EP2522598B1 - Device for deforming the outer wall of stackable paper cups. - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for deforming the peripheral wall of non-capped cardboard cups, as described in EP 1785265 , allowing in particular a controlled interlocking cups and a perfect seal between the cups.

Today, more than half of the "out-of-home" lunches are taken within the sphere of work or in sites such as railway stations, airports, places of leisure (stadiums, sports halls, ...) , shopping malls, department stores, ... where we mainly consume drinks and snacks. The automatic or manual distribution is an answer adapted to this evolution because it offers solutions of practicality, conservation, packaging, which answer current lifestyles.

• il garantit à une hygiène optimum (gobelets à usage unique),
• il supprime la vaisselle des bols et tasses,
• il assure un service rapide et sans préparation (optimisation du temps de travail),
• il permet aussi une gestion des consommables au gobelet près (dans la distribution de boissons dans un avion ou dans des établissements de santé par exemple).

This distribution concept is very advantageous because:

• it guarantees optimum hygiene (disposable cups),
• he removes the dishes from bowls and cups,
• it ensures fast and unprepared service (optimization of working time),
• it also allows the management of consumables with the goblet (in the distribution of drinks in an airplane or in health facilities for example).

The enthusiasm of consumers for pre-dosed cups is also naturally due to the importance of the hygiene factor, which is more and more at the center of our concerns.

Pre-dosed cups, packaged in a protected atmosphere, then packaged in hermetic pouches, benefit from a long period of conservation and effective protection against external pollution.

The quality of the product itself is increased thanks to the high level of preservation, and the attractiveness of such packaging benefits from the assurance of finding in the cups the advised quantity, and the quality certified by the suppliers.

Traditionally, the cups used in automatic dispensing are plastic cups made by traditional technologies for making cups with a sophisticated shape, for example having streaks (for better grip), stops (for better stacking) , flat areas (for advertising purposes), etc ... at the level of the peripheral wall. These plastic cups have the major disadvantage of not being environmentally friendly, since they are not biodegradable, and very little recycled from vending machines or manuals. The present invention overcomes this disadvantage by using a biodegradable and recyclable cardboard cup.

The cardboard cups generally have a smooth and uniform peripheral wall, their manufacture being based on sheet-shaped surface materials, which are shaped to give them a volume configuration.

Specifically, these nested predosed cups tend to separate under their own weight because the wall is smooth, which poses a real problem in vending machines where they are stored stacked before unstacking operations to individualize them during distribution. The stacking mode is all the more important that it is, in the context of the invention, uncapped paper cups at the bottom of which a dose of powdery product (coffee, tea, soup, ...) is filed.

The funds containing the dose of product are not capped because, immediately after being unstacked, they are subjected to at least one jet of water that dissolves the granules by filling the cup for immediate consumption.

The first technical objective of this invention is to provide a seal relative to the powdery product. Indeed, these goblets not having operculum, it is necessary that the product does not escape, does not absorb the external moisture and is properly preserved. For this purpose, the bottom of the upper cup serves as a cover for the lower cup in the stack. It is therefore not only necessary that the cups are well maintained between them, so that they remain stacked and abutting so as to maintain between them a compartment, but still that the product is "trapped" between the two bottoms of the two cups with a reasonable seal.

The second technical objective is to ensure good adhesion between the stacked cups so that they do not separate under the weight of the product present at the bottom of each cup. In the case of automatic dispensing, unintentional unstacking of cups would obviously be detrimental to the proper functioning of the machine. In other words, the objective is to ensure a removable attachment of the two cups while having guarantees in terms of mechanical strength to the stack.

The third technical objective is finally to allow the air to escape to the last moment through vents to allow the stack to be performed in good conditions without inadvertent projection of particles. The wall of the upper cup must not touch the entire wall of the lower cup, allowing the air to circulate in interstices formed between the two walls. This has the effect of not driving out the powdery product at the time of separation of the two cups. This avoids the suction effect where air is blown suddenly, causing the dispersion of the product.

To achieve these objectives, the invention consists of a device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups.

Concretely, each cup has a base defining a hollow space under the cup delimited on the one hand by an enhanced bottom wall and on the other by the lower portion of the peripheral wall. The powdery product of the lower cup is therefore in the hollow space delimited by its own bottom and the base of the upper cup. In order to guarantee a perfect seal between two cups, so that the powdered product does not escape, it is essential that the product is trapped in the hollow space without any opening. The idea underlying the invention is to slightly flare the base so as to "harden" the interlocking bottom of the upper cup in the lower cup and thus form a sealed hollow space.

