EP2632805B1 - Device and method for overwrapping identical or similar products and boxing the overwrapped products - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of packaging. More particularly, the invention relates to the field of overpacking and casing identical or similar products consisting of a batch.

The invention applies in particular but not exclusively to the case of fresh dairy products, cheese products, compotes and any other product of various natures or destinations but which may be considered identical or similar in order to allow their grouping in batches.

For the production of such batches of overpacked products, the contents to be packaged, the primary packagings (pots and lids) possibly arranged in platelets and the individual overpackage blanks should be available or manufactured. Then the products themselves are produced, that is to say that the primary packaging is filled with the desired content (s) and then closed by placing the covers. Then the batches of products are formed by grouping and possibly superposition of these products. Then, around each batch of products is disposed an overwrap blank folded and closed on itself. And finally these lots of overpacked products are arranged in a cardboard box or similar material to ensure their packaging and transport to the distribution markets.

It is known from the state of the art the document EP-A-1116 676 which aims an overpacking machine comprising a conveyor adapted to receive successive groups of products for routing from an upstream location to a downstream location; a progress path along which the products are conveyed one by one to said conveyor by being juxtaposed to each other; means for transferring the products from the advancement path to the conveyor, capable of taking and grouping the products to form spaced batches; and a carrier capable on the one hand to route one by one cardboard overwrap blanks, laid substantially flat on the conveyor, to said conveyor, and to arrange the overpack blanks on the conveyor opposite batches of products; drive means and transfer means; and finally a device for controlling and controlling the drive means, adapted to apply to each drive means a speed profile preprogrammed according to the pitch and / or the type of desired lots.

Such a device has several disadvantages.

First, it requires juxtaposing, one behind the other, a plurality of workstations to ensure the different stages of packaging of products in overpackaged batches and the establishment of these overpacked batches in boxes for their handling . However, these workstations are arranged in the continuity of production lines whose length generates significant congestion constraints within a packaging facility.

Secondly, this device makes the overpacking operation almost mandatory because the online layout of the workstations implies that products that do not have to be overpacked must still cross the overpack positions. This obviously generates a waste of time that is not acceptable given the constraints imposed on the packaging of certain products.

It is also known from the document FR-A-2 910 879 a device for overpacking products arranged in batches around which overpack blanks are arranged. This device comprises a carousel having receptacles and four work stations, distributed around the carousel, respectively comprising means for dispensing overpack blanks to the receptacles, means for loading the products into the receptacles, folding means and / or closing the overpack blanks around the products to form batches of overpacked products and means for unloading the overpacked batches to crates. This arrangement of workstations around the carousel is intended to reduce the clutter of the installation compared to online devices such as that presented above.

However, it also has disadvantages.

Indeed, such an arrangement, taking into account the positioning of the various workstations around the carousel, also implies that products pass the overpack station even when they do not have to be overpacked for packaging and that they could therefore abstain from a passage in front of this post.

In addition, since the workstations are arranged one behind the other on the production line, the rate of this installation is necessarily limited by the slowest workstation, which does not allow to fully exploit the speed of other positions by taking advantage of possible masked times.

It is also known from the prior art other devices for overpacking products arranged in batches, such as those disclosed by the documents US-A1-2004 / 031236 , DE-A1-21 23 991 US Patent 4463541 and DE-A1-33 01 013 . But just like the devices presented above, these devices of the prior art do not provide a sufficient rate.

In this context, the present invention aims to provide a device and an overpacking process free of at least one of the limitations mentioned above. More particularly, the object of the invention is to propose a device and an overpacking process with reduced bulk, which does not necessarily require the passage of the batches of products formed within a workstation exclusively dedicated to the overpack and which ensures optimized production rate.

For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for overpacking identical or similar products, and the packing of overpacked products, comprising: means supply of blank overwrapping blanks and means for supplying mobile products according to an incoming axial flow, means for supplying empty boxes of products and means for evacuating crates filled with overpacked products, movable according to a outgoing axial flow; dispensing means capable of sequentially distributing overpack blanks flat from the overpack blank supply means to hollow receiving means; loading means able to load, sequentially, the products from the product supply means in the receiving means, so as to constitute preparatory batches composed of the products and, around the overpackage blanks set volume and open; closing means capable of closing, sequentially, the overwrapping blanks placed in volume and open preparatory batches so as to constitute overpacked lots composed of overpackaged products by means of overpackage blanks volume and closed; unloading means capable of discharging, in a sequential manner, the overpacked batches from the receiving means to the boxes fed by the box feeding means and discharged, once filled with products overwrapped by the means for evacuating the boxes filled.

According to the invention, the distribution means and the loading means are grouped together in a distribution and loading station for the preparatory batches and the closing means and the unloading means are grouped together in a closing station and unloading overpacked lots; the receiving means comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers capable of setting the volume of the overpack blanks around the products to receive the preparatory batches; the shuttle shapers of the first pair are arranged on a first distribution channel and able to be moved along the first distribution channel in phase opposition with respect to each other, so that when operating when one of the shuttle-shapers of the first pair is in position in the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches the other of the shuttle-shapers of the first pair is in position in the closing and unloading station of the overpacked batches and vice versa.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises the distribution station and loading preparatory batches and the closing station and unloading packaged batches only.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises adhesive material disposal means adapted to allow that the adhesive material is disposed on a portion of the overpackage blanks set in volume and open so as to keep closed the overpacked batches comprising the overpackage blanks set in volume and closed.

In this case, according to one embodiment the adhesive material disposal means are arranged near the first distribution channel, between the distribution station and loading preparatory batches and the closing station and unloading packaged batches, so to allow the on-the-fly disposal of the adhesive material on the portions of the overwrapping blanks set in volume and open during the passage of these overpack blanks set in volume and open between the distribution and loading station of the preparatory lots and the closing and unloading station for the overpacked lots.

In this case, according to another embodiment, the adhesive material disposal means are arranged in the closure and unloading station for the overpacked batches, so as to allow the adhesive material to be placed on the portions of the overpack blanks set in volume and open. when these volume blanks overstacked and open are in position in the closing station and unloading overpacked lots and before the implementation of the closing means.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises means for dispensing information or ornamentation elements able to affix information or ornamentation elements on a portion of the overpack blanks set in volume and open.

