

In the embodiment under consideration, the device 14 also comprises means 41 able on the one hand to permanently bring an angle iron into the outlet opening 19 of the magazine 15, whatever the degree of filling of the magazine 15 and, on the other part, to exert at least on the angle iron being in this opening 19 a force tending to prevent it from entering more into the store 15. This constructive arrangement is particularly efficient in the case where the angles are arranged vertically and are of great length (in this case height) for example of the order of 2 meters. Otherwise, there would be a risk of the angles 4 collapsing or, when the device 14 is brought to grip an angle in the opening 19, this would risk entering the store and, consequently, not being caught by the means of gripping and holding 22.

These means 41 comprise for example a rear support plate 42 of the angles, movable with transverse sliding and biased towards the outlet opening of the magazine by a suitable member 43 as well as a support conveyor 44 of angles of the magazine 15. D ' other embodiments can be envisaged, in the form of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic means.

According to the invention (Figure 11), the device 14 is arranged in a packaging machine so that it can be adjusted as a function of the dimensions of the load 1. This adjustment requires that the gripping and holding means 22 be placed more or less close to the axis 11, in the removal and holding position, with a given orientation. To this end, according to a possible embodiment, the frame 18 is mounted as a whole movable and lockable in the required position for adjusting the device according to the dimensions of the load 1 concerned, by means of mobile support means 46 in particular rollers and drive means 47, in particular jacks, depending on the device control means. In particular, the frame 18 is mounted slidingly movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 19a of the outlet opening 19 of the magazine 15. The rollers 46 can roll on a track 45 on the ground. The jack 47 can be associated on the one hand with the ground or with a support fixed to it and on the other hand with the frame 18 or with a support fixed to it. Furthermore, the gripping and holding means 22 are mounted to be movable on the support arm 20 according to an adjustable stroke for the purpose of adjusting the device as a function of the dimensions of the load 1 concerned, depending on the control means of the device. For this purpose and for example, the jack 31 can have an adjustable stroke, the effective stroke of the jack of the cylinder 31 depending on the dimensions of the load 1 concerned. Preferably, it is provided that the control means coordinate the movements of the frame 18 and the adjustment of the stroke of the jack 31 in particular according to standard operating programs corresponding to standardized load dimensions 1. According to a possible variant, the first means of drive 21 are arranged adjustable as regards the stroke of the support arm 20 between its two extreme positions, depending on the device control means, for adjusting the device 14 according to the dimensions of the load 1. For this purpose and for example, the pivoting stroke of the support arm 20 can be more or less important as adjustable, the sliding stroke of the cylinder of the first drive means 21 being itself adjustable.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine as already described with which is associated at least one device 14 for gripping, moving, depositing and holding as it has already been described.

These devices 14, thanks to their structure with pivoting arm 20 makes it possible to move the magazines away from the load to be treated or from its support means. The free space between them allows the passage of the packaging or overwrapping means.

Preferably and in general, the machine comprises a plurality (for example four) of gripping, moving, depositing and holding devices 14 of protective angles 4 substantially similar to one another for the same plurality of edges 3 of the load 1 to be packaged.

This plurality of devices 14 is arranged to that the longitudinal general directions 19b are substantially parallel to each other and that the plurality of support arms 20 is substantially in the same common plane (or between two common planes parallel to each other) perpendicular to the direction 19b.

The general control means ensure the synchronous operation of the plurality of devices 14.

The plurality of gripping and holding means 22 are in their gripping position which is relatively distant from one another and in their relatively closest positioning and holding position.

The overwrapping machine under consideration may comprise several devices 14 which comprise partially or completely common constituent members. For example, two devices 14 may have a common support arm 20 which supports, by means of a cross member, two gripping and holding assemblies for two angles 4 and two edges 3.

In the embodiment considered in FIGS. 7 and 8 (table 8 support for load of vertical axis), the magazine (s) 15 have vertical general directions 19a and its (or their) transverse end (s) ( s) lower (s) 40 is (are) substantially coplanar (s) with the table 8. In this same embodiment, the devices 14 are essentially placed outside and close to the crown 12 and its path.

The overwrapping machine can also be according to the other types envisaged and described and, by example, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, as well as to the functional diagrams of FIGS. 14A to 14I, of the rotary table type 8. This machine then comprises a device capable of ensuring at least temporary maintenance of the angles 4 put in place by the devices 14 until they are trapped and therefore maintained by the overwrap film 2. This device can be, in l occurrence, the functional combination of a device 51 for supplying and depositing a plate or upper end frame 52 having an outer flap 53 and a device 54 for folding this flap 53, originally coplanar with the plate or frame, substantially perpendicular thereto, towards the load 1 and against the upper free end parts of the angles 4. The device 54 is carried by the axis 48 as already indicated, so as to be able to pivot freely, while the device 51 is mounted on an annex frame 55, fixed, so that it can slide doubly vertically up or down and horizontally between a retracted position away from the plumb of the tab the 8 and of the device 54 (FIGS. 12 and 14A) and a position located directly above the table 8 and above the upper face 6 and of the load 1 (FIG. 14B), the device 54 being in this position , as shown in Figure 12 then being retracted, to allow the passage of the device 51, by vertical sliding upward, as shown in Figures 14H and 14I. As can be seen in Figures 14A to 14I, the device 51 is first implemented, the device 54 being retracted (Figures 14A and 14B). Then the device 51 is retracted and the device 54 implemented once the angles have been removed and are held by the device 14 (FIG. 14E). The angles 4 are thus temporarily held in place by the device 54, the wrapping can be started, preferably to table 8 (Figure 14F). The angles 4 are then trapped by the overwrap film 2 (FIG. 14G). The device 54 can then in turn be removed by vertical upward sliding (FIG. 14H).

