EP0965441B1 - Apparatus and method for producing containers formed from sheet material - Google Patents

Abstract

Container of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, comprising square or rectangular lateral faces connected in pairs by a folding line, the said folding lines being mutually parallel. <??>According to the invention, such a container comprises at least five lateral faces. It may be obtained by rolling up a blank of sheet material around a core interacting with a pressure plate whose profile corresponds to that of two or three consecutive faces of the said core. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to machines for making boxes of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or similar sheet material, from blanks of such material, as well as a method for producing a box.

By patents US-A-4,242,949, US-A-4,349,345 DE-A-3,541,821 and FR-A-2 629,012, for example, we know machines thanks to which it is possible to make a cardboard box or the like by winding a blank around a mandrel.

• un mandrin, dont la section extérieure correspond à la section intérieure de ladite caisse à obtenir ;
• des moyens pour supporter librement un volet intermédiaire de ladite suite de volets au moins approximativement en regard de la face correspondante dudit mandrin, mais à quelque distance de celle-ci, puis pour rapprocher ledit volet intermédiaire en direction de ladite face correspondante du mandrin, puis presser ledit volet intermédiaire contre ladite face correspondante, après repliement des volets adjacents audit volet intermédiaire jusqu'à ce que lesdits volets adjacents portent contre ledit mandrin ;
• des moyens pour enrouler ladite suite de volets autour dudit mandrin ;
• des moyens pour fixer entre eux les volets extrêmes de ladite suite de volets ainsi enroulée sur ledit mandrin ;
• des moyens pour replier les rabats dudit premier ensemble contre une face correspondante dudit mandrin ; et
• des moyens pour fixer les uns aux autres lesdits rabats ainsi repliés.

Dans ces machines, ledit mandrin présente une section essentiellement carrée ou rectangulaire, de sorte que les caisses obtenues comportent quatre faces latérales délimitant un volume dont la section, parallèlement au fond desdites caisses, est également carrée ou rectangulaire. Bien entendu, deux faces latérales adjacentes sont alors orthogonales entre elles et forment une arête perpendiculaire au fond de la caisse.In French patent FR-A-2 629 012, a machine is described according to the preamble of claim 1, for the production of a box from a blank of material or sheet comprising a series of rectangular flaps or squares connected to each other by first fold lines parallel to each other and a first set of lateral flaps arranged on one side of said series of flaps, connected to this by second fold lines perpendicular to said first lines folding and intended to form at least partially the bottom of said box, said machine comprising:

• a mandrel, the outer section of which corresponds to the inner section of said body to be obtained;
• means for freely supporting an intermediate flap of said series of flaps at least approximately opposite the corresponding face of said mandrel, but at a distance therefrom, then for bringing said intermediate flap towards said corresponding face of the mandrel, then pressing said intermediate flap against said corresponding face, after folding the flaps adjacent to said intermediate flap until said adjacent flaps bear against said mandrel;
• means for winding said series of shutters around said mandrel;
• means for fixing between them the end flaps of said series of flaps thus wound on said mandrel;
• means for folding the flaps of said first assembly against a corresponding face of said mandrel; and
• means for fixing to each other said flaps thus folded.

In these machines, said mandrel has a substantially square or rectangular section, so that the boxes obtained have four lateral faces delimiting a volume whose section, parallel to the bottom of said boxes, is also square or rectangular. Of course, two adjacent lateral faces are then orthogonal to one another and form an edge perpendicular to the bottom of the body.

Such cases are used to package objects or groups of objects introduced into it through the lid remained open, the closure of said cover not being carried out only after introduction of said objects.

It rarely, if ever, happens that the section of the charge constituted by said objects or groups of objects either square or rectangular and fits exactly to that of the box in which said charge is introduced, so that said load is not firmly held in said box by the lateral faces of the latter and that the corners of said case are protruding and empty. As a result, said charge can move at inside the box, causing instability raising handling and loading difficulties at on board a means of transport. In addition, the protruding corners except for US-A-4 349 345, are exposed to external aggression and can be easily torn, which affects presentation and the protection of packaged products. Finally, the empty corners of the crate is a waste of sheet material, since useless.