In this case, according to one embodiment the distribution means of information or ornamentation elements are arranged near the first distribution channel, between the distribution station and loading preparatory batches and the closing station and unloading the overpacked batches, so as to allow the distribution on the fly of the information or ornamentation elements on the portions of the overpackage blanks set in volume and open during the passage of these overpackage blanks set in volume and open between the distribution and loading station for the preparatory lots and the closing and unloading station for overpacked lots.

In the case where the adhesive material disposal means and the distribution means of information or ornamentation elements are arranged near the first distribution channel, between the distribution station and loading preparatory batches and the closing and unloading station packaged batches, in one embodiment the adhesive material disposal means and the ornamentation element distribution means are structurally and functionally related to each other.

In one embodiment, the information or ornamentation elements are chosen from: ink, self-adhesive labels and the like.

According to one embodiment, the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers capable of placing the overpack blanks around the products in order to receive the preparatory batches; the shuttle shapers of the second pair being arranged on a second distribution channel and able to be moved along the second distribution channel in phase opposition with respect to each other, so that when operating when one of the shuttle-shaper of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches the other of the shuttle shaper of the second pair is in position in the closing and unloading station of the over-packaged batches and vice versa.

In one embodiment, the first and / or second distribution channel comprises a support rail extending in a longitudinal direction; transmission means supported by the support rail and adapted to drive the shuttle shapers in a reciprocating motion in the longitudinal direction of the support rail and a drive motor adapted to set the transmission means in motion .

In this case, according to one embodiment the transmission means have a first portion and a second portion capable of driving, respectively, the one and the other of the shuttle-shapers of the first pair and / or the second pair in two directions. opposed.

The transmission means can then, according to a first variant, comprise one or two closed transmission elements, such as a belt or a chain.

In the case where the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers arranged on a second distribution channel, in one embodiment the support rail of the second distribution channel is parallel and facing the support rail of the first channel. of distribution.

In the case where the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers arranged on a second distribution channel, according to one embodiment the drive motor of the first distribution channel also constitutes the drive motor of the second channel. distribution.

The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a method of overpacking identical or similar products, and to packing over-packaged products, comprising a plurality of steps consisting in: having means for feeding flat overpack blanks; , means for supplying mobile products according to an incoming axial flow, means for feeding empty boxes of products and means for evacuating crates filled with mobile overpackaged products according to an outgoing axial flow; sequentially dispensing overpack blanks flat from the overpack blank feed means to recessed receiving means; and sequentially loading products from the product supply means into the receiving means so as to constitute preparatory batches consisting of the products and, around, overpackage blanks set in volume and open; sequentially closing the overwrapping blanks placed in volume and open preparatory batches so as to constitute overpacked batches composed of overpackaged products by means of overpackage blanks set in volume and closed again; sequentially unloading the overpacked batches from the receiving means to the crates fed by the box feeding means and discharged, once filled products overwrapped by the evacuation means of the crates filled.

According to the invention: the receiving means comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers participating, alternatively, the setting volume of the overpack blanks around the products during the reception of the preparatory lots; during a first phase the distribution steps of the blanks overpacking and loading of the products are carried out one after the other within a distribution station and load preparatory lots where is one of the shaper-shuttles of the first pair and simultaneously; and during this first phase also the steps of closing the overwrapping blanks volume and open and unloading overpacked batches to the boxes are carried out one after another within a closing station and unloading overpacked lots where the other shuttlecocks of the first pair are; during a second phase, the shuttle shapers of the first pair, arranged on a first distribution channel, are displaced along the first distribution channel in phase opposition with respect to each other, so that one of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is moved from the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches and to the closing and unloading station of the overpacked batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is moved from the closing and unloading station for overpacked lots to the distribution and loading station for preparatory lots.

According to one embodiment, the method uses the distribution and loading station of preparatory batches and the closing and unloading station for overpacked batches only.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step of distributing an adhesive material on a portion of the overpackage blanks set in volume and open so as to keep closed the overpacked lots comprising overpack blanks volume and closed.

In this case, according to one embodiment the step of dispensing the adhesive material is to dispose on the fly, between the distribution station and loading preparatory batches and the closing station and unloading packaged batches, the adhesive material on the portions of the overwrapping blanks set in volume and open during the passage of these overwrapping blanks set in volume and open between said distribution station and loading preparatory batches and said closure and unloading position of overpacked batches, before the implementation of the step of closing the overpack blanks.

In this same case, according to one variant, the step of dispensing the adhesive material consists in dispensing, within the closure and unloading station for the overpacked batches, adhesive material on the portions of the overpack blanks that are placed in volume and opened. when these volume blanks overstacked and open are in position in the closing station and unloading overpacked lots, before the implementation of the closing step blanks blanks F.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step of distributing information or ornamentation elements so as to affix these information or ornamentation elements on a portion of the overpack blanks set in volume and open.

In this case, the distribution step of the information or ornamentation elements consists in distributing, on the fly, between the distribution and loading station preparatory batches and the closing and unloading station for the overpacked batches, elements information or ornamentation on the portions of overpackage blanks set in volume and open during the passage of these overpackage blanks set in volume and open between the distribution station and load preparatory batches and the closing station and unloading overpacked lots.

According to one embodiment: the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle-shaper alternatively participating in setting the volume of the overpack blanks around the products during the reception of the preparatory lots; in which, during the first phase, one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the closing and unloading station for overpacked lots; in which during the second phase, the shuttle shapers of the second pair, arranged on a second distribution channel, are displaced along the second distribution channel in phase opposition with respect to each other so one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is moved from the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches and to the closing and unloading station of the overpacked batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is moved from the closure and unloading station for overpacked lots to the distribution and loading station for the preparatory lots.

In this case, in one embodiment, the shuttle shaper of the first pair and the shuttle shaper of the second pair are driven by a single drive motor.