According to the invention, it is possible, also to ensure the temporary or permanent retention of the angle or angles 4 by means other than the overwrapping film 2 put in place by means of an overwrapping machine, as indicated .

In a first variant, one surrounds some of the faces of the load 1 or a packaging element thereof and of the angle iron 4 held in place by the device 14 with at least one strip applied to the load 1 placed in at least a second zone 17 different from the first 16, so that the strip maintains the angle iron 4. For example, it is possible to use a narrow strip such as a strip 56 providing localized support on the angle iron 4 (FIGS. 2A , 2B, 2C, 2D). As a sub-variant, strips 56 can be placed offset from one another. One or such bands maintain the angle 4 in a second zone 17 distinct from the first zone 16 or the angle 4 is held by the device 14. Such a strip 56 forming a strip opposes a wide band such as the film 2 in a strip for the overpack put in place by wrapping (Figures 3A to 3C). The strip 56 (or possibly 2) is implemented in the manner of a strapping or a straight wrapping or a helical wrapping. As already mentioned, it is possible either to leave the load 1 with the angles 4 held by the strip (s) 56 (not shown), or to ensure an additional overwrap (Figures 2C and 2D).

Figures 3A to 3C correspond to the implementation of an overwrapping machine by wrapping.

According to a second variant, glue, soda, staple, clip, bond the angle iron 4 to the load 1 or a packaging element of the latter in order to maintain the angle iron 4. This variant is illustrated by the diagrams of the figures 4A, 4B, 4C in the case of stapling by means of staples 57. The load packaging element in question can be chosen from the group comprising the pallet 1a, a spacer, a plate or frame end 52, a container of the same load 1. We glue, weld, staple, clip, connect the angle iron 4 to the load 1 or a packaging element thereof in or away from a first zone 16. The second zone 17 is identical to the first 16 in the case where the application of the angle iron to the load 1 ensures, by this very fact, the desired permanent connection, for example because the angle 4 has, on its lower surface of the adhesive, or functional equivalent ensuring the desired connection during the pressing of the angle iron on the load 1 by the device 14. Or a stapling device or equivalent can be incorporated into the device 14. The second zone 17 is distinct from the first 16 in the other cases (case of FIGS. 4A at 4C). An additional overwrap film 2 can (Figure 4B) or not (Figure 4C) be applied next. In the case of the diagrams of FIGS. 5A to 5D, the angle iron 4 is rigidly associated, for example by gluing or stapling on the one hand at its upper end to a plate or upper end frame 52 whose flap 53 has been previously folded down and is therefore below of the angle iron 4 and, on the other hand, at its lower end, in the same way to the pallet la, the angle iron 4 having a suitable length. Alternatively, one could, in a similar manner, previously set up a plate or lower end frame 52 with a flap also folded up, as taught with reference to the third variant and FIGS. 6A and following which the angle iron, placed above on the outside, would be rigidly associated.

In a third variant, the angle iron 4 is clamped on the load 1 at at least one of its ends in a zone spaced 17 from the first zone 16 by means of an end plate or frame 52 having a folded edge 53 on the angle iron 4 by wedging it and for this purpose: the angle iron 4 is brought to the edge 3 and an end plate or frame 52 with edge 53 not folded over at least one end face 6,7 of the load 1 ; then the edge 53 of the plate or frame 52 is positively folded down on the angle iron 4. This variant is more particularly represented by FIGS. 6A to 6G in the case where the angle iron 4 is held at its upper and lower ends by two flaps 53a , 53b of two end plates 52a, 52b respectively lower and upper. To this end, devices such as 51, 54 are used for each of the two plates or frames 52a, 52b and each of the corresponding flaps 53a, 53b. To do this, and from, for example, a pallet 1a, the plate or frame 52a of the lower end, the edge 53a not folded down, that is to say, say substantially coplanar with the plate or frame 52a. Then thanks to a palletizer forming part of the packaging installation (not shown), the elementary packages 1b (or the load 1) is brought onto the plate or frame 52a (FIG. 6B), up to that the plate or frame 52a is trapped under the load, its edge or flap 53a still not folded down. In the same way, thanks to a suitable feeding device 51 (the same or another), the plate or frame 52b of upper end with the edge 53b not folded down is brought to the upper face 6 of the load 1 (FIG. 6C). It is then possible to bring the load 1 and its edges 3, the angles 4 by the first zones 16, thanks to the devices 14 the flaps 53a, 53b being free and not trapped (FIG. 6D). The angles 4 remaining held in place by the devices 14 and the devices 51 being suitably retracted, two devices 54 can be used to ensure the folding of the two flaps 53a, 53b (Figure 6E) on the angles 4 in the second zones 17 by trapping them against load 1 (Figure 6F). This charge can remain as is. Or the flaps 53a, 53b can be joined by a strip of tape, glue, staples or the like (not shown). Or it can be put in place an overwrap film 2, by wrapping (Figure 6G) or by covering (Figure 6H) or other. Naturally, the sequence which has just been described can be the subject of variant embodiments, aiming at the same effect. When, as has just been indicated, end plates or frames 52 are used, these are for example of cardboard grooved at the location of the fold line of the flaps 53. Such plates or frames are such that once the flaps 53 are folded with a certain force, they keep a substantial residual folding even with slight external constraints going in the direction of the spacing of the flaps 53.