• on peut adapter au mieux la forme de la section de la caisse à la section de la charge qu'elle doit contenir, de sorte que celle-ci peut être maintenue latéralement de façon optimale ;
• on peut supprimer les coins saillants vides et inutiles de la caisse, ce qui permet de réduire les risques de détérioration desdits coins saillants et de faire des économies de matière en feuille. Ces coins saillants (dièdres à 90°) sont alors transformés en dièdres plus ouverts (angle supérieur à 90°), moins vulnérables aux agressions extérieures ;
• on peut augmenter le nombre des arêtes latérales et donc la résistance à la compression de la caisse.

The object of the present invention is to improve the machine of FR-A-2 629 012 in order to allow the manufacture of cases in which:

• the shape of the body section can best be adapted to the section of the load that it must contain, so that it can be optimally maintained laterally;
• we can remove the empty and unnecessary projecting corners of the box, which reduces the risk of deterioration of said projecting corners and to save sheet material. These protruding corners (90 ° dihedrons) are then transformed into more open dihedrons (angle greater than 90 °), less vulnerable to external aggressions;
• we can increase the number of side edges and therefore the compressive strength of the body.

To this end, according to the present invention, the machine of the type described in FR-A-2 629 012 comprises a mandrel having the characteristics of claim 1. Likewise, it proposes a method according to claim 5. Thus, thanks to the machine and / or the method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a box having, parallel to its bottom, a quadrangular section with cut corners. She has eight sides and has a rectangular section at the four cut corners.

So a blank of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard intended for the realization of a box by the implementation of the machine and / or of the process according to the present invention and comprising a series of rectangular or square shutters linked together to the others by first parallel fold lines to each other and a first set of flaps lateral disposed on one side of said series of flaps, connected to it by second fold lines perpendicular to said first fold lines and intended to form-at least partially the bottom of said body, is remarkable in that said suite comprises eight shutters.

Preferably, this blank further comprises a second set side flaps arranged on the other side of said suite shutters, connected to it by third lines of folding perpendicular to said first fold lines and intended to form at least partially the cover of said case.

Some shutters may not have side flaps said first set and / or said second set.

It is advantageous that at least one flap of said first set and / or the second set present, at least at least vicinity of said second or third fold line corresponding, the shape of the body section obtained from said blank.

Two flaps, respectively of said first and second sets of flaps, connected to the same flap, can be identical or different in shape.

Advantageously, a flap comprising neither flap of said first set, nor flap of said second set comprises, on the other hand, a nipple on its edge being on the side said first set of flaps and a notch on its edge located on the side of said second set of flaps, so that when two crates obtained from two such identical blanks are superimposed on the nipple of the lower body enters the notch of the body higher. The cases thus obtained are then easily stackable.

At the same end, as a variant, it can be provided that the flaps said first and second sets, which are located outside when the body is formed, have complementary forms such as when two such boxes are superimposed, the flaps of said first set of the lower case fit into the flaps of said second set of the upper body.

In order to further strengthen the solidity of compliant boxes to the invention, it is advantageous that at least one flap of said first set and / or said second set, comprises at minus a folding leg capable of being fixed to a flap, when the box is formed from said blank.

The machine of the type recalled above is remarkable in that said support, approximation and of pressure of said intermediate flap comprise a plate of pressure comprising two faces rigidly linked between them, the first of said faces corresponding to said flap intermediate and the second to a first adjacent flap said intermediate flap, said first and second faces of the pressure plate determining a first dihedral as when said first side is applied against said face of the corresponding mandrel, said second face which is applied against the face of said mandrel corresponds to said first adjacent flap, the edge of said first dihedral then being in coincidence with the edge of said mandrel determined by said corresponding faces of said mandrel.

Thus, two flaps of said blank are perfectly positioned relative to the mandrel and held relative to the faces corresponding thereof during the winding of said blank, so the case obtained is particularly precise in shape.

To further increase this accuracy, it is advantageous that said pressure plate has a third face rigidly connected to said first and second faces of said plate, and corresponding to the second adjacent flap said intermediate flap, said first and third faces of the pressure plate determining a second dihedral such that when said first and second faces are applied against said faces of the mandrel which correspond, said third face is applied against the face of said mandrel corresponding to said second flap adjacent, the edge of said second dihedral being then in coincidence with the edge of said mandrel determined by said corresponding faces of said mandrel. So, during the final phase of winding the flaps three of them are precisely arranged and maintained firmly against the corresponding faces of the mandrel.

Advantageously, said means for winding said series flaps around the mandrel have a movable assembly comprising tilting arms.