• ■ La figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble partielle, en perspective d'une machine de suremballage selon l'invention, sur laquelle se trouvent des produits, des flans de suremballage à plat, des caisses vides et des lots suremballés agencés dans des caisses ;
• ■ La figure 2A est une vue de détail en perspective partielle des moyens d'alimentation en produits selon un flux axial entrant, appartenant à la machine de suremballage de la figure 1 ;
• ■ La figure 2B est une vue de détail en vue de dessus des moyens d'alimentation en produits selon le flux axial entrant et, plus particulièrement, de moyens d'entraînement synchronisés des produits appartenant à ces moyens d'alimentation ;
• ■ La figure 3A est une vue de détail en perspective partielle des moyens d'alimentation en flans de suremballage appartenant à la machine de suremballage de la figure 1 et comportant plusieurs magasins de flans de suremballage à plat et empilés;
• ■ La figure 3B est une vue de détail en perspective partielle des moyens de distribution de flans de suremballage appartenant à la machine de suremballage de la figure 1 et comportant notamment des moyens de dépilage 40 des flans de suremballage ;
• ■ La figure 4 est une vue de détail en perspective partielle des moyens d'alimentation en produits, de moyens d'entraînement synchronisés des produits, des moyens d'alimentation en flans de suremballage et des moyens de distribution de flans de suremballage appartenant à la machine de suremballage de la figure 1 ;
• ■ La figure 5 est une vue de détail en perspective partielle des moyens de réception appartenant à la machine de suremballage de la figure 1 et comportant une première paire de conformateur-navettes capables de se déplacer dans un mouvement de va-et-vient le long d'une première voie de distribution ;
• ■ La figure 6 est une vue de détail en perspective partielle de moyens de réception et de conformation appartenant à la machine de suremballage de la figure 1 ;
• ■ Les figures 7A et 7B sont des vues de détail en perspective partielles de moyens de fermeture des flans de suremballages et de moyens de déchargement des lots suremballés dans des caisses permettant le conditionnement et la manutention des lots suremballés positionnés au sein du poste de fermeture et de déchargement de la machine de suremballage de la figure 1 ;
• ■ La figure 8 est une vue de détail en perspective partielle d'un mode de réalisation des moyens de réception appartenant à une machine de suremballage selon l'invention comportant une première et une deuxième paires de conformateur-navettes.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• ■ The figure 1 is a partial overview, in perspective of an overpack machine according to the invention, on which there are products, blank overwrapping blanks, empty boxes and overpacked lots arranged in boxes;
• ■ The Figure 2A is a detail view in partial perspective of the product supply means according to an incoming axial flow, belonging to the overwrapping machine of the figure 1 ;
• ■ The Figure 2B is a detailed view in plan view of the product supply means according to the incoming axial flow and, more particularly, synchronized drive means of the products belonging to these supply means;
• ■ The figure 3A is a detail view in partial perspective of the overpack blanking means belonging to the overpacking machine of the figure 1 and having a plurality of flat and stacked overpack blank magazines;
• ■ The figure 3B is a partial perspective view of the overpackage blank distribution means belonging to the overpack machine of the figure 1 and including in particular unstacking means 40 of the overpack blanks;
• ■ The figure 4 is a detail view in partial perspective of the product supply means, the synchronized drive means of the products, the overpackage blank supply means and the overpackage blank distribution means belonging to the overpacking machine of the figure 1 ;
• ■ The figure 5 is a detail view in partial perspective of the receiving means belonging to the overpack machine of the figure 1 and having a first pair of shuttle shapers capable of reciprocating movement along a first distribution channel;
• ■ The figure 6 is a detail view in partial perspective of receiving and conformation means belonging to the overpack machine of the figure 1 ;
• ■ The Figures 7A and 7B are partial partial perspective views of means for closing the overpack blanks and means for unloading the overpacked batches in boxes allowing the packaging and the handling of the overpacked lots positioned within the closing and unloading station of the packaging machine. overpack of the figure 1 ;
• ■ The figure 8 is a detail view in partial perspective of an embodiment of the receiving means belonging to an overpack machine according to the invention comprising a first and a second pairs of shaper-shuttles.

The invention relates to overpacking, in an overwrap blank F, identical or similar products A, that is to say having dimensions relatively close to each other but possibly certain distinctions including ornamental.

These products A may, in a non-limiting embodiment be arranged in platelets P each comprising a plurality of articles A substantially the same length in a running direction D which is described as longitudinal. Products A, or possibly platelets P of products A, are arranged in one or more columns, one or more lines and / or one or more layers in order to form batches L of products A.

The products A are typically primary packages such as pots made of plastic, waxed cardboard or the like intended to be closed by lids and containing fresh or ultra-fresh dairy products such as yogurt and the like, dessert creams, ice creams and the like. but also cheese products, compotes. All this is only exemplary and not limiting and the term "product" means by convention a primary packaging filled with its contents. In a typical embodiment, the products A have a generally cylindrical or prismatic or pseudo cylindrical or pseudo prismatic or ovoid shape or the like with an axis normally arranged vertically. In a typical embodiment, such a product A has a longitudinal length of the order of a few centimeters.

The lots L of products A are intended to be overpacked so as to constitute overpacked lots Ls. This overpack is typically made from an overwrap blank F, in cardboard or similar material, having pre-cut and fold lines arranged to facilitate its conformation to a predetermined shape.

The method can be implemented and the device can operate when products A and overpackage blanks F prepared separately are available. In particular, the method according to the invention can be implemented and the machine according to the invention can be installed downstream, in particular immediately downstream or almost immediately downstream, of a line or a unit for producing the articles. A (formation of content, filling and closing).

Thus, there is an incoming axial flow 10 of products A.

The device according to the invention, as represented on the figure 1 , includes a frame and appropriate support elements (shown in part only). This device extends in a substantially horizontal plane.

The device comprises in the first place feed means 12 in products A.

These supply means 12 of products A make it possible to transport these products A according to the incoming axial flow 10, along the running direction D which is also the direction of the driving movement of the driving parts and members of the drive means. 12, such as conveyors or conveyor means.

Directorate D is also referred to as "longitudinal". Furthermore, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D is called "transverse".

The conveyors or conveyor means and therefore the products A are able to move along the longitudinal direction D in a given direction, which makes it possible to define on the supply means 12 an upstream side and a downstream side.

Part of the supply means 12 of products A are represented in more detail on the Figures 2A and 2B

These supply means 12 of products A comprise in particular two belt conveyor belt 14 disposed at or near the exit of a line or a unit for producing articles A. These two conveyor belts 14 drive the products Along the longitudinal direction D from the upstream side to the downstream side.

These supply means 12 also comprise synchronized drive means 16 of the products A making it possible to accelerate, slow down or stop the products A with respect to moving the conveyor belts 14 when these products A are within a so-called loading zone 20. The synchronized drive means 16 thus provide precise positioning of the products A. More particularly, these synchronized drive means 16 products A comprise two worm gear systems arranged opposite one another in order to constrain the positioning of the products A in the longitudinal direction D and in the transverse direction. The positioning of the products A in the loading zone 20 is thus controlled and precise.