As follows from the above, such plates or frames 52 can, by themselves, ensure sufficient temporary retention of the angles 4 in order to their subsequent overwrapping, or even permanent support, without even overwrapping, especially when the flaps 53 are secured to each other and / or to the angles 4. Such plates or frames 52 also have the advantage of allowing the angles 4 to be held in one or their two ends. Therefore, according to the relative position of the angles 4 relative to a flap 53 (outside or inside) thereof, the feed devices 14 or 51 for depositing an end plate or frame 52 or 54 to fold the edge or flap 53 thereof are functionally associated according to a sequence chosen from the group comprising the following sequence: the device 51 for depositing an end plate or frame 52 is first put in work, then the device 54 for folding the edge 53, finally the device 14, the angle iron 4 then being placed towards the outside of the folded edge 53; the device 14 and the device 51 for depositing a plate or frame 52 are first implemented then the device 54 for folding the edge 53, the angle iron 4 then being placed towards the inside of the folded edge 3.

According to another aspect, the invention also relates, on the one hand to the device for supplying and depositing 51 of an end plate or frame 52 and on the other hand to a device 54 for folding down a flap 53 of a such a plate or frame 52.

These two devices 51, 54 are incorporated into a machine or installation as just described, which allows the installation of angle brackets.

These two devices 51, 54 are in a first embodiment, isolated and distinct from each other. In a second embodiment, the two devices 51, 54 are incorporated into a common assembly.

The supply and removal characteristics 51 will now be described in more detail with more specific reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.

• un bâti 58 ;
• au moins un magasin 59 pour les plaques ou cadres d'extrémité 52 ;
• des moyens de saisie 60 d'une plaque ou cadre 52, lesquels moyens de saisie 60 se trouvent soit à l'état actif, soit à l'état inactif ;
• des moyens support 61, des moyens de saisie 60 ;
• des moyens d'entraînement 62, des moyens support 61, donc des moyens de saisie 60 entre une localisation de saisie où les moyens de saisie 60 sont situés dans ou à proximité de l'ouverture de décharge 63 du magasin 59 et une localisation de dépose où les moyens de saisie 60 sont situés dans ou à proximité de la zone ou la plaque ou cadre 52 doit être sur la charge 1 ;
• et, enfin des moyens de commandes coordonnant le fonctionnement des moyens de saisie 60 et des moyens d'entraînement 62.

Such a feed and deposit device 51 comprises

• a frame 58;
• at least one magazine 59 for the end plates or frames 52;
• gripping means 60 for a plate or frame 52, which gripping means 60 are either in the active state or in the inactive state;
• support means 61, gripping means 60;
• drive means 62, support means 61, therefore gripping means 60 between a gripping location where the gripping means 60 are located in or near the discharge opening 63 of the magazine 59 and a depositing location where the gripping means 60 are located in or near the area where the plate or frame 52 must be on the load 1;
• and finally control means coordinating the operation of the gripping means 60 and the drive means 62.

The frame 58 can be more or less incorporated into the frame of the packaging machine and installation of angles.

Preferably, a magazine 59 is arranged to allow stacking of the plates or frames 52 so that they are placed horizontally, the discharge opening 63 being upper. This discharge opening 63 can also be a reloading opening for the magazine in plates or frames 52.

In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 17, two magazines 59 are provided placed side by side on a movable frame of means such as a jack, ensuring relative movement of magazines 59 and support means 61.

In the nonlimiting embodiment represented by the drawings, the drive means 62 are arranged to ensure double vertical and horizontal sliding respectively for on the one hand the gripping operation and that of depositing, on the other hand the transition from one location to another.

• on amène par un coulissement vertical et vers le bas les moyens de saisie 60 au contact d'une plaque ou cadre 52. A cet effet, les moyens support 61 sous la forme d'une plaque peut comporter un contacteur ou détecteur 69 qui arrête le mouvement de coulissement vers le bas lorsque les moyens de saisie 60 peuvent venir en prise sur une plaque ou cadre 52.

Dans cette situation où les moyens de saisie 60 sont écartés de la charge et situés plutôt vers le bas, on fait passer les moyens de saisie préalablement à l'état inactif à leur état actif. A l'état inactif, les moyens de saisie ne sont pas en mesure de prendre et maintenir une plaque ou cadre 52 alors que, au contraire, ils sont dans cette situation à l'état actif. En conséquence, le passage des moyens de saisie 60 de l'état inactif à l'état actif permet d'associer une plaque ou cadre 52 aux moyens de saisie 60 portés par les moyens supports 61 incluant une plaque support 70.In this case, and from a standby position where the gripping means 60 are located vertically but spaced from a plate or frame 52 located in the discharge opening 63, the successive operations are carried out following:

• the gripping means 60 are brought in by vertical sliding downwards in contact with a plate or frame 52. For this purpose, the support means 61 in the form of a plate may include a contactor or detector 69 which stops the sliding movement downward when the gripping means 60 can engage on a plate or frame 52.