The figures in the accompanying drawing will make it clear how the invention can be realized. In these figures, identical references denote similar elements.

Figure 1 shows, flat, a blank of sheet material for the manufacture of a first embodiment of a body using the machine and / or the method according to the present invention.

Figures 2 and 3 show in perspective the body obtained from the blank of FIG. 1, the cover of said body being respectively shown open (Figure 2) and closed (Figure 3).

Figure 4 illustrates, in cross section parallel to its background, a use of the box of Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 5,6 and 7 schematically illustrate the process this formation of the box of FIG. 2 from the blank of Figure 1.

Figures 8,10 and 12 are schematic views in elevation of a machine intended for the manufacture of box of Figure 2, from the blank of Figure 1, to different stages of this manufacturing.

Figures 9, 11 and 13 are schematic views from above corresponding to Figures 8, 10 and 12 respectively.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 illustrate schematically in views partial lateral, perpendicular to Figures 8, 10 and 12, the closure of the bottom of the box of FIGS. 2 and 3.

Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53 and 56 show, flat, respectively blank variants.

Figures 18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,45,48,51,54 and 57 show, in perspective the cases obtained respectively at from the blanks of Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,44, 47, 50, 53 and 56, said cases having their lid open.

Figures 19,22,25,28,31,34,37,40,42,46,49,52,55 and 58 show, in perspective, the cases obtained respectively from the blanks of Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38, 41,44,47,50,53 and 56, said cases having their cover closed.

Figure 43 is an end view of the body of Figure 42, obtained from the blank of FIG. 41.

The blank F1 of sheet material, for example cardboard or of corrugated cardboard, shown in Figure 1 has a series of eight rectangular shutters aligned 1 to 8, two by two connected by preformed and parallel fold lines 9 to 15. Along the free edge of the extreme flap 1 of said suite of flaps is arranged a tongue 16 connected to said flap extreme 1 by a fold line 17, parallel to the lines folding 9 to 15.

In addition, on each side of each section 1,3,5 and 7 flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 are respectively provided and 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7. Each side flap 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 is articulated to the corresponding 1,3,5 or 7 flap by a preformed fold line 20.1, 20.3, 20.5 or 20.7. These fold lines 20.1, 20.3, 20.5 and 20.7 are lines and perpendicular to fold lines 9 to 15 and 17. Likewise, each side flap 19.1, 19.3, 19.5, 19.7 is articulated in the corresponding 1,3,5,7 flap by a line of preformed folding 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 or 21.7. The lines of folding 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 and 21.7 are aligned and perpendicular fold lines 9 to 15 and 17. Flaps 2,4,6 and 8 have no lateral flap.

The rectangular shutters 1 to 8 all have the same height h . The two flaps 1 and 5 are identical to each other and have a width l . The two flaps 3 and 7 are identical to each other and have a width L, greater than l .

The four flaps 2,4,6 and 8 are identical to each other and have a width e less than l . The height h is greater than L.

The blank F1 is intended to form, by winding and securing the flaps 1 to 8 and securing the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7-as described below in more detail with regard to Figures 5 to 16 - the box C1 shown in Figure 3. The box C1 has a height equal to h , a length L1 and a width l1 . It has the general appearance of a rectangular section box with four cut corners. In the box C1, the large side faces are formed by the flaps 3 and 7, while the small side faces are formed by the flaps 1 and 5, the flaps 2,4,6 and 8 forming the cut corners of said box C1 . In addition, the bottom of the box C1 is constituted by the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7, while the cover of said box C1 is constituted by the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7.

The four flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical and rectangular. They have a length equal to the width l of the flaps 1 and 5.

The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to each other. They have a length equal to the length L1 of the box C1 and a width l1 / 2 equal to half the width l1 of the latter. The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7, the length L1 of which is greater than the width L of the corresponding flaps 3 and 7, are connected to the said flaps by a converging part whose inclined edges 22 have a length a equal to the width e of the flaps 2,4,6 and 8. Thus, each of said flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 corresponds in shape to half of the section of the body C1.

In Figure 4, there is illustrated, in cross section, an application of the box C1 to the packaging of six bottles B separated by a dividing spider S. It can be seen that, thanks to the cut corners corresponding to the flaps 2.4 , 6 and 8, the end bottles B are well maintained, since these cut corners pitch the latter. These corners, not very protruding, are relatively little vulnerable to external aggressions. In addition, at each corner, relative to a known rectangular box, it can be seen that only a proportion a / 2b of sheet material is used. If the faces 2,4,6 and 8 are inclined at 45 ° to the faces 1,3,5,7, this proportion is equal to 1 / 2 , that is to say equal to 70%. The result is, for each corner, a material saving equal to 30%.