The supply means 12 further comprise positioning sensors 18 making it possible to identify the position of the products A along the incoming axial flow 10 and, in particular, to determine when these products A are positioned inside the loading area 20.

The synchronized drive means 16 are slaved to these positioning sensors 18 and make it possible to hold the products A in position when they are inside this loading zone 20.

The device according to the invention also comprises loading means 22 in products A.

These loading means 22 of products A are able to load, sequentially, products A from the supply means 12 of products A in recessed receiving means (described later).

These loading means 22 comprise one or more gripping heads 24 able to grip the products A so as to move them from the loading zone 20 and to the recessed receiving means. Advantageously, said loading means 22 comprise sufficient gripping heads 24 for handling and moving products A constituting one or more batches L. However, this manipulation can, depending on the circumstances, be carried out in a time or in several times. .

The gripping heads 24 are able to move, on the one hand, in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D and, on the other hand, in the vertical direction in order to extract, from above, the products A of the loading zone 20 and transport them, in the transverse direction, to the recessed receiving means.

As before, it should be noted that these gripping heads 24 can be slaved to the positioning sensors 18 to engage the manipulation and movement of the products A when they are in position or are in the process of being in position in the loading area 20.

The device also has supply means 32 in overwrapping blanks F.

These supply means 32 in overwrap blanks F, as shown in FIG. figure 3a , comprise one or more store (s) 34 of overwrap blanks F flat and stacked, located next to the loading zone 20 and shifted in the transverse direction vis-à-vis this loading zone 20. Other on the other hand, when the supply means 32 in overwrapping blanks F comprise several magazines 34, the latter are adjacent to each other; which facilitates their handling.

In stores 34, represented on the figure 3a , the overpack blanks F are stacked, inclined relative to the vertical and carried by the support members of the magazines 34 to the outlet of the magazine 34. Thus, when a first series of overpack blanks F to be used is extracted from the magazines 34, the overwrap blanks F - which were previously stacked on the blanks F of this first series - come to take a stand against the support members of the magazine 34, ready to be extracted in turn.

The supply means 32 in overwrapping blanks F also comprise presence sensors 36 supported by the magazines 34 and making it possible to determine the quantity of overwrapping blanks F remaining available in these magazines 34.

In this way, when a magazine 34 no longer contains a predetermined limited quantity of overwrapping blanks F, the presence sensors 36 signal it and transmit either instructions for supplying the magazines 34 in overwrap blanks F or instructions. use of overwrapping blanks F from adjacent stores not emptied.

The device also comprises distribution means 38 in overwrap blanks F.

These distribution means 38 in overwrap blanks F, as shown in FIG. figure 3b , are able to distribute, sequentially, overwrapping blanks F flat from the supply means 32 in overwrapping blanks F and to the recessed receiving means. These dispensing means 38 consist in particular of unstacking means 40 of the overpacking blanks F.

In the realization of the figure 3b , these unstacking means 40 have the form of an unstacking wheel 42 rotatably mounted about a transverse axis 42a, supporting a plurality of radial arms 44 terminated by sucking suction cups 46. Driving means drive the unstacking wheel 42.

With such means, the sucking suction cups 46 of the radial arms 44 arriving towards the outlet of the magazine 34 can seize and then move as the first overpack blanks F appearing at the outlet of the magazines 34. Of course, this form of realization of the distribution means 38 is only exemplary and not limiting.

Overpack blanks F thus unstacked are deposited, after rotation, flat on the recessed receiving means, as shown in FIG. figure 4 .

The device according to the invention has recessed receiving means 50.

More particularly and according to the invention, the loading means 22 of the products A and the dispensing means 38 in overwrapping blanks F are arranged around the receiving means 50 in a hollow so as to form a batch dispensing and loading station. Preparatory L _P.

This is what represents the figure 5 .

According to the invention, these receiving means 50 comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers 52 capable of moving in a back-and-forth movement so as to be alternately within the distribution station and loading preparatory batches L _P.

Each shuttle shaper 52 has one or more hollow base (s) provided with a base and a peripheral wall defining at least one receiving cavity 54 open upwards in a normal condition of use. Each receiving cavity 54 is capable of containing one or more lot (s) L of products A surrounded by an overwrapping blank F.

For this purpose, the receiving cavity 54 of each hollow base has dimensions slightly greater than the dimensions of the batches L of products A so as to ensure the reception, in addition to the batch L of products A, of an excess thickness corresponding to the dimensions of an overwrap blank F.

According to the realization of the figure 5 each shuttle shaper 52 has three separate bases, each having two receiving cavities 54 and thus accommodating two batches L of products A at least partially surrounded by overwrapping blanks F.

However, other achievements are also conceivable and the achievement illustrated by the figure 5 is only exemplary and in no way limiting.

• ■ les moyens de distribution 38 en flans de suremballage F sont capables de déposer les flans de suremballage F à plats, dans une position prédéterminée vis-à-vis de la partie supérieure ouverte de ce conformateur-navette 52 et en regard de la cavité de réception 54 de ce dernier ; et
• ■ les moyens de chargement 22 des produits A sont aptes à charger les produits A, constitué en lots L, à l'intérieur des cavités de réception 54, en générant la mise en volume des flans de suremballage F contre la base et les parois périphériques définissant la cavité de réception 54 des conformateur-navettes 52.

When a shuttle shaper 52 is in position within the distribution and loading station of preparatory batches L _P :

• The distribution means 38 in overwrapping blanks F are capable of depositing the overwrapping blanks F flat, in a predetermined position vis-à-vis the open upper part of this shaper-shuttle 52 and facing the cavity of reception 54 of the latter; and
• The loading means 22 of the products A are able to load the products A, constituted in batches L, inside the reception cavities 54, by generating the setting of the overpackage blanks F against the base and the peripheral walls defining the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shapers 52.

The introduction of the overpack blanks F first, then products A in the shuttle shaper 52 thus makes it possible to form preparatory batches L _P composed of the products A and, around, overwrap blanks F placed in volume and opened. .

According to one embodiment, it should be noted that the distribution and loading station preparatory batches L _P may include receiving means and conformation 62 overpack blanks F allowing, on the one hand, to ensure accurate positioning of overwinding flanks F with respect to the shuttle shapers 52 and, secondly, to facilitate the folding and conformation of these overwrapping blanks F for their volume development inside the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shaper 52.