In this situation where the gripping means 60 are separated from the load and situated rather downwards, the gripping means are made to pass before the inactive state to their active state. In the inactive state, the gripping means are not able to take and maintain a plate or frame 52 while, on the contrary, they are in this situation in the active state. Consequently, the passage of the input means 60 from the inactive state to the active state makes it possible to associate a plate or frame 52 with the input means 60 carried by the support means 61 including a support plate 70.

The drive means 62 then control the upward vertical movement of the gripping means 60, these always remain in the active state. Then, the drive means 62 move the gripping means 60 from their location away from the load to the location of removal, in particular by bringing the plate or frame 52 vertically vertically from the place where it is to be deposited. on the load or a packaging element thereof (upper horizontal face of the load or pallet 1a).

The drive means 62 can then be used to bring about a vertical downward movement of the gripping means 60, the gripping means 60 always being in the active state and still holding a plate or frame 52.

This movement is continued until the gripping means 60 are stopped, the plate or frame 52 is finding it in convenient proximity to its location on the load.

In this situation, it is possible to switch the input means 60 from the active state to the inactive state. It follows that the plate or frame 52 is detached from the gripping means 60 and, by its own weight, falls vertically to the desired location.

Then, the supply device 51 can return to the initial state by a double movement of vertical ascending sliding then of sliding until the location is removed, the gripping means 60 being in the inactive state.

Naturally, it is understood that other operating sequences are possible to achieve a similar effect.

Insofar as the frame 58 is partly common to the packaging machine as described, this frame 58 does not interfere with the movable members of the machine. To this end, the frame 58 is in particular placed above and towards the outside of these members. In this case, the magazine 59 can be placed horizontally next to the packaging machine as is clearly visible in FIG. 15.

In this variant embodiment, the frame 58 comprises pillars 71 or extensions of machine pillars situated generally towards the outside thereof and, at the upper part, side members 72, arranged horizontally. These beams 72 constitute a path of guide (in particular rolling) for a carriage 73. This carriage 73 is slidably mounted between the two end parts of the beam 72 corresponding to the two locations of the gripping means 60. For this purpose, there are provided drive members such as cylinder, gearmotor, motorized endless chain, etc.

The carriage 73 itself comprises the vertical sliding means 74 such as a jack supporting, at the lower end 75, the support plate 70 on the lower face of which are the gripping means 60 and if necessary the contactor or detector 69.

The gripping means 60 are preferably vacuum suction cups. To ensure proper maintenance of the plate or frame 52 gripped by such suction cups 60, several suction cups 60 are generally provided regularly arranged on the support plate 70.

So that the machine including the feed device 51 constitutes a compact assembly, the magazine 59 is preferably located in the immediate vicinity of the means for depositing overwrap film.

Whether the supply device 51 has one or more magazines 59, such a magazine can be provided (see FIG. 17) with a device 64 ensuring a constant level of grip in the magazine 59 whatever its degree of filling . This device 64 can be constituted for example by a lifting table. As a result, whatever the degree of filling of the magazine, there is always a plate or frame 52 in the discharge opening 63, the sliding stroke of the displacement 66 to go and grasp this plate being substantially constant.

It is understood that if the device 51 as just described is intended to deposit a plate or frame 52 on the pallet 1a, the downward vertical stroke in the location of removal is greater than when the device is intended to deposit the plate or frame 52 on the horizontal face 6 of the load.

Furthermore, when the plate or frame 52 is intended to be interposed between a pallet 1a and the elementary loads 1b constituting the load (FIG. 6b) the supply device 51 is functionally combined with a palletizer.

A device 54 will now be described more specifically in relation to FIGS. 18 to 21.

• un bâti 65 ;
• au moins un organe 66 de déplacement de rabat porté par le bâti 65 de façon mobile entre une position inactive où le rabat 53 peut être placé sensiblement de façon coplanaire avec la plaque ou cadre 52 et une position active où le rabat 53 est placé sensiblement orthogonalement à la plaque ou cadre 52 ;
• et des moyens d'entraînement 67 de l'organe mobile 66 entre ces deux positions.

In general, such a device 54 comprises:

• a frame 65;
• at least one member 66 for moving the flap carried by the frame 65 movably between an inactive position where the flap 53 can be placed substantially coplanar with the plate or frame 52 and an active position where the flap 53 is placed substantially orthogonally to the plate or frame 52;
• and drive means 67 of the movable member 66 between these two positions.

Such a device 54 is shown in FIG. 18 in the case where it is incorporated into a supply and deposit device 51 as just described. In this case, the frame 65 is incorporated into the support means 61, in the general form of the support plate 70. In this case, at the periphery 76 of said support plate 70 are placed the displacement member (s) 66, the drive means 67 also being carried by the support plate 65, 70. In the case where the two devices 51, 54 are structurally associated together as has just been described, the control means mentioned above ensure the coordination of movements of the member 66 with the gripping means 60.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, a member 66 is in the form of a finger pivotally mounted on the support plate 65, 70 at the periphery 76. For this purpose, the support plate 65, 70, comprises protruding corners 77 supporting bearings 78 for axes 79 on which the fingers 66 are mounted wedged. The drive means 67 may comprise a jack carried by the support plate 65, 70 articulated by a link 80 to the axis 79 The two active and inactive positions are spaced from each other by a quarter of a turn. In the inactive position, the fingers 66 are substantially coplanar with the support plate 65, 70 while being directed towards the outside thereof. In the active position, the members 66 are substantially orthogonal to the support plate 65, 70 while being directed towards the gripping means or on the side of the face of the plate supporting the gripping means 60.