Finally, the C1 box has eight side edges, corresponding respectively to fold lines 9 to 17, which gives it compressive strength greater than that of a rectangular section box.

In FIGS. 8 to 16, a diagram is illustrated machine for manufacturing the C1 box, with open cover, as shown in figure 2. These figures are, for clarity, purposely partial and simplified and they don't each have that the elements necessary for understanding the phases that they illustrate.

The machine of FIGS. 8 to 16 comprises a mandrel 23 (shown on a larger scale in FIGS. 5 to 7), the external shape of which corresponds to the internal shape of the box C1 to be obtained from the blank F1. To this end, the section of the mandrel 23 is rectangular with cut sides. As shown in Figures 8 to 16, the length of the mandrel 23 may be different from the height h of the box C1. The mandrel 23 consists of a frame delimiting its edges, as shown in said Figures 5 to 7. In these figures, said mandrel 23 consists of profiles 24 (seen at the end in Figures 5 to 7), parallel and of rectangular section with a cut corner, defining lateral support faces 25 to 32 for the flaps of the blank F1, folding edges 33 to 40 corresponding to the fold lines between said flaps, and a front support face 41 for the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7, the contour of said bearing face 41 forming folding edges corresponding to the fold lines of said flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7.

In FIGS. 5 to 7, the diagram is illustrated F1 blank positioning process relative to mandrel 23, when it is desired to apply the shutter intermediate 3 against the corresponding underside 25 of the mandrel 23.

By known means, for example those shown in document FR-A-2 629 012, a blank F1 is brought in the vicinity of the mandrel 23, so that its flap 3 is disposed at least approximately opposite the bearing face. 25. Although the lateral positioning of said flap 3 relative to said face 25 is sought as precise as possible, it may happen that a lateral offset δ appears between the flap 3 and said bearing face 25. To avoid folding nuisance of the blank F1, outside of the fold lines 10 and 11, during the folding down of the other flaps of the blank F1, it is made so that, before folding of the said other flaps, the flap 3 is moved away from the bearing face 25 from a distance d (see Figure 5). Then, during the folding down of said flaps 2.1 and of the tongue 16 on the one hand, and of flaps 4 to 8 on the other hand, the flap 3 is brought closer to the bearing face 25 by means of a pressure plate 42, the profile of which is concave and which, transversely to the mandrel 23, has a face 43 superimposable on the face 25 of said mandrel, a face 44 superimposable on the face 26 of the mandrel 23 and a face 45 superimposable on the face 32 of the latter, the faces 43 and 44 being connected to each other by an edge 46 superimposable on the edge 34, while the faces 43 and 45 are connected to each other by a ridge 47 superimposable at the edge 33. Thus, during the approximation of the flap 3 of the face 25 (arrow F), the flaps 2.1 and the tongue 16, on the one hand and the flaps 4 to 8 on the other hand, are in support against the mandrel 23 (see the dotted lines 48 and 49 in FIG. 5), which generates a lateral guiding effect and exactly positions the flap 3 relative to to the support face 25 (see FIG. 6). When the plate 42 presses the flap 3 against the bearing face 25 (see FIG. 7), the fold lines 10 and 11 are exactly superimposed on the fold edges 33 and 34 and the fold lines 9 and 12 are exactly superimposed at the folding edges 40 and 35.

Since then the F1 blank is temporarily made integral of the mandrel 23 by the pressure exerted by the plate 42, the case formation C1 can be continued by winding of the blank F1 around said mandrel (See the lines in dotted in Figure 8).

Thanks to such a winding, the flaps 1,5,6,7,8 are respectively applied against the faces 31,27,28,29 and 30 and the tongue 16 is folded down on the face 30 (front or after part 8). It is therefore possible to join the tongue 16 and flap 8 by gluing.

Then the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are folded around the edges of the bearing face 41 of the corresponding mandrel 23 respectively to fold lines 20.1 and 20.5, to come press against said corresponding bearing face 41 of the mandrel 23.