• des moyens d'immobilisation axiale et radiale du gobelet, consistant en un support fixe ;
• des moyens d'évasement aptes à exercer une pression sur ladite portion inférieure de la paroi périphérique du gobelet et à augmenter le diamètre de cette dernière.

The invention is essentially characterized in that said device comprises for at least one cup:

• means for axial and radial immobilization of the cup, consisting of a fixed support;
• flaring means adapted to exert pressure on said lower portion of the peripheral wall of the cup and to increase the diameter thereof.

Said flaring means are actuated by the displacement of an element movable in translation along the axis (X) of the tumbler immobilized between a first position at a distance from the support provided with the cup and a second position at the end of the production of the deformation of the peripheral wall of the cup, said flaring means being adapted to be inserted inside said hollow space of the base by exerting a radial pressure on said lower portion of the peripheral wall of the cup.

Concretely, the flaring means deform the base by increasing the average diameter of the lower portion of its peripheral wall.

According to one form of the invention, the flaring means consist of a cylindrical punch directed towards the base of the cup positioned upside down on the support, the lower part of the punch being chamfered to fit easily inside the base while the cylindrical wall of diameter greater than that of the base is gradually bear on the inner face of said lower portion of the peripheral wall of the cup.

Indeed, the lower part of the punch is sized to be able to penetrate inside the hollow space without difficulty. As the penetration progresses, the non-chamfered cylindrical wall approaches the peripheral wall of the base until it touches it and then leans on it while exerting a radial action on its entire periphery, so as to flare through the flexibility and flexibility of the cardboard material forming the cup.

After the deformation of the base, and in the context of automated manufacturing, the movable element returns to the first position. During this return, the punch has a tendency to remain stuck inside the hollow space, and to carry with it the cup in its race. This phenomenon is obviously not admissible in a tumbler chain production, where each piece must be in a precise position at each stage of the process.

Advantageously, the device for deforming the peripheral wall therefore comprises means for holding the cup relative to the flaring means, when the latter withdraw from the base to return to the first position.

• une butée mobile en translation par rapport au poinçon selon ledit axe (X) et venant au contact de la paroi de fond du gobelet lors de la réalisation de la déformation ;
• des moyens ressort disposés entre la butée et le poinçon et aptes à maintenir la butée au contact de la paroi de fond lors du retrait du poinçon après la réalisation de la déformation.

These retention means consist of:

• an abutment movable in translation relative to the punch along said axis (X) and coming into contact with the bottom wall of the cup during the production of the deformation;
• spring means disposed between the abutment and the punch and able to maintain the abutment in contact with the bottom wall during removal of the punch after the realization of the deformation.

More specifically, the stop is in the form of a piston fixed to the end of a shaft sliding inside an orifice made in the movable element along said axis (X) and actuated by the movable element, the means spring being arranged around the shaft.

Concretely, during the realization of the flare, the punch is based on the stop which itself is based on the bottom wall, the spring being compressed. After completion of the flare, the punch carried by the movable member withdraws from the base towards its first position, while the spring gradually relaxes so as to maintain the stop against the bottom wall. Once the spring is fully relaxed, the stop carried by the movable element in turn withdraws from the base without risk to carry the cup by its small size compared to the diameter of the base of the cup.

The flaring of the base of the cup is not enough by itself to ensure sufficient mechanical strength between the cups once stacked. Other deformations are necessary, including bosses in the peripheral wall of the cups, acting as "hooks" or "claws" between the cups, thereby fortifying their holding stack.

The deformation device according to the invention has been designed to produce such bosses.

• aptes à exercer une pression sur la paroi périphérique du gobelet, au niveau des empreintes en relief de la matrice, et
• déformant la paroi du gobelet en s'insérant dans lesdites empreintes.

First, the fixed support has embossed imprints on its periphery constituting a matrix in contact with the peripheral wall of the cup. Then, the displacement of the movable element actuates embossing means:

• able to exert pressure on the peripheral wall of the cup, at the level of the embossed impressions of the matrix, and
• deforming the wall of the cup by inserting into said indentations.

In practice, the mobile element and the support belong to the same device organized in the form of a column for example, and are positioned on the same vertical axis (X).

According to a first possible configuration, the movable element consists of a movable cylindrical block provided with flaring means and embossing means.