In the same way as a plurality of gripping means 60 is provided, there is generally provided a plurality of displacement members 66, for example two fingers on each of the axes situated on each of the sides of the support plate 65, 70.

If we now refer to the operating sequence of operation of the supply device 51 as described above, the member 66 is in the inactive position during the gripping phase of the plate or frame 52. In general, the passage from the inactive position to the active position occurs when the plate or frame 52 has already been deposited on the load 1.

The two devices 51 and 54 can be incorporated into each other as well as into a swivel table type overwrapping machine. The devices 51 and 54 can then be carried with free pivoting by the axis 48 of the overwrapping machine, this being coaxial with that 11 of the table 8. The axis 48 is, as already indicated, carried by the bracket 49 slidingly mounted on column 50 of the overwrapping machine.

According to another possible alternative embodiment, in the case where the device 54 is intended to fold down the flap of a plate or frame 52 placed on a pallet 1a, the device 54 is incorporated into a table 8 of the overwrapping machine while being separate from the device 51. To allow the movement of the member 66, the table 8 is provided with a passage opening 68. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, a plurality of displacement members 66 are provided in locations close to the level of load 1.

The table 8 is a roller table 81. These rollers 81 include the necessary interruptions defining the passages 68. Furthermore, the table comprises a lifting rack 82 comprising longitudinal members capable of passing between the rollers 81, carried by an underlying plate 83. The vertically sliding drive members move the plate 83 and the rack 82 so that the upper bearing surface 82a of the rack can be moved between a lowered retracted position (FIG. 20) and an upper active position. (figure 21). In the retracted position, the load rests on the rollers 81 while in the active position, the load rests on the bearing surface 82a of the rack 82.

The displacement members 66 are, in the embodiment under consideration, in the form of flattened fingers or equivalent mounted with vertical sliding and, for this purpose, associated with guide means with vertical sliding 85 and driving means with vertical sliding 86 such as a jack. These means 85, 86 are carried while being directed upwards so that the finger 66 is also directed upwards, at the end of an arm 87 mounted articulated in its median part around a vertical axis 88 carried by the built. A jack 89 mounted articulated on the one hand on the frame and on the other hand on the arm 87 ensures its pivoting around the axis 88. A return spring 90 can be provided to bring the arm 87 therefore the finger 66 in a discarded situation where the flap 53 is not folded down.

In the variant which has just been described, the drive means 67 therefore include the drive means 86 and the jack 89. The arm 87, the pin 88, the jack 89, the spring 90 are placed as a whole in below the rollers 81.

Claims (67)

1. Method for packaging a load including the steps consisting of:

   - taking the load to be packaged to a packaging station;

   - taking at least one rigid protecting corner piece (4) from a magazine (15) of protecting corner pieces (4) with a device (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining corner pieces (4);

   - depositing at least one rigid protecting corner piece on at least one edge of the load (1) to be packaged with said device (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining corner pieces (4);

   - maintaining in a first zone (16) the corner piece (4) on the edge (3) with said device (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining corner pieces (4) and, simultaneously, depositing on the load and the corner piece rigid and permanent means for maintaining the corner piece on the load;

   - releasing the device (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining corner pieces (4);