Finally, the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 are folded around the edges of the bearing face 41 of the corresponding mandrel 23 respectively to fold lines 20.3 and 20.7 and applied against flaps 18.1 and 18.5 already folded, of so that said flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 can be united to each other by bonding.

We then obtain the box C1 shown in FIG. 2, fitted on the mandrel 23 and open on the side of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7.

To fill this box C1, it is released from the mandrel 23 and we make it rest on its bottom consisting of flaps united 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7. After filling, the box C1 can be closed by folding the flaps 19.1 and 19.5, respectively around the fold lines 21.1 and 21.5, then by folding the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 onto the folded flaps 19.1 and 19.5, and finally by joining said flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7, for example by bonding. We then obtain the closed box C1 shown by Figure 3.

The above operations can be performed automatically thanks to the macnine illustrated schematically and partially in Figures 8 to 16. This machine comprises a frame 50 with respect to which the mandrel 23 and the pressure plate 42. It comprises plus a device (not shown), of any known type, allowing to take one by one of the F1 blanks in a store to bring them under the mandrel 23. Glueers 51, 52 and 53, mounted on the frame 50, make it possible to deposit lines of adhesive 54,55,56, respectively on the tongue 16 and on the flaps 18.1 and 18.5, during the supply of a blank F1 under the mandrel 23.

Thus, thanks to the glueers 51 to 53, the blank F1 is arranged, already glued, under the mandrel 23 in the position shown in Figure 5, above the plate pressure 42, driven by a jack 57, carried by the frame 50.

To wind the flaps 1 to 8 and the tab 16 around the mandrel 23, the machine comprises a mechanism comprising a moving part 58 which can be raised or lowered by by means of a jack 59, bearing on the frame 50.

The moving element 58 comprises two articulated arms 60 and 61, for example respectively moved by a linkage 62 connected to the frame 50 and by a cam 63 mounted on said frame.

Actuators 64 to 67, such as jacks for example, are mounted on the frame 50 and can fold down respectively the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 18.7 and 18.3. Pressers 68 and 69, also mounted on the frame 50, are provided for apply the tab 16 and the flap 8 against the face 30 of the mandrel 23.

A blank F1 being brought under the mandrel 23 so as to be find in the position of figure 5 (see figures 8 and 9), the cylinders 57 and 59 are actuated so that, hand, the pressure plate 42 approaches the mandrel 23 and that, on the other hand, the articulated arms 60 and 61, in response to the rise of the moving equipment 58, fold the flaps of the blank F1, respectively arranged on the side and other side of shutter 3. The blank F1 then takes, with respect to the mandrel 23, successively the relative positions illustrated by figures 6 and 7. Then, the rise of the moving part 58 continuing, arms 60 and 61 flatten flaps 5,6 and 1 respectively against corresponding faces 27, 28 and 31 of the mandrel 23 (see the Figures 10 and 11).

The presser 68 then applies the tongue 16 against the face The presser 68 then applies the tongue 16 against the face 30 of the mandrel, after which the other presser 69 applies the flap 8 against the tongue 16 and the face 30. Thanks to the line of adhesive 54, the flap 8 is therefore secured to the tab 16 (see Figures 12 and 13).

Then, the actuators 64 and 65 fold the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 against the front face 41 of the mandrel 23 (FIG. 11), after which the actuators 66 and 67 apply respectively flap 18.7 (figure 15) then flap 18.3 (figure 16) against the folded flaps 18.1 and 18.5. Thanks to the lines of adhesive 55 and 56, the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 are joined together to form the bottom of the box C1.

Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38 and 41 show respectively blanks of sheet material F2 to F10 susceptible to form rectangular section boxes with corners cut, like box C1. In the blanks F2, F3, F5 to F9 of the Figures 17,20,26,29,32,35, and 38 we find the continuation of eight rectangular shutters aligned 1 to 8, two to two connected by the preformed and parallel fold lines 9 to 15 and bordered by fold lines 20.1, 20.3, 20.5, 20.7, 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 and 21.7, as described above opposite of FIG. 1. However, in these alternative embodiments, flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 and 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have different shapes, so that the cases obtained C2, C3 and C5 to C9 are different from the box C1, although having the same rectangular section with cut corners.

With regard to the blanks F4 and F10 of FIGS. 23 and 41, the continuation of the rectangular shutters aligned 1 to 8 is also different, so that the corresponding C4 cases and C10 are different from box C1, although similar section.