One embodiment of these reception and conformation means 62 is represented on the figure 6 .

According to this embodiment, the reception and conformation means 62 comprise a support plane 64 able to support the overpack blanks F distributed flat by the distribution means 38. These reception and conformation means 62 also comprise positioning fingers 66 arranged on the support plane 64 and defining the perimeter of receiving areas 66A flat overwrap blanks F. The positioning of the overwrapping blanks F vis-à-vis the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shapers 52 is then ensured by and optimized by these positioning fingers 66.

On the other hand, these receiving and shaping means 62 also comprise an opening 68 arranged in the support plane 64 facing the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shapers 52 and defined by a border 70 participating in the conformation and the setting the volume of the overwrapping blanks F during the introduction of the products A constituted in batch L inside the receiving cavity 54.

The fact that these reception and conformation means 62 are in a fixed position within the preparative batch distribution and loading station L _P makes it possible to ensure the positioning of the overpack blanks F even before the shuttle shapers 52 are in position within this L _P preparatory batch loading and loading station. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the reception and conformation means 62 could also be arranged directly on the shuttle shapers 52.

The reception means 50 also comprise a first distribution channel V ₁ .

This first distribution channel V ₁ is formed by a support rail 56 extending horizontally in the longitudinal direction D. More specifically, the support rail 56 is positioned between the loading zone 20 of the means of support. supply 12 of products A and supply means 32 in overwrapping blanks F. This support rail 56 extends outside the distribution and loading station preparatory batches L _P and to a closing and unloading station for overpacked batches L _S (described later).

The shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair, supported by the support rail 56, are able to move in the longitudinal direction D, along the support rail 56. Thus, these shuttle shapers 52 are able to pass successively and alternatively from a position where they are located within the distribution station and loading preparatory batches L _P to a position where they are within the closing station and unloading packaged batches L _S.

More particularly, these shuttle shapers 52 are able to move along the first distribution channel V ₁ in phase opposition with respect to each other, so that, in operation when one of the conformers- shuttle 52 of the first pair is positioned in the dispensing station and loading preparatory lots, the other of the shaper shuttle 52 of the first pair is positioned in the closing station and unloading and vice-packaged batches versa.

This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a device with reduced space requirement which does not necessarily require the passage of batches of products formed within a workstation exclusively dedicated to the overpack and which ensures an optimized production rate. The loading and preparation rate of preparatory batches L _P and the closing and unloading of overpacked batches L _S can be easily optimized.

In order to generate the displacement of the first pair of shuttle shapers 52, the receiving means 50 comprise transmission means 58, supported by the support rail 56, which are able to drive the shuttle shapers 52 in a traveling movement. and -to the longitudinal direction D. To actuate these transmission means 58, the receiving means 50 also comprise a drive motor 60.

The transmission means 58 have a first portion and a second portion adapted to drive, respectively, one and the other of the shuttle shaper 52 of the first pair in opposite directions. To do this, the transmission means 58 may either comprise a closed transmission element such as a belt or a chain, or comprise two open transmission elements such as racks moved in opposite directions.

The device also comprises closure means 72 of the overpack blanks F.

These closure means 72 of the overpack blanks F, represented on the figure 7a and 7b , are able to close, sequentially, the blanks on packaging F placed in volume and open preparatory batches L _P arranged in shapers 52, when these shapers 52 are positioned within the closing station and unloading overpacked lots L _S.

Thus, these closing means 72 are able, from the preparatory batches L _P arranged in the shuttle shapers 52, to constitute packaged batches Ls composed of over-wrapped products A having blanks on packaging F placed in volume and closed.

More particularly, these closure means 72 comprise folding rollers 72a able to move in the transverse direction so as to fold the open portion of the overwrapping blanks F preparatory batches L _P and thus form overpacked lots L _S volume and closed.

In order to ensure the closure of the overwrapping blanks F placed in bulk and closed forming the overpacked batches L _S , it may be envisaged to coat with adhesive material a portion of the overpack blanks F placed in volume and open constituting the preparatory batches L _P.

According to one embodiment, the device may comprise means 73 for placing adhesive material arranged close to the first distribution channel, between the distribution and loading station preparatory batches L _P and the closing station and unloading overpacked lots L _S. Thus, the adhesive material can be deposited on the fly over the portions of the overwrapping blanks F placed in volume and open during the passage of these overwrapping blanks F placed in volume and open between the dispensing station and loading preparatory batches and the closing and unloading station for overpacked lots.

According to one variant, the adhesive material disposal means 73 may also be arranged in the closure and unloading station for the overpacked batches Ls so as to deposit this adhesive material when the volume blanks F overpacked and opened are in position in the closing station and unloading overpacked lots L _S and before the implementation of the closure means 72.

The device further comprises unloading means 74 for over-packaged batches, L _S.

These means of unloading 74 packaged batches L _S , represented on the Figure 7B are capable of discharging, in a sequential manner, overpacked batches L _S from the receiving means 50 in hollow and up to boxes 76 for packaging and handling overpacked lots L _S.

To do this, the unloading means 74 are associated with means of supply 78 in boxes 76, on the one hand, and with evacuation means (described later) boxes 76 filled with overpacked batches L _S , d somewhere else.

According to one embodiment, the feed means 78 in boxes 76 make it possible to transport the box 76 according to an outgoing axial flow 80 oriented in a direction of movement D 'also termed "longitudinal" and which is preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction D of the incoming axial flow 10 of products A.

The conveyors or conveyor means and therefore the boxes 76 are able to move along the longitudinal direction D 'in a given direction opposite to the direction of movement of the products A according to the incoming axial flow 10.

These supply means 78 in boxes 76 are represented on the figures 1 and 7A .

For example, the feeder means 78 in boxes 76 include a conveyor belt 82 disposed at the output or near the exit of a line or a unit of bodywork 76. This carpet conveyor 82 drives the boxes 76 along the longitudinal direction D 'in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the products A according to the incoming axial flow 10.

The box feeding means 78 are synchronized with the unloading means 74 so as to allow the acceleration, slowing or stopping of the boxes 76 along the outgoing axial flow 80. In this way, it is possible to ensure a precise positioning of the boxes 76 vis-à-vis the unloading means 74 to operate the unloading of overpacked batches L _S in the boxes 76.