   - discharging the packaged load from the packaging station,

   - surrounding some of the faces of the load (1) or a packaging element thereof and of the corner piece (4) held in place by the device (14) with at least one band applied to the load (1) placed in at least one second zone (17) different to the first one (16), in such a way that the band ensures maintenance of the corner piece (4), characterised in that the load to be packaged is a parallelepipedic or substantially parallelepipedic load comprising four vertical edges on which are deposited the rigid protecting corner pieces (4), in that on transfer of corner pieces (4) from a corner piece magazine (15) to the edge (3), the device (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining corner pieces (4) performs rotation about a vertical axis, in that the supporting arm (20) is rotated by an amount of the order of one-eighth of a turn between two end positions and in that a corner piece is placed permanently in the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (15) whatever the degree of filling of the magazine (15) and a force tending to prevent it from going back more into the magazine (15) is exerted.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a narrow band such as a hoop (56) is used, producing localised pressure on the corner piece (4).
3. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a wide band capable of substantially covering the faces of the load (1) is used, producing distributed pressure on the corner piece (4).
4. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the band is used in the manner of straight hooping or casing.
5. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the band is used by helical hooping.
6. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that casing is commenced in a second zone (17) so as to allow maintenance of the corner piece (4), then once the device (14) is released, casing of the load (1) and of the corner piece (4) is continued.
7. Method according to claim 1, characterised by two second zones (17) spaced apart from each other.
8. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the corner piece (4) is glued, welded, stapled, clipped or bonded to the load (1) or a packaging element thereof to ensure maintenance of the corner piece (4).
9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the packaging element of the load (1) with which the corner piece (4) is associated rigidly is selected from among the group including the pallet (la), an insert, an end plate or frame (52) and a container of the load (1) itself.
10. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the corner piece (4) is glued, welded, stapled, clipped or bonded to the load (1) or a packaging element thereof in or away from a first zone (16).
11. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the corner piece (4) is wedged on the load (1) at at least one of its ends in a zone (17) remote from the first zone (16) by means of an end plate or frame (52) having an edge (53) turned down onto the corner piece (4), wedging it, and for this purpose the corner piece (4) is placed on the edge (3) and an end plate or frame (52) with an edge (53) not turned down is placed on at least one end face (6, 7) of the load (1); then the edge (53) of the plate of the frame (52) is positively turned down onto the corner piece (4).
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the corner piece (4) is wedged onto the load (1) at its two ends by two end plates or frames.
13. Method according to any of claims 1, 8 or 12, characterised in that at least some of the faces of the load (1) and of the corner piece (4) held in place with packaging film (2) applied to the load (1), the corner piece (4) and any members for maintaining the latter - band, glue, staple, clip, bond, turned-down edge of end plate or frame - are at least partially covered.
14. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a protecting corner piece (4) having substantially the length of the corresponding edge (3) of the load (1) is used.
15. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that protecting corner pieces (4) are placed on the four substantially parallel side edges (3) of the load (1).
16. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the load (1) to be packaged is a palletised load.
17. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that during displacement of a protecting corner piece (4) from the magazine (15) to the corresponding edge (3) of the load (1) by means of said device (14), relative pivoting thereof by about 180° in relation to its general longitudinal direction is ensured by means of said same device (14).
18. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that the load (1) and the corner piece (4) are covered by hooping with packaging film (2) in a band coming from a film reel (9) and, for this purpose, successively, an initial free end portion of said film band (2) is associated with the load (1) or a packaging element thereof, or a corner piece (4), or a member for maintaining the latter, relative displacement of the load (1) and of the film reel (9) is ensured so as to rotate the shaft of the film reel (9) about the hooping axis of the load (1), said film band (2) is cut transversely once hooping has been carried out, and a terminal free end portion of said film band (2) is associated with the film already hooped or with the load (1) or a packaging element thereof, or a corner piece (4), or a member for maintaining the latter.
19. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that the load (1) and the corner piece (4) are covered by wrapping with film (2) in a sheath coming from a flattened film sheath reel, and for this purpose successively the sheath is opened and the sheath is cut transversely to the desired length.
20. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that stretch film (2) is used.
21. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that stretch film (2) which is prestretched before being deposited on and applied to the load (1) is used.
22. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that preformed corner pieces (4) are started with, and they are gripped, displaced, deposited and maintained substantially in this preformed state.
23. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that flattened corner pieces (4) are started with, they are gripped and displaced in this flattened state and they are given the desired corner piece configuration by deforming them in situ on the corresponding edge (3) of the load (1).
24. Method according to claim 23, characterised in that, to give a corner piece (4) its configuration, it is gripped only in the vicinity of its longitudinal edges (23) and it is applied between the latter to a projecting edge (3) of the load (1).
25. Device for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining a protecting corner piece (4) on the edge (3) of a load (1) by employing the method according to claim 1, including:

    - a frame (18);

    - a corner piece magazine (15) where the corner pieces (4) are stored with their outer surfaces facing towards the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (15);

    - a supporting arm (20) carried by and mounted on the frame (18), so as to be movable between a gripping position and a depositing and maintaining position;

    - first means (21) such as an actuator acting on the supporting arm (20) to drive it between and lock it in its two end positions;

    - means (22) for gripping and maintaining a corner piece (4) by its outer surface, carried by the supporting arm (20), being either in the operative state or in the inoperative state, such as a suction cup (27);

    - means for specific control of the means (22) allowing passage from one to the other of the states and temporary maintenance of one or the other of the two states;