From the above, it will be easily understood that the C2 boxes to C10 can be obtained by implementing the machine described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 16, possibly by adapting the position and / or the number of glueers 51 to 53, actuators 64 to 67 and pressers 68.69.

In the blank F2 of FIG. 17, the flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical and rectangular. They have a length equal to the width L of the flaps 3 and 7 and a width equal to half of l1. In addition, the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical to each other and each of them has a length equal to 11. These are the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 which therefore comprise, in the vicinity of their fold line with the corresponding flaps, the widening provided by the inclined edges 22, these having the length a .

The blank F3 of FIG. 20 is identical to the blank F2 of the Figure F2, except for the free edges of the flaps 2,4,6,8 and tongue 16. Free edges said flaps and said tongue directed towards the side of the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 have indentations 70, while those directed on the side of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have projections 71. Thus, the box C3 has slots 73 at its lower part and at its part upper of the studs 74. When two C3 boxes are superimposed, the nipples 74 of the lower body penetrate in the slots 73 of the upper case, so that said boxes are held laterally one by compared to each other.

The flaps 2 to 8 and the flaps 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 of the blank F4 of FIG. 23 are identical to those of the blank F1 of FIG. 1. On the other hand, the flap 1, the tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1 and 19.1 have been removed and replaced by two rectangular flaps 1.1 and 1.2, respectively integral with the outer edges of flaps 2 and 9, along the fold lines 9 and 75. Each flap 1.1 and 1.2 is associated with flaps respectively rectangular 18.11, 19.11 and 18.72, 19.72. The flaps 1.1 and 1.2 and the flaps 18.11, 19.11, 18.72 and 19.72 have a width l2 greater than the half width l of the flap 5. Thus, after folding the blank F4 around the mandrel 23, the flaps 1.1 and 1.2 and the flaps 18.11 , 19.11, 18.72 and 19.72 are superimposed along an overlapping area 76, along which they can be joined, for example by gluing.

For the most part, in the blank F5 of FIG. 26, the flaps 1 to 8, the tongue 16, the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical to those of the F1 blank of the FIG. 1. However, along their inclined edges 22, the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 have tabs 77. For elsewhere, the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 have a shape which corresponds to the body section C5. In addition, the edges inclined 22 and 78 cut corners of flap 19.7 have legs 79. Thus, when the body C5 is formed at from the F5 blank, the legs 77 and 79 are folded down and secured to the faces of said box corresponding to flaps 2,4,6 and 8. The legs 77 and 79 therefore constitute reinforcements, linking the bottom and the cover of the C5 box to the side wall thereof. We also planned a handle 80 on the flap 19.7, said handle 80 being accessible through a slot 81 provided in the flap 19.3 when the latter is folded over the flap 19.7 and joined to it.

In the blank F6 of FIG. 29, the flaps 1 to 8, the tab 16 and the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 are identical to those of the blank F2 of FIG. 17. On the other hand, flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have a small width and all have inclined edges 22. Thus, the body C6 has a cover with only a border peripheral 82, delimiting a central opening 83.

The blank F7 in FIG. 32 has flaps 1 to 8, a tongue 16 and flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 similar to those of the blank F1 in FIG. 1. The flaps 19.1 and 19.5 are rectangular, of length equal to the width l of the flaps 1 and 7, but of small width. The flaps 19.3 and 19.7 have inclined widening edges 22, but their width is less than 11/2. In addition, in longitudinal extension, said flaps 19.3 and 19.7 have tabs 84. Thus, the body C7 has a cover consisting of a peripheral edge 85 defining a central opening 86, the tabs 84, after folding and gluing, securing said cover lateral faces of said box corresponding to flaps 1 and 5.

In the blank F8 of FIG. 35, the flaps 1 to 8 and the tab 16 are identical to those of the blanks F1 and F2 of the Figures 1 and 2. The flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical to each other. Likewise, flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to each other. Each flap 18.1, 18.5, 19.1, 19.5 comprises, in the vicinity of its fold line and for connection to the corresponding flap, a widening zone with inclined edges 22, then an area of narrowing with inclined edges 87, direction opposite edges 22, and finally an area 88 of length constant. Each flap 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 includes, in the vicinity of its fold line and connection to corresponding flap, an area 89 of constant width, then an enlargement zone with inclined edges 90 and finally an area 91 of constant length.