The supply means 78 furthermore comprise positioning sensors 84 making it possible to identify the position of the boxes 76 along the outgoing axial flow 80 and, in particular, to determine when these boxes 76 are in the correct location to carry out the unloading. . The conveyor belt 82 which is slaved to its positioning sensors 78 is then stopped in order to perform the unloading of overpacked batches L _S inside the boxes 76.

The device also comprises means 86 for evacuating crates 76.

These means of evacuation 86 of the boxes 76 are, for example, made by a conveyor belt for moving and transporting the boxes 76 filled with overpacked batches L _S away from the closing station and unloading packaged batches L _S .

For example, the evacuation means 86 of the boxes 76 comprise, for example, a conveyor belt 88 disposed at or near the supply means 78 in boxes 76 so as to put the boxes 76 filled with overpacked lots L _S away from the closing and unloading station of said overpacked batches L _S.

This conveyor belt 88 drives the boxes 76 along an exit direction which may be, for example, transverse to the longitudinal direction D 'of feed means 78 in boxes 76. In this way, the evacuation means 86 of the boxes 76 make it possible to drive the boxes 76 filled with overpacked batches L _S towards a handling station, for example.

The device may comprise means for dispensing information or ornamentation elements.

These means of distribution of information or ornamentation elements (not shown) can then be used to affix information or ornamentation elements corresponding, for example, to commercial labels, RFID tags, code tags and the like. bars, ink, self-adhesive illustrations or the like on a portion of the overwrap flanks F.

More particularly, the means of distribution of information or ornamentation elements can be used to affix the elements of information or ornamentation on a portion of overpack blanks F constituting preparatory batches L _P when said overpack blanks F are set in volume and open.

In this case, the means of distribution of information or ornamentation elements are arranged near the first distribution channel, between the distribution station and loading preparatory batches L _P and the closing station and unloading overpacked lots L _S , so as to allow the distribution on the fly of the information or ornamentation elements on portions of overpack blanks F placed in volume and open.

This affixing of the information or ornamentation elements may in particular be carried out during the passage of these overwrapping blanks F placed in volume and open between the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches L _P and the closing and unloading station overpacked lots L _S.

In such a case, the means for distributing information or ornamentation elements and the adhesive material disposal means can be structurally and functionally related to each other. According to one variant, these information element distribution or ornamentation means and these adhesive material disposal means can also be completely separate and distinct.

According to one embodiment, the receiving means 50 may comprise a second pair of shuttle shaper 52 '.

• ■ à la mise en volume les flans de suremballage F autour des produits A pour recevoir les lots préparatoires L_P ; et
• ■ à se déplacer dans un mouvement de va-et-vient de manière à ce que les conformateur-navettes 52' de la deuxième paire se retrouvent alternativement au sein du poste de distribution et de chargement de lots préparatoires L_P.

The reception means 50 shown, by way of example and not limitation on the figure 8 then comprise two pairs of shuttle shapers 52, 52 '. The second pair of shuttle shaper 52 'is capable, in the same manner as the first pair of shaper 52:

• ■ setting volume overpack blanks F around products A to receive preparatory batches L _P ; and
• ■ to move in a movement back and forth so that the shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair are found alternately within the distribution station and loading preparatory batches L _P.

As before, each shuttle shaper 52 'has one or more hollow base (s) provided with a base and a peripheral wall defining at least one receiving cavity 54' open upwards in normal condition use. Each receiving cavity 54 'is capable of containing one or more lot (s) L of products A surrounded by an overwrap blank F.

For this purpose, the receiving cavity 54 'of each hollow base has dimensions slightly greater than the dimensions of the batches L of products A so as to ensure the reception, in addition to the batch L of products A, of an excess thickness corresponding to the dimensions of an overwrap blank F.

According to the realization of the figure 8 , each shuttle-shaper 52 'of the second pair has three separate bases, provided with two receiving cavities 54' each and can therefore accommodate two batches L of products A at least partially surrounded by overwrapping blanks F.

However, other achievements are also possible.

• ■ les moyens de distribution 38 en flans de suremballage F sont capables de déposer les flans de suremballage F à plats, non seulement dans une position prédéterminée vis-à-vis du conformateur-navette 52 de la première paire mais également dans une position prédéterminée vis-à-vis de la partie supérieure ouverte du conformateur-navette 52' de la deuxième paire et en regard de la cavité de réception 54' de ce dernier ; et
• ■ les moyens de chargement 22 des produits A sont aptes à charger les produits A, constitué en lots L, non seulement à l'intérieur des cavités de réception 54 du conformateur-navette 52 de la première paire mais également à l'intérieur des cavités de réception 54' du conformateur-navette 52' de la deuxième paire, en générant la mise en volume des flans de suremballage F contre la base et les parois périphériques définissant les cavité de réception 54, 54' des conformateur-navettes 52, 52'.

When a shuttle shaper 52 of the first pair and a shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair are simultaneously in position within the preparative batch distribution and loading station L _P :

• The distribution means 38 in overwrapping blanks F are capable of depositing the overwrapping blanks F flat not only in a predetermined position vis-à-vis the shaper-shuttle 52 of the first pair but also in a predetermined position screw with respect to the open upper part of the shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair and facing the receiving cavity 54' of the latter; and
• The loading means 22 of the products A are able to load the products A, constituted in batches L, not only inside the receiving cavities 54 of the shuttle-shaping device 52 of the first pair but also inside the cavities receiving 54 'of the shuttle shaper 52' of the second pair, generating the setting of the volume of the overwrapping blanks F against the base and the peripheral walls defining the receiving recesses 54, 54 'of the shuttle shapers 52, 52' .

This operation of distribution and loading preparatory batches L _P in the shuttle shapers of the first pair and the second pair may, in one embodiment, be carried out simultaneously in a single phase or, alternatively, be realized successively in two consecutive phases.

Setting up blanks overwrap F first, then the products A in the shaping shuttle 52 'of the second pair makes it possible to form preparatory lots L _P compounds Products A and around, overwrapping F blanks set in volume and open.

According to one embodiment, it should be noted that the distribution and loading station preparatory batches L _P may include receiving means and conformation 62 overpack blanks F allowing, on the one hand, to ensure accurate positioning of overwrap sides F vis-a-vis the shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair and, secondly, to facilitate the folding, and the conformation of these overwrapping blanks F for their volume setting inside of the receiving cavity 54 'of the shuttle shaper 52' of the second pair.

One embodiment of these reception and conformation means 62 is represented on the figure 6 .