In general, the imprints of the matrix may be hollow or curved. The matrix may surround the outer wall of the cup, or conversely conform to the shape of the inner wall of the cup. The embossing means of the block cooperate in all cases with the matrix for producing a boss on the outer or inner wall of the cup.

According to the invention, the shape of the impressions corresponds to the intersection, during the translational movement of the cylindrical block, of the matrix with shapes protruding from the block towards said die and constituting the embossing means.

These embossing means may be of a different nature, construction, appearance, etc. They can for example be clipped or screwed to the block, or simply extend a free end of the block forming with it a single piece. Their shapes may be of rounded shape, for example spherical, or prismatic, for example cubic, or any form for making a suitable embossing in a cardboard surface. They can also be designed in a material different from that constituting the block.

The embossing means may for example consist of balls. In this case, the imprints of the matrix take the form that results from the intersection of balls with the matrix during a relative displacement in translation.

Preferably, the embossing means are mounted in the vicinity of a free end of the block. The free end of the block is for example composed of fixed arms of parallel shape to the translation axis (X) of the block.

In the case where the embossing means are balls, and in a possible arrangement, each ball is mounted on an idle axis disposed in a fork belonging to the block.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cup support consists of a matrix having a peripheral ring conforming to the inner shape of the cup and in which the impressions are made. The matrix being positioned inside the cup, the embossing means are logically located at the periphery of the block and surround the cup on its support. In this embodiment, the flaring means are located in the center of the block.

For example, if the cup is frustoconical, the peripheral ring of the matrix will also delimit a frustoconical volume. The hollow impressions will be in the form of a drop since they will result from the intersection of balls forming the embossing means with the frustoconical surface of the matrix during a vertical displacement of said balls.

Specifically, during the movement of the block, each ball rolls along the peripheral wall of the cup while pressing the wall against the matrix, thus deforming as the said cardboard wall of the cup at the fingerprints of the matrix.

According to a second possible configuration, the movable element consists of a cam-type shaft cooperating with embossing means belonging to a cylindrical block fixed relative to the shaft, the flaring means being located at the end of said shaft .

• dudit arbre mobile en translation et présentant au moins une surface inclinée par rapport à l'axe (X) de translation ;
• de pièces intermédiaires comportant les moyens d'embossage montées de manière pivotante sur le bloc et étant en contact avec la surface inclinée de l'arbre, le mouvement de pivotement de la pièce intermédiaire dépendant du mouvement de translation de la surface inclinée selon l'axe (X) de translation de l'arbre.

According to one possibility, the cam type system consists of:

• said movable shaft in translation and having at least one inclined surface with respect to the translation axis (X);
• of intermediate parts comprising the embossing means pivotally mounted on the block and in contact with the inclined surface of the shaft, the pivoting movement of the intermediate piece depending on the translational movement of the inclined surface along the axis (X) of translation of the shaft.

In practice, the inclined surface of the movable shaft may consist of several inclined planes of the same angle. Or, the movable shaft may have a conical ring whose outer surface corresponds to said inclined surface.

• une portion centrale montée de manière pivotante sur le bloc au voisinage de son extrémité libre ;
• une première extrémité en contact avec une surface inclinée de l'arbre ;
• une seconde extrémité munie des moyens d'embossage.

Advantageously, each intermediate piece comprises:

• a central portion pivotally mounted on the block in the vicinity of its free end;
• a first end in contact with an inclined surface of the shaft;
• a second end provided with embossing means.

In this case, the shape of the imprints of the matrix corresponds to the intersection, during the displacement in translation of the shaft, of the matrix with shapes belonging to the second end of the intermediate pieces and constituting the embossing means.

As before, the embossing means may for example be balls. Each ball can then also be mounted idly on an axis arranged in a fork. The intermediate pieces are mounted on fixed arms extending from the free end of the block towards the support. Advantageously, the intermediate pieces surround the cup on its support. The latter may again consist of a matrix having a peripheral ring conforming to the inner shape of the cup.

As the shaft moves, the position of the first end of the intermediate piece on the inclined surface varies while keeping the contact, causing pivoting of the intermediate pieces. The balls of the second end are then driven in motion by this pivoting until abutting in the imprints of the matrix for the realization of the boss.

Advantageously, the depth of the impressions is calculated according to the capacity of the cup to be deformed without the boss causing a perforation or embrittlement of the cardboard wall. The size of the fingerprints is in turn defined so that the stacked cups hold correctly between them.