The total width of the flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 is equal to half of l1 and their length, at the level of the constant-length portion 91, is equal to L1. The box C8 obtained from the blank F8 is shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

In the blank F9 of FIG. 38, the flaps 1 to 8, the tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are similar to those of the blank F2 in FIG. 17. However, the width of the said flaps is less than the half of l1 . The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to each other. They comprise, in the vicinity of their fold line and of connection to the corresponding flap, a rectangular part 92, then a narrowing part 93, with inclined edges 94. The width of these latter flaps is equal to half of l1 . As illustrated in FIG. 38, the manufacture of the blanks F9 is economical in sheet material, since two blanks F9 can be nested one inside the other, with longitudinal offset.

In Figure 41, there is shown a blank F10 in which the series of flaps 1 to 8 is such that the height h thereof is less than the width L of flaps 3 and 7, unlike what has been shown for the blanks F1 to F9, previously described. The flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are substantially similar to those of the blank F2 of Figure 17, while the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 are substantially similar to those of the blank F1 of Figure 1. In addition, the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 are substantially similar to those of the blank F2 of FIG. 17. The lateral edges of the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 include notches 95.

The bottom of the C10 body is formed by the folding and fixing of the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 on the flaps 18.3 and 18.7, previously folded down, so that said flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are protruding from these. The cover of the box C10 is formed by the folding and fixing the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 on the flaps 19.1 and 19.5, previously folded down, so that said flaps 19.3 and 19.7, projecting from the flaps 19.1 and 19.5, form cavities 96 at the ends of said checkout. The shape of said cavities 96 corresponds to that of flaps 18.1 and 18.5. So when two C10 boxes are superimposed, the projections formed by the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 from the bottom of the upper body are housed in the cavities 96 of the lower case cover, of so that the cooperation of projections 18.1 and 18.5 and cavities 96 ensures the vertical stability of said boxes. This stability is further reinforced by the fact that the flaps 2,4,6,8 include the projections 71 and the notches 70 of the blank F3 of FIG. 20, so that the box C10 has nipples 74 and similar recesses 73 to those of the C3 box, favoring the stacking of said C10 boxes.

In the blank F11 of FIG. 44, the flaps 1 and 5 of the blanks F1 to F10 described above have been removed. Of plus, component 8 is linked to component 2 and carries the tab 16. As a result, the box C11 has a hexagonal section and no longer octagonal. Flaps triangular 18.2, 18.4, 18.6, 18.8, 19.2, 19.4, 19.6 and 19.8 are arranged at the ends of the flaps 2, 4, 6 and 8. The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are trapezoidal.

So, in the C11 box, the corners are largely cut, resulting in total removal, compared to the cases C1 to C10, side faces corresponding to flaps 1 and 5.

Box C12 in Figures 48 and 49 has only two corners consecutive cut. For this purpose, the corresponding blank F12 has the same series of flaps 8,2,3,4,6,7 as the blank F11, but, after forming the body C12, the flaps 6 and 8 are orthogonal to flap 7. These flaps 6 and 8 do not have no flaps. Sections 2,3,4 and 7 include flaps 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.7, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4 and 19.7 likely to form the bottom and the cover of the box C12.

The blank F13 of FIG. 50 comprises a series of eight identical flaps 1 to 8, to which are respectively associated with identical trapezoidal flaps 18.1 to 18.8 and 19.1 to 19.8. Box C13 obtained from blank F13 therefore has an octagonal section corresponding to a square section with the four corners cut. We are planning for box C13, octagonal plates 97 to form the bottom and the cover, respectively in cooperation with the flaps 18.1 to 18.8 and 19.1 to 19.8.

The blank F14 in FIG. 53 has a series of five flaps 3 to 7, the tongue 16 being linked to the first flap 3. Box C14 therefore has a triangular section with two cut corners. Part 5 carries flaps 18.5 and 19.5 of substantially corresponding triangular shape comprising their base inclined sides 22, to adapt to the faces side corresponding to flaps 4 and 6. In addition the flaps 3 and 7 have flaps 18.3, 18.7 and 19.3, 19.7 intended to support the flaps 18.5 and 19.5 and forming the bottom and the cover of the box C14.

The blank F15 in Figure 56 is similar to the blank F14 in the Figure 53, but has an additional flap 8 and the tip of flaps 18.5 and 19.5 is cut. Box C15 has so a triangular section with three cut corners. Of more, a handle 80 is provided on the flap 8.