The reception means 50 also comprise a second distribution channel V ₂ .

This second distribution channel V ₂ is formed by a support rail 56 'extending horizontally in the longitudinal direction D. More specifically, the support rail 56' is positioned between the loading zone 20 of the means supply line 12 of products A and the supply means 32 in overwrapping blanks F. This support rail 56 'extends outside the distribution and loading station of preparatory batches L _P and to the closure station and unloading of overpacked batches L _S.

This second distribution channel V ₂ is preferably parallel to the first distribution channel V ₁ , which makes it possible, on the one hand, to facilitate the positioning of the distribution and loading stations of preparatory batches L _P and of closing and unloading packaged batches L _S and, secondly, to limit the size of the device.

The shuttle shapers 52 'of the second pair, supported by the support rail 56', are able to move in the longitudinal direction D, along the support rail 56 '. Thus, these shuttle shapers 52 'are able to pass successively and alternately from a position where they are located within the distribution station and loading preparatory batches L _P to a position where they are located within the closure station and unloading overpacked batches L _S.

More particularly, these shuttle shapers 52 'of the second pair are able to move along the first distribution channel V ₂ in phase opposition with respect to each other, so that when operating when the one of the shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches L _P , the other of the shuttle shaper 52' of the second pair is in position in the closing station and unloading overpacked lots L _S and vice versa.

This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a device with reduced overall dimensions which does not necessarily require the passage of batches of products formed within a workstation exclusively. dedicated to the overpack and which ensures an optimized production rate. The loading and preparation rate of preparatory batches L _P and the closing and unloading of overpacked batches L _S can be easily optimized.

In order to generate the displacement of the second pair of shuttle shapers 52 ', the receiving means 50 comprise transmission means 58', supported by the support rail 56 ', which are able to drive the shuttle shapers 52' in a reciprocating movement in the longitudinal direction D. To actuate these transmission means 58 ', the receiving means 50 also comprise a second drive motor 60'.

However, according to an alternative embodiment (not shown) it is also possible that the drive motor 60 of the first distribution channel V ₁ also constitutes the drive motor of the second distribution channel V ₂ .

The transmission means 58 'have a first portion and a second portion able to drive, respectively, the two-shaper shuttle 52' of the second pair in opposite directions. To do this, the transmission means 58 'may either comprise a closed transmission element such as a belt or a chain, or comprise two open transmission elements such as racks moved in opposite directions.

The overpacking method according to the invention is now described in detail.

This method of overpacking products A consists in having feed means 32 in overwrap blanks F flat, feed means 12 in products A movable in an axial flow entering 10, supply means 78 in boxes 76 empty and evacuation means 86 of the boxes 76 filled with products A in packaged batches L _S movable according to an outgoing axial flow 80 as described above.

The method also comprises a step of sequentially dispensing overpack blanks F flat from the supply means 32 in overwrap blanks F to receiving means 50 in the hollow and load, sequentially, products A from the supply means 12 of products A in the receiving means 50, so as to constitute preparatory batches L _P composed of the products A and, around, overwrap blanks F placed in volume and open.

The method further comprises a step of closing, sequentially, the overwrap blanks F placed in volume and open preparatory batches L _P so as to constitute overpacked batches L _S composed of over wrapped products A by means of overpackage blanks F set volume and closed and a step of discharging, sequentially, the overpacked L _S lots from the receiving means 50 to the boxes 76 fed by the supply means 12 in boxes and evacuated, once filled with products A overwrapped by the evacuation means 78 boxes 76 filled.

According to the invention, the receiving means 50 comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers 52 participating, alternately, in setting the volume of the overwrapping blanks F around the products A during the reception of the preparatory batches L _P.

During a first phase the steps blanks distribution overwrap F and product A loading are carried out one after the other in a dispensing station and loading preparatory lots L _P where is located the one of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair. At the same time, the steps of closing the overwrapping blanks F placed in volume and open and unloading the overpacked batches L _S to the boxes 76 are carried out one after the other within a closure station. unloading overpacked batches Ls where is the other shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair.

In a second phase, the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair, arranged on a first distribution channel V ₁ , are displaced along the first distribution channel V ₁ in phase opposition with respect to the other, so that one of the shuttle shaper 52 of the first pair is moved from the distribution station and loading preparatory batches L _P and to the closing station and unloading packaged batches L _S while the other of the shuttle shaper 52 of the first pair is moved from the closing station and unloading of overpacked lots L _S and to the distribution station and loading preparatory batches L _P.

As mentioned above, it should be emphasized that, in one embodiment, the recessed receiving means 50 may comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers 52 'alternately participating in setting the volume of the overwrapping blanks F around the products A during receipt of preparatory lots L _P.

Thus, during the first phase, one of the shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station preparatory batches L _P while the other of the shuttle-shaper 52' of the second pair is in position in the closing and unloading station for overpacked lots L _S.

During the second phase, the shuttle shapers 52 'of the second pair, arranged on the second distribution channel V ₂ , are displaced along this second distribution channel V ₂ in phase opposition with respect to the other so that one of the shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair is moved from the distribution and loading station of the preparatory batches L _P and to the closing and unloading station of the overpacked batches L _S while the other shuttle shaper 52 'of the second pair is moved from the closing station and unloading overpacked lots L _S and to the distribution and loading station for preparatory lots L _P.

Claims (15)

1. Device for overwrapping identical or similar products (A), and boxing overwrapped products (A), comprising:

   ■ means (32) for supplying flat overwrapping blanks (F) and means (12) for supplying products (A), moving in an incoming axial stream (10), means (78) for supplying boxes (76) empty of products (A) and means (86) for carrying away boxes (76) filled with overwrapped products (A), moving in an outgoing axial stream (80);

   ■ distribution means (38) able to distribute, in a sequential manner, flat overwrapping blanks (F) from the means (32) for supplying overwrapping blanks (F) to recessed receiving means (50);

   ■ loading means (22) able to load products (A) sequentially from the means (12) for supplying products (A) into the receiving means (50), so as to form preparatory batches (L_P) composed of products (A) and, around them, erected and open overwrapping blanks (F);

   ■ closing means (72) able to close sequentially the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) onto the preparatory batches (L_P) so as to form overwrapped batches (L_S) composed of products (A) overwrapped with erected and closed overwrapping blanks (F);