In general, the bosses (curved or hollow) allow the wall of an upper cup to come into contact with the wall of a lower cup so that the cups once stacked constitute an assembly having sufficient mechanical strength . The mechanical strength of a stack of cups can however be improved by shifting the bosses between two successive cups.

To do this, the cylindrical block can be provided to rotate in a predetermined pitch around the axis (X) of translation of the movable member.

In this case, it is necessary to provide a corollary number of impressions in the matrix twice as large, for example as the number of embossing means of the block. In concrete terms, at each embossing, only one imprint out of two of the matrix is then used. After each boss realization, the block turns a notch or not to shift the bosses in the next cup.

Another solution may be to shift the bosses of each other on the height of the cup. For this purpose, the block must be provided no longer rotatable, but has means for spacing / approximation of the balls relative to the axis (X) of translation of the movable member, so as to achieve the boss above or lower. The position of the imprints on the matrix must in this case correspond to the locations of the bosses.

• positionnement du gobelet sur un support qui l'immobilise en translation et radialement ;
• déplacement en translation, selon l'axe (X) du gobelet immobilisé, d'un élément mobile en direction du gobelet ;
• actionnement des moyens d'évasement et d'embossage équipant l'élément mobile et s'exerçant simultanément sur la paroi périphérique du gobelet ;
• déplacement en sens inverse de l'élément mobile avec maintien du gobelet sur son support par des moyens de rétention ;
• retour de l'élément mobile et des moyens de rétention en position initiale à distance du gobelet sur son support.

The invention further relates to a method of deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups by means of a device as described above. This process comprises the following steps:

• positioning the cup on a support that immobilizes it in translation and radially;
• displacement in translation, along the axis (X) of the immobilized cup, of a movable element in the direction of the cup;
• actuating the flaring and embossing means equipping the movable element and acting simultaneously on the peripheral wall of the cup;
• moving in the opposite direction of the movable element with holding the cup on its support by retention means;
• return of the movable element and retaining means in the initial position away from the cup on its support.

• la figure 1 illustre une première configuration possible d'un dispositif de déformation avec l'élément mobile en position initiale ;
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif de déformation selon la configuration de la figure 1, avec l'élément mobile en position de fin de réalisation des déformations ;
• la figure 3 est une vue éclatée d'une deuxième configuration possible d'un dispositif de déformation ;
• les figures 4 et 5 montrent le dispositif selon la deuxième configuration respectivement en position initiale et en position de fin de réalisation des déformations ;
• les figures 6a et 6b sont des représentations en perspective d'un gobelet cartonné présentant respectivement six et douze bossages ;
• la figure 7a est une représentation schématique de l'emboîtement de deux gobelets, les bossages du gobelet inférieur concordant avec les bossages du gobelet supérieur ;
• la figure 7b est une représentation schématique de l'emboîtement de deux gobelets, les bossages du gobelet inférieur étant décalés par rapport aux bossages du gobelet supérieur.

The invention will now be described in more detail, according to possible configurations, with reference to the appended figures for which:

• the figure 1 illustrates a first possible configuration of a deformation device with the mobile element in its initial position;
• the figure 2 represents the deformation device according to the configuration of the figure 1 with the movable element in the end position of the deformations;
• the figure 3 is an exploded view of a second possible configuration of a deformation device;
• the figures 4 and 5 show the device according to the second configuration respectively in the initial position and in the end position of the deformations;
• the Figures 6a and 6b are perspective representations of a cardboard cup respectively presenting six and twelve bosses;
• the figure 7a is a schematic representation of the interlocking of two cups, the bosses of the lower cup concordant with the bosses of the upper cup;
• the figure 7b is a schematic representation of the nesting of two cups, the bosses of the lower cup being offset from the bosses of the upper cup.

• un élément mobile (1) doté de moyens d'évasement et d'embossage ;
• un gobelet (2) ;
• un support (3) correspondant à une matrice.

The figure 1 illustrates the arrangement of the three main elements of a peripheral wall deformation device of a cup, namely:

• a movable member (1) provided with flaring and embossing means;
• a cup (2);
• a support (3) corresponding to a matrix.

The support (3) is composed of a frustoconical volume (6) flared downwards and whose lower end (11) rests on a base (5). The volume (6) is positioned in the middle of the base (5). In the lower part of the base (5) are bores (4) provided for fixing the support (3) on a stable work surface for example. The axis of symmetry of the support (3) constitutes the reference axis (X) of the embossing device.