    - general control means ensuring coordination of the first driving means (21) and of the specific control means, said supporting arm (20) supporting the gripping and maintaining means (22) in its second end portion (26), the first driving means (21) ensuring pivoting of the supporting arm (20) between its two end positions which are angularly distant by a fraction of a turn, and the gripping and maintaining means (22) such as a suction cup (27) being, in the gripping position of the supporting arm (20), situated substantially in the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (5), characterised in that the supporting arm (20) is mounted pivotably by its first end portion on the frame (18) about a substantially vertical pivot axis (25), in that said pivoting of the supporting arm (20) between its two end positions is of the order of one-eighth of a turn, and in that the gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining device further comprises means (41) capable on the one hand of permanently placing a corner piece in the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (15), whatever the degree of filling of the magazine (15), and on the other hand of exerting at least on the corner piece located in this opening (19) a force tending to prevent it from going back more into the magazine (15).
26. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the gripping and maintaining means (22) include at least two suction cups (27) which in the gripping position of the supporting arm (20) are situated in the proximity of the longitudinal edges (19b) of the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (15).
27. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the gripping and maintaining means (22) include at least one member (28) for shaping in a general corner shape.
28. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the gripping and maintaining means (22) are mounted displaceably on the supporting arm (20) between two relative end positions, namely a gripping position and a depositing position; second driving means (29) for the gripping and maintaining means (22) ensuring displacement thereof between their end positions and locking therein; the general control means ensuring their coordination with the first driving means and the specific control means.
29. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the gripping and maintaining means (22) are mounted pivotably on the supporting arm (20) about a pivot axis (30) substantially parallel to the general longitudinal direction (19a) of the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (15); the second driving means (29) such as including an actuator (31) ensuring pivoting of said means (22) between its two end positions angularly distant by a fraction of a turn, particularly of the order of a half turn.
30. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the gripping and maintaining means (22) include a supporting profile (35) extending substantially parallel to the general longitudinal direction (19b) of the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (15) along which are arranged several pairs of cup (27) and shaping member (28) combinations.
31. Device according to claim 30, characterised in that the supporting profile (35) is mounted pivotably on the supporting arm (20).
32. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that these means (41) include a rear pressure plate (42) for the corner pieces, capable of a transverse sliding movement and biased towards the outlet opening of the magazine by a suitable member (43) as well as a conveyor (44) for supporting corner pieces of the magazine (15).
33. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the frame (18) is mounted so as to be in its entirety displaceable and lockable in the required position for the purpose of adjustment of the device as a function of the dimensions of the load (1) concerned, owing to movable supporting means (46), particularly rollers, and driving means (47), particularly actuators, under the control of the means for controlling the device.
34. Device according to claim 33, characterised in that the frame (18) is mounted for sliding displacement in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (19a) of the outlet opening (19) of the magazine (15).
35. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the gripping and maintaining means (22) are mounted displaceably on the supporting arm (20) along a path adjustable for the purpose of adjustment of the device as a function of the dimensions of the load (1) concerned, under the control of the means for controlling the device.
36. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the first driving means (21) are arranged adjustably in respect of the path of the supporting arm (20) between its two end positions, under the control of the means for controlling the device, for the purpose of adjustment of the device (14) as a function of the dimensions of the load (1).
37. Device for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining a protecting corner piece (4) on the edge (3) of a load (1) according to claim 25, comprising a device (51) for taking and depositing an end plate or frame (52) with a turned-down edge (53), characterised in that it includes:

    - a frame (58);

    - at least one magazine (59) for the plates or frames (51);

    - means (60) for gripping a plate or frame (52), being in the operative state or in the inoperative state;

    - means (61) for supporting the gripping means (60);

    - means (62) for driving the supporting means (61) between a gripping location in which the gripping means are situated in or in the proximity of the overload opening (63) of the magazine (59) and a depositing location in which the gripping means are situated in or in the proximity of the zone in which the plate or frame (51) is to be on the load (1);

    - control means coordinating the operation of gripping means (60) and driving means (62).
38. Device according to claim 37, characterised in that a magazine (59) is arranged to allow stacking of the plates or frames (51) placed horizontally, the discharge opening (63) being higher.
39. Device according to claim 37, characterised in that the magazine (59) comprises a common opening (63) for discharge and reloading with plates or frames.
40. Device according to claim 37, characterised in that the gripping means (60) are partial-pressure suction cups.
41. Device according to claim 37, characterised in that the driving means (62) are arranged to ensure double vertical and horizontal sliding respectively for on the one hand the gripping operation and the depositing operation and on the other hand the operation of passing from one location to another.
42. Device according to any of claims 37 to 41, characterised in that the frame (58) is partly common to the packaging machine without interfering with the movable members thereof, particularly placed above and towards the outside; and the magazine (59) is placed horizontally beside the packaging machine.
43. Device according to any of claims 37 to 42, characterised in that it includes several magazines (59) and means ensuring relative displacement of magazines (59) and supporting means (61).
44. Device according to any of claims 37 to 43, characterised in that a magazine (59) includes a device (64) ensuring a constant gripping level in the magazine (59) whatever its degree of filling, such as an elevating platform.
45. Device for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining a protecting corner piece (4) on the edge (3) of a load (1) according to claim 25 including a device (54) for turning down a turned-down edge (53) of an end plate or frame (52), characterised in that it includes:

    - a frame (65);

    - at least one turned-down edge displacing member (66) carried by the frame movably between an inoperative position in which the turned-down edge (53) can be placed substantially coplanar with the plate or frame and an operative position in which the turned-down edge (53) is placed substantially orthogonally to the plate or frame;