It will be readily understood, with the aid of what has been described in look at Figures 5 to 16, that boxes C11 to C15 can be obtained by winding blanks F11 to F15 around mandrels 23 of shape corresponding to the section of said boxes, this winding being carried out in cooperation with a pressure plate 42, the profile of which corresponds to that of two and, preferably three, faces of said mandrel. Such chucks are used in a machine and process which are not part of this invention.

Claims (6)

1. Machine for producing a case from a blank (F1) made of sheet material comprising a series of rectangular or square panels (1 to 8) forming the side walls of the case and finished by a rectangular fixing tab (16), said panels and said tab being connected to each other by first folding lines (9 to 15 and 17) parallel to each other and a first set of side flaps (18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7) arranged on one side of said series of panels and connected thereto by second folding lines perpendicular to the first folding lines and intended to form at least partly the bottom of said case, said machine comprising:

   a mandrel (23), the outer section of which corresponds to the inner section of said case to be produced;

   means (42) for freely supporting an intermediate panel (3) of said series of panels at least approximately facing the corresponding face (25) of said mandrel, but some distance therefrom, then for bringing said intermediate panel towards said corresponding face of the mandrel, then pressing said intermediate panel against said corresponding face, after folding over the panels adjacent to said intermediate panel until said adjacent panels bear against said mandrel;

   means (60, 61) for wrapping said series of panels around said mandrel;

   means (51) for fixing together the outer panels of said series of panels thus wrapped over said mandrel;

   means (64-67) for folding the flaps of said first set against a corresponding face (41) of said mandrel; and

   means (52, 53) for fixing to each other said flaps, folded in this manner,

   characterised in that the section of the mandrel (23) is rectangular with cut-off corners,
   and in that the mandrel (23) is constituted by a frame delimiting the ridges of said mandrel, said frame comprising
   profiles (24), parallel and having a rectangular section with a cut-off corner, defining

   side bearing faces (25 to 32) for the panels of the blank F1,

   and folding ridges (33 to 40) corresponding to the folding lines between said panels,

   and a front bearing face (41) for the flaps (18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7), the contour of said bearing face (41) forming folding ridges corresponding to the folding lines of said flaps (18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7).
2. Machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that it has a mandrel (23) of a length different from the height of the case to be processed.
3. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has mobile equipment (58) for wrapping the series of panels around the mandrel (23) comprising two articulated arms (60, 61) moved by a linkage (62) and a cam (63).
4. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises

   gluing means (51, 52, 53) allowing lines of adhesive (54, 55, 56) to be deposited on the tab (16) and on the flaps (18.1 and 18.5) respectively during the delivery of a blank F1,

   pressing means (68, 69) provided so as to apply the tab (16) and the panel (8) against the face (30) of the mandrel (23),

   and actuators (66, 67) arranged so as to apply the flaps (18.7, 18.3) against the folded flaps (18.1, 18.5) respectively.
5. Method for producing a case C1 from a blank F1 made of sheet material, having a series of rectangular or square panels (1-8) forming the lateral walls of the case and finished off by a rectangular fixing tab (16), said panels and said tab being connected to each other by first folding lines (9 to 15 and 17) parallel to one another and a first set of side flaps (18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7) arranged on one side of said series of panels and connected thereto by second folding lines perpendicular to said first folding lines and intended to form at least partially the bottom of said case,
   characterised in that

   after gluing, the blank F1 is wrapped around a mandrel (23) of rectangular section with cut-off corners comprising a front bearing face (41) and profiles (24) defining the ridges (33 to 40) and the side faces (25 to 32) of the mandrel, the panels being applied against the faces of the mandrel (25 to 32) respectively,

   the tab (16) is folded down over the face 30,

   the inner flaps (18.1 and 18.5) are folded down around the ridges of the bearing face (41) of the mandrel (23),

   the outer flaps (18.3 and 18.7) are folded down around the ridges of the bearing face (41) of the mandrel (23) corresponding to the folding lines (20.3 and 20.7) respectively,

   then they are applied against the flaps (18.1 and 18.5), already folded,

   the end panel (18) of the series of panels and the tab (16), on the one hand, and the adjacent flaps, on the other hand, being made integral with each other by gluing, in order to form said case.
6. Method according to Claim 5, characterised in that the tab (16) is folded down over the face (30) after the panel (8).

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