The support (3) has imprints (7) in the upper part of the volume (6). These impressions (7) have the form of drops. They are distributed around the circumference of the volume (6), between two guidelines (d1, d2).

• une paroi périphérique (9) également de forme tronconique ;
• une extrémité en forme de lèvre (8) reposant sur la base (5) une fois le gobelet (2) positionné sur le support (3) ;
• un socle (19) définissant un espace creux délimité d'un part par une paroi de fond (26) rehaussée (visible en figure 6), et d'autre part par la portion inférieure (27) de la paroi périphérique (9).

A cup (2) is positioned upside down between the die (3) and the movable member (1), and is ready to fit on the volume (6) which matches the inner shape of the cup (2) . This cup (2) comprises:

• a peripheral wall (9) also of frustoconical shape;
• a lip-shaped end (8) resting on the base (5) after the cup (2) is positioned on the support (3);
• a base (19) defining a hollow space delimited on the one hand by a raised bottom wall (26) (visible in figure 6 ), and on the other hand by the lower portion (27) of the peripheral wall (9).

In this case, the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2) has already undergone the various deformations, namely a slight flare of the base (19) and bosses (10). These bosses (10) have the appearance of drops and correspond to the imprints (7) of the matrix.

In this figure, the movable element (1) is in the initial position, corresponding to a position raised in height. The movable element (1) follows the reference axis (X) to have a perfectly aligned positioning with the support (3) below.

More specifically, the movable element (1) consists of a cylindrical block (13) having a plurality of vertical arms (14) distributed around the periphery of the block (13), and a cylindrical punch (28) the part of which bottom (33) chamfered is directed towards the base (19) of the cup (9).

The arms (14) are fixed to the block (13) by means of fixing screws (15). Each arm (14) is extended by a fork (18) placed at its free end. A ball (16) is inserted in the center of the fork (18) and rotatably mounted on an axle (17) held through the fork (18).

Each ball (16) cooperates with a footprint (7) so as to create a boss (10) on the cup (2). The balls (16) have no other degree of freedom than the possibility of turning on the axis (17).

The element (1) is movable in translation along the reference axis (X) between a first initial position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , and a second abutment position, as illustrated in figure 2 .

• le gobelet (2) est placé à l'envers sur la matrice (3) ;
• le bloc (13) à billes (16) translate verticalement en direction du gobelet (2) ;
• tout d'abord, les billes (16) viennent envelopper le socle (19) ;
• simultanément, la partie inférieure chanfreinée du poinçon (28) s'insère à l'intérieur du socle (19), la petite base (33) du poinçon (28) étant dirigée vers la paroi de fond (26) ;
• au fur et à mesure du déplacement de l'élément mobile (1) en direction du gobelet (2), les billes (16) viennent au contact de la paroi périphérique et déforment progressivement cette dernière, la déformation étant permise du fait que le support (3) présente des empreintes évidées (7) dans cette zone précise de contact ;
• simultanément la paroi cylindrique (29) du poinçon (28) vient au contact de la paroi périphérique (27) du socle (19) du gobelet (2) et s'appuie dessus de manière à l'évaser ;
• ces déformations progressives créent à la fois un évasement du socle (19) du gobelet (2) et des bossages (10) ayant l'allure de gouttes dans la paroi (9) du gobelet, correspondant à l'intersection du volume tronconique (6) du support (3) avec les billes (16) du bloc (13) ;
• la déformation se termine lorsque l'élément mobile (1) arrive en butée ;
• l'élément mobile (1) est ramené en position initiale ;
• le gobelet (2) déformé peut alors être retiré du support (3).

The deformation of the peripheral wall of the cup is carried out in several steps:

• the cup (2) is placed upside down on the die (3);
• the ball block (13) translates vertically towards the cup (2);
• first, the balls (16) wrap the base (19);
• simultaneously, the lower chamfered portion of the punch (28) is inserted into the base (19), the small base (33) of the punch (28) being directed towards the bottom wall (26);
• as the moving element (1) moves towards the cup (2), the balls (16) come into contact with the peripheral wall and progressively deform the latter, the deformation being allowed because the support (3) has recessed fingerprints (7) in this precise contact area;
• simultaneously the cylindrical wall (29) of the punch (28) comes into contact with the peripheral wall (27) of the base (19) of the cup (2) and rests on it so as to flare it;
• these progressive deformations create both a flare of the base (19) of the cup (2) and bosses (10) having the appearance of drops in the wall (9) of the cup, corresponding to the intersection of the frustoconical volume (6). ) of the support (3) with the balls (16) of the block (13);
• the deformation ends when the movable element (1) comes to a stop;
• the movable element (1) is returned to the initial position;
• the tumbler (2) deformed can then be removed from the support (3).