    - means (67) for driving the member (66) movable between its two positions.
46. Device according to claim 45, characterised in that it forms an isolated structural assembly.
47. Device according to claim 45, characterised in that it is incorporated into a taking and depositing device (51) according to any of claims 54 to 61, the frame (65) being incorporated into the supporting means (61) in the general form of a plate at the periphery of which is placed at least one member (66), the driving means (67) being carried by the plate (65), the control means ensuring coordination of the movements of the member (66) as well.
48. Device according to claim 47, characterised in that the member (66) is in the form of a finger mounted for pivoting on the frame plate (65) along one of its edges, the finger (66) being in the inoperative position substantially coplanar with the frame plate (65) and pointing outwardly and in the operative position substantially orthogonal to the frame plate (65) and pointing towards the gripping means.
49. Device according to claim 45, characterised in that it is incorporated into an exterior packaging machine being carried for free pivoting by a shaft (48) of the latter coaxial with the axis (11) and the table (8), this shaft (48) being itself carried by a bracket (49) mounted slidably on a column (50).
50. Device according to claim 45, characterised in that it is incorporated into a table (8) of a packaging machine provided with a through-opening (68).
51. Packaging machine for rigidly and permanently associating at least one protecting corner piece (4) on an edge (3) of a load (1), characterised in that it includes at least one device (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining a corner piece (4) according to any of claims 25 to 44 and at least one device for ensuring rigid and permanent association of the corner piece (4) deposited and maintained on the load (1) by said device (14) with the load (1) or a packaging element thereof, the two devices operating in coordinated fashion.
52. Packaging machine according to claim 51, characterised in that said device for ensuring rigid and permanent association of the corner piece (4) deposited and maintained on the load (1) with the latter or a packaging element thereof is selected from among the group including: a device for surrounding and applying to the load (1) and the corner piece (4) a band; a device for gluing, welding, stapling, clipping or bonding the corner piece (4) to the load (1) or a packaging element thereof; a device for turning down the edge of an end plate or frame ensuring wedging of the corner piece; a machine for exterior packaging of the palletised load, the exterior packaging film ensuring at least the function of maintaining the corner piece (4).
53. Packaging machine according to either of claims 51, 52, characterised in that associated with it, functionally downstream, is a machine for exterior packaging of the load with the corner piece associated rigidly and permanently having the essential function of exterior packaging of the load.
54. Packaging machine according to claim 53, characterised in that the machine for exterior packaging of the load having the essential function of exterior packaging thereof is selected from among the group including: curtain machines, hooping machines, wrapping machines.
55. Packaging machine according to claim 51, characterised in that associated with it functionally is at least one device (51) for taking and depositing an end plate or frame (52) with an edge or flap (53) which can be turned down.
56. Packaging machine according to any of claims 51, 52 or 55, characterised in that the devices for taking (14) or depositing (51) an end plate or frame (52), (54) for turning down the edge or flap (53) thereof are functionally associated in a sequence selected from among the group including the following sequences: the device (51) for depositing an end plate or frame (52) is used first, then the device (54) for turning down the edge (53), then the device (14), the corner piece (4) being then placed towards the outside of the turned-down edge (53); the device (14) and the device (51) for depositing a plate or frame (52) are used first, then the device (54) for turning down the edge (53), the corner piece being then placed towards the inside of the turned-down edge (3).
57. Packaging machine according to claim 51, characterised in that the exterior packaging machine ensuring at least the function of maintaining the corner piece (4) is selected from among the group including: curtain machines, hooping machines, wrapping machines.
58. Packaging machine according to any of claims 51 to 53, characterised in that the same exterior packaging machine ensures both the function of maintaining the corner piece and that of actual exterior packaging of the load.
59. Packaging machine according to claim 58, characterised in that the device (14) and the device for ensuring rigid association are structurally separate.
60. Packaging machine according to claim 59, characterised in that the device (14) and the device for ensuring rigid association are structurally at least partly common.
61. Machine for packaging a load (1) including at least one rigid protecting corner piece (4) on at least one edge (3) of the load (1) with packaging film (2) surrounding the load and applied to it, characterised in that it includes:

    - means (8) for supporting the load;

    - means (9) for supply of packaging film;

    - movable means (10) to allow covering of a load (1) carried by the supporting means (8) with the film (2) coming from the supply means (9);

    - and at least one device (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining a protecting corner piece (4) according to any of claims 25 to 36.
62. Packaging machine according to claim 61, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of devices (14) for gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining protecting corner pieces (4) substantially similar to each other for the same plurality of edges (3) of the load (1) to be packaged.
63. Packaging machine according to claim 62, characterised in that the general longitudinal directions (19b) of the openings of the magazines (15) of the gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining devices (14) are substantially parallel to each other; their supporting arms (20) are substantially in the same common plane, the devices (14) are distributed about a zone adjacent to the supporting means (8) in which the load (1) is located; and the general control means ensure synchronous operation of the plurality of devices (14), the plurality of gripping and maintaining means (22) being furthest from and closest to each other respectively in the gripping position on the one hand and depositing and maintaining position on the other hand.
64. Packaging machine according to any of claims 61 to 63, characterised in that the load supporting means (8) are a table of substantially vertical axis; the movable means (10) for allowing covering of a load (1) with the film (2) include means for ensuring relative pivoting of the table about its axis in relation to the axis of the film reel; and a gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining device (14) comprises a magazine (15) with a vertical longitudinal general direction (19a), of which the lower end (40) is substantially coplanar with the table (8).
65. Packaging machine according to claim 64, characterised in that it comprises four gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining devices (14).
66. Packaging machine according to either of claims 64, 65, characterised in that the table (8) is fixed; the means (9) for supply of packaging film and covering of the load with said film include a ring (12) supporting a film reel, substantially coaxial with the table (8), mounted for vertical sliding along said axis between a lower position close to the plane of the table (8) and a remote upper position, or equivalent film reel supporting means providing the film reel with the same orientation, said ring (12) defining an orientation for the vertical axis of a film band reel; the gripping, displacing, depositing and maintaining devices (14) being essentially placed on the outside and in the proximity of said ring (12) and its path.
67. Packaging machine according to either of claims 64, 65, characterised in that the table (8) is mounted so as to be able to pivot about its axis (11); the means (9) for supply of the packaging film and covering of the load with said film include a carriage carried by a column (50) in generally vertically sliding fashion; this machine also including a device (54) for turning down an edge or flap (53) of an end plate or frame (52, 52b) carried for free pivoting by a shaft (48) coaxial with the axis (11), carried by a bracket (49) carried for sliding by the column (50).

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