   ■ unloading means (74) able to offload the overwrapped batches (L_S) sequentially from the receiving means (50) to the boxes (76) supplied by the means (78) for supplying boxes and carried away, once filled with overwrapped products, by the means (86) for carrying away filled boxes (76),
   characterized by the fact that:

   ■ the distributing means (38) and the loading means (22) are grouped in a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P), and the closing means (72) and offloading means (74) are grouped in a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S);

   ■ the receiving means (50) comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers (52) able to erect overwrapping blanks (F) around products (A) in order to receive the preparatory batches (L_P);

   ■ the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair are arranged on a first distribution path (V₁) and are able to be moved along the first distribution path (V₁) in phase opposition relative to one another, such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P), the other of the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), and vice versa.
2. Device according to claim 1, comprising the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) only.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising adhesive material placement means (73) which allow placing adhesive material on a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) so as to keep closed the overwrapped batches (L_S) comprising the erected and closed overwrapping blanks (F).
4. Device according to claim 3, further comprising one of the following features:

   - the adhesive material placement means (73) are arranged near the first distribution path (V₁), between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), in a manner that allows on the fly placement of adhesive material on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S);

   - the adhesive material placement means (73) are arranged in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), in a manner that allows the placement of adhesive material on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) when these erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) are in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) and before making use of the closing means (72).
5. Device according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising means for distributing informational or decorative elements, able to affix informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F).
6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the means for distributing informational or decorative elements are arranged in proximity to the first distribution path (V₁), between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), in a manner that allows on the fly distribution of informational or decorative elements onto the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S);
   and, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the adhesive material placement means (73) and the means for distributing decorative elements are structurally and functionally linked to each other.
7. Device according to any of claims 5 to 6, wherein the informational or decorative elements are chosen from among: ink, self-sticking labels, and similar elements.
8. Device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiving means (50) comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers (52') able to erect overwrapping blanks (F) around products (A) in order to receive the preparatory batches (L_P);
   the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair being arranged on a second distribution path (V₂) and able to be moved along the second distribution path (V₂) in phase opposition relative to one another, such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P), the other of the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), and vice versa.
9. Wrapping device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and/or second distribution path (V₁, V₂) comprise(s): a support rail (56, 56') extending in a longitudinal direction; transmission means (58, 58') supported by the support rail (56, 56') and able to drive the shuttle shapers (52, 52') in a back and forth movement along the longitudinal direction of the support rail (56, 56'); and a drive motor (60, 60') able to set the transmission means (58, 58') in motion;
   and optionally wherein the transmission means (58, 58') present a first portion and a second portion respectively able to drive one and the other of the shuttle shapers (52, 52') of the first pair and/or of the second pair in opposite directions;
   and notably wherein the transmission means (58, 58') comprise one or two closed transmission elements, such as a belt or chain.
10. Wrapping device according to claim 9 as dependent on claim 8, further comprising at least one of the following features:

    - the support rail (56') of the second distribution path (V₂) is parallel and opposite the support rail (56) of the first distribution path (V₁);

    - the drive motor (60) for the first distribution path (V₁) also constitutes the drive motor for the second distribution path (V₂).
11. Method for overwrapping identical or similar products (A), and for boxing overwrapped products (A), comprising a plurality of steps consisting of:

    ■ having means (32) for supplying flat overwrapping blanks (F), means (32) for supplying products (A) moving in an incoming axial stream (10), means (78) for supplying boxes (76) empty of products (A), and means (86) for carrying away boxes (76) filled with overwrapped products (A) moving in an outgoing axial stream (80);

    ■ sequentially distributing flat overwrapping blanks (F), from the means (32) for supplying overwrapping blanks (F) to recessed receiving means (50); and

    ■ sequentially loading products (A) from the means (12) for supplying products (A) into the receiving means (50), so as to form preparatory batches (L_P) composed of products (A) and, around them, erected and open overwrapping blanks (F);

    ■ sequentially closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) onto the preparatory batches (L_P) so as to form overwrapped batches (L_S) composed of products (A) overwrapped with erected and closed overwrapping blanks (F);

    ■ sequentially offloading the overwrapped batches (L_S) from the receiving means (50) to the boxes (76) supplied by the means (78) for supplying boxes (76) and carried away, once filled with overwrapped products (A), by the means (86) for carrying away filled boxes (R);
    characterized by the fact that the receiving means (50) comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers (52) which alternately participate in erecting overwrapping blanks (F) around products (A) during the receiving of preparatory batches (L_P);
    by the fact that during a first phase

    ■ the steps of distributing overwrapping blanks (F) and loading products (A) are performed one after the other within a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) in which is located one of the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair, and, simultaneously;

    ■ the steps of closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) and offloading the overwrapped batches (L_S) to the boxes (R) are performed one after the other within a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) in which is located the other of the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair;
    and by the fact that during a second phase

    ■ the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair, arranged on a first distribution path (V_-[iota]), are moved along the first distribution path (V₁) in phase opposition relative to one another, such that one of the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) while the other of the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P).
12. Method according to claim 11, wherein only the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) are used,
    the method comprising a step consisting of distributing an adhesive material on a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) in a manner that keeps closed the overwrapped batches (L_S) comprising the erected and closed overwrapping blanks (F), The method further comprising one of the following features:

    - the step of distributing adhesive material consists of placing adhesive material, on the fly, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) between said distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and said closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), before carrying out the step of closing the overwrapping blanks (F);

    - the step of distributing adhesive material consists of distributing adhesive material, within the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) when these erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) are in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), before carrying out the step of closing the overwrapping blanks (F).
13. Method according to any of claims 11 to 12, comprising a step consisting of distributing informational or decorative elements in a manner that affixes these informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F);
    and notably wherein the step of distributing informational or decorative elements consists of distributing, on the fly, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S), informational or decorative elements onto the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks (F) between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S).
14. Method according to any of claims 11 to 13,

    ■ wherein the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers (52') which alternately participate in erecting the overwrapping blanks (F) around products (A) during the receiving of preparatory batches (L_P);

    ■ wherein, during the first phase, one of the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) while the other of the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S);

    ■ wherein, during the second phase, the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair, arranged on a second distribution path (V₂), are moved along the second distribution path (V₂) in phase opposition relative to each other, such that one of the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P) towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) while the other of the shuttle shapers (52') of the second pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches (L_S) towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (L_P).
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the shuttle shapers (52, 52') of the first pair and the shuttle shapers (52, 52') of the second pair are driven by a single drive motor (60).

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