A second possible configuration of a deformation device is represented in figure 3 . This device differs from that presented in figures 1 and 2 in that the block (13) is now fixed with respect to the movable element (1) in translation, which this time corresponds to a shaft (25) provided with means for flaring, retention means, and forming part of a cam type system for producing bosses.

More precisely, the shaft (25) translates inside the fixed block (13).

• une butée (32) mobile en translation par rapport au poinçon (28) selon ledit axe (X) et venant au contact de la paroi de fond (26) du gobelet (2) lors de la réalisation de l'évasement ;
• d'un ressort (31) disposé entre la butée (32) et le poinçon (28) et aptes à maintenir la butée (32) au contact de la paroi de fond (26) lors du retrait du poinçon (28) après la réalisation de l'évasement.

The free end of the shaft (25) ends with a punch (28) as described above for the flaring of the base (19) of the cup (2). In above these flaring means, the movable element (1) is provided with retention means for holding the cup (2) on the support (3) during removal of the punch (28) of the base (19) after deformation . These retention means consist of:

• a stop (32) movable in translation relative to the punch (28) along said axis (X) and coming into contact with the bottom wall (26) of the cup (2) during the production of the flare;
• a spring (31) disposed between the abutment (32) and the punch (28) and able to maintain the abutment (32) in contact with the bottom wall (26) during removal of the punch (28) after completion flaring.

The stop (32) is fixed to the end of a shaft (30) sliding inside an orifice made in the movable element (1) along said axis (X) and actuated by the movable element ( 1), the spring (31) being arranged around the shaft (30).

• de l'arbre (25) mobile en translation sur lequel est fixé un composant (23) doté de plans inclinés (24) par rapport à l'axe de translation (X) ;
• de pièces intermédiaires (20) pivotantes et coopérant avec les plans inclinés (24).

With regard to embossing, the cam type system consists of:

• the shaft (25) movable in translation on which is fixed a component (23) having inclined planes (24) with respect to the translation axis (X);
• intermediate parts (20) pivoting and cooperating with the inclined planes (24).

Specifically, each intermediate piece (20) is pivotally mounted, in the vicinity of its center, in the fork (18) of each arm (14) of the block (13). This pivoting intermediate piece (20) itself comprises two ends (21, 22) in the form of fork each traversed by an axis about which is mounted a ball (16a, 16b).

The ball (16a) mounted on the first end (22) rolls along the inclined plane (24) of the component (23) during the displacement of the shaft (25), causing pivoting of the intermediate piece (20) accordingly. the angle of the inclined plane (23) and the length of the translational movement. This pivoting has the effect of removing or bringing the ball (16b) of the second end (21) relative to the axis (X). In other words, the further the component (23) goes down, the more the balls (16b) come closer to the support (3), until they come into abutment in the impressions of the matrix.

Return means, not shown, allow the intermediate parts to remain permanently in contact with the inclined planes.

The figure 4 represents this second deformation device configuration in the initial position, away from the cup. In this figure, the cup (2) has already been deformed since it has a flare of the base (19) and bosses (10).

The figure 5 shows the device in abutment urging the embossing and flaring means.

• le bloc (13) vient entourer le gobelet (2) positionné sur le support (3), la butée (32) venant au contact de la paroi de fond (26) ;
• le bloc (13) reste fixe tandis que l'arbre (25) translate en direction du gobelet (2) et vient actionner à la fois le poinçon (28) qui se rapproche de la butée (32) par compression du ressort (31), et les pièces intermédiaires (20) qui commencent à pivoter ;
• le poinçon (28) vient s'appuyer sur la paroi périphérique (27) délimitant le socle (19) tandis que les billes (16b) viennent s'appuyer contre la paroi périphérique (9) du gobelet (2) au niveau des empreintes (7) de la matrice, jusqu'à ce que l'arbre (25) arrive en butée ;
• puis l'arbre (25) se déplace en sens inverse de manière à écarter les billes (16b) du gobelet (2) et retirer le poinçon (28) du socle (19), la butée (32) restant au contact de la paroi de fond (26) pendant la décompression du ressort (31) ;
• la butée (32) se retire du socle (19) une fois le ressort (31) détendu et le bloc s'éloigne du gobelet (2).

Concretely, here are the main steps of the realization of the deformation:

• the block (13) surrounds the cup (2) positioned on the support (3), the stop (32) coming into contact with the bottom wall (26);
• the block (13) remains fixed while the shaft (25) translates towards the cup (2) and actuates both the punch (28) which is close to the stop (32) by compression of the spring (31) , and the intermediate pieces (20) which begin to rotate;
• the punch (28) bears against the peripheral wall (27) delimiting the base (19) while the balls (16b) abut against the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2) at the level of the cavities ( 7) of the matrix, until the shaft (25) abuts;
• then the shaft (25) moves in the opposite direction to separate the balls (16b) from the cup (2) and remove the punch (28) from the base (19), the stop (32) remaining in contact with the wall bottom (26) during decompression of the spring (31);
• the stop (32) withdraws from the base (19) once the spring (31) has relaxed and the block moves away from the cup (2).

According to one possible configuration, as illustrated in figures 1 and 3 , the matrix (3) comprises twelve imprints (7) distributed around the perimeter equidistantly from each other. The block (13) meanwhile has only six arms (14) ball (16) distributed around the perimeter equidistantly and to correspond each with a footprint (7). In this case, the realization of the boss is performed only by one footprint (7) out of two, and the cup (2) embossed has six bosses (10).

A simple rotation of the block (13) with respect to the axis (X) of a pitch corresponding to the angle separating the consecutive impressions (7) makes it possible to offset the arms (14) so as to make a boss on the cup (2) next with the six imprints (7) not used in the previous operation. The next cup (2) therefore also has six bosses (10), but positioned offset from the bosses (10) of the preceding cup (2).

The figure 6a shows a first possible configuration of cup (2) having six bosses (10). The figure 6b shows a second possible configuration of cup (2) having twelve bosses (10).

But the possible configurations are not limited to these two examples. The locations of the various bosses (10) on the cup (2) can be offset in height. Similarly, the width of the boss (10) can be changed by changing the diameter of the balls (16). It is thus possible to play on several parameters in order to choose the exact shape of the boss (10), as well as the number of bosses (10).

The figure 7a illustrates the interlocking between an upper cup (101) and a lower cup (102). The upper cup (101) abuts against the bottom wall (106) of the lower cup (102) to define a sealed area (108) where the lower cup (102) powder product will be located.

In the case presented on this figure 7a , the cups are nested without offset, that is to say with the bosses (103) of the upper cup (101) aligned with the bosses (104) of the lower cup (102). In this case, the most hollow part of the boss (104), corresponding to the upper part of the spherical shape of the drop, abuts against the less hollow part of the boss (103), corresponding to the lower part in point of said drop. This slight pressure is sufficient to ensure proper adhesion between the cups (101, 102) generally.

The figure 7b differs from the figure 7a in that the bosses (103) of the upper cup (101) are offset from the bosses (104) of the lower cup (102). In this case, the most hollow part of the boss (104) corresponding to the spherical upper part of the drop, bears against the flat wall of the lower cup (102) with a greater pressure than in the previous hypothesis , creating a slight deformation (107) of said wall inwards. In this case, the mechanical strength of a stack of cups is further improved.

The invention has just been described by means of a preferred example, which can not, however, be considered as limiting. Variations and modifications of form which fall within the scope of the appended claims form part of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. A device for deforming the peripheral wall (9) of stackable cups (2), each cup (2) including a base (19) defining a hollow space below the cup (2) delimited on the one hand by a raised bottom wall (26), and on the other hand by the lower portion (27) of the peripheral wall (9), including, for at least one cup, means for axially or radially immobilizing the cup (2), consisting of a stationary holder (3), and characterized in that it includes, for at least that cup (2):

   - expanding means of the base (19) capable of exerting pressure on said lower portion (27) of the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2) and increasing the diameter of the latter.
2. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to claim 1, characterized in that said expanding means are actuated by translating a movable element (1) along the axis (X) of the immobilized cup (2) between a first position separated from the holder (3) provided with the cup (2) and a second position at the end of deformation of the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2), said expanding means being able to be inserted inside said hollow space of the base (19) by exerting radial pressure on said lower portion (27) of the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2).
3. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expanding means consist of a cylindrical punch (28) oriented toward the base (19) of the cup (2) positioned upside down on the holder (3), the lower part (33) of the punch (28) being beveled to be easily inserted inside the base (19), while the cylindrical wall (29) with a diameter larger than that of the base (19) gradually bears on the inner face of said lower portion (27) of the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2).
4. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes means for retaining the cup (2) relative to the expanding means when the latter are removed from the base (19) to return to the first position.
5. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the retaining means consist of:

   - a stop (32) that can be translated relative to the punch (28) along said axis (X) and coming into contact with the bottom wall (26) of the cup (2) when the deformation is done;

   - spring means (31) positioned between the stop (32) and the punch (28) and capable of keeping the stop (32) in contact with the bottom wall (26) when the punch (28) is removed after performing the deformation.
6. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stop (32) is in the form of a piston fastened to the end of the shaft (30) sliding inside an orifice formed in the moving element (1) along said axis (X) and actuated by the moving element (1), the spring means (31) being positioned around the shaft (30).
7. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

   - the stationary holder (3) has raised cavities (7) on its perimeter to form a matrix in contact with the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2);

   - the movement of the moving element (1) actuates embossing means:

   ○ capable of exerting pressure on the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2), at the raised cavities (7) of the matrix, and

   ○ deforming the wall (9) of the cup (2) by being inserted in said cavities (7).
8. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the moving element (1) consists of a movable cylindrical block (13) provided with expanding means and embossing means.
9. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shape of the cavities (7) corresponds to the intersection, during the translation of the cylindrical block (13), of the matrix with shapes protruding past the block (13) towards the matrix and making up the embossing means.
10. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the embossing means are kept in the vicinity of the free end of the block (13).
11. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the embossing means are mounted on stationary arms (14) belonging to the block (13) and parallel to its axis (X) of translation.
12. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the expanding means are situated at the center of the block (13) while the embossing means are situated at the periphery of the block (13) and surround the cup (2) on its holder (3), the latter consisting of a matrix having a peripheral crown hugging the inner shape of the cup (2).
13. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to claim 7, characterized in that the moving element (1) consists of a shaft (25) with a cam-type system cooperating with embossing means belonging to a stationary cylindrical block (13) relative to the shaft (25), the expanding means being situated at the end of said shaft (25).
14. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cam-type system is made up of:

    - said translatable shaft (25), which has at least one inclined surface (24) relative to the axis (X) of translation;

    - intermediate parts (20) including the embossing means mounted pivotably on the block (13) and being in contact with the inclined surface (24) of the shaft (25), the pivoting movement of the intermediate part (20) depending on the translational movement of the inclined surface (24) along the axis (X) of translation of the shaft (25).
15. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inclined surface (24) of the moving shaft (25) consists of several sides inclined by the same angle.
16. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that the movable shaft (25) has a conical ring whereof the outer surface corresponds to said inclined surface (24).
17. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that each intermediate part (20) includes:

    - a central portion pivotably mounted on the block (13) near its free end;

    - a first end (22) in contact with an inclined surface (24) of the shaft (25);

    - a second end (21) provided with embossing means.
18. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shape of the cavities (7) of the matrix (3) corresponds to the intersection, during translation of the shaft (25), of the matrix (3) with the shapes belonging to the second end (21) of the intermediate parts (20) and making up the embossing means.
19. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the embossing means are balls (16b).
20. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each ball (16b) is mounted loose on a shaft positioned in a yoke.
21. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the intermediate parts (20) are mounted on stationary arms (14) extending from the free end of the block (13) toward the support.
22. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the intermediate parts (20) surround the cup (2) on its holder (3), the latter consisting of a matrix having a peripheral crown hugging the inner shape of the cup (2).
23. The device for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups according to any one of claims 7 to 22, characterized in that the cylindrical block (13) is rotatably mounted with a predetermined pitch around the axis (X) of translation of the moving element (1).
24. A method for deforming the peripheral wall of stackable cups using the device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes the following steps:

    - positioning a cup (2) on a holder (3) that immobilizes it in translation and radially;

    - translating, along the axis (X) of the immobilized cup (2), a movable element (1) toward the cup (2);

    - actuating expanding and embossing means equipping the movable element (1) and exerted simultaneously on the peripheral wall (9) of the cup (2);

    - moving the movable element (1) in the opposite direction while keeping the cup (2) on its holder (3) using retaining means;

    - returning the movable element (1) and retaining means to the initial position separated from the cup (2) on its holder (3).

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