EP3231721A1

EP3231721A1 - Machine for production of crate-type packaging

Info

Publication number: EP3231721A1
Application number: EP17166253.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Maria Teresa Cintio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-14
Filing date: 2017-04-12
Publication date: 2017-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-12
Also published as: EP3231721B1; ES2734849T3; PE20171528A1; TR201909749T4

Abstract

Machine (F) for the production of crate type packaging (100; 200; 300; 400) starting from a panel (C; 1; 1'); the said machine (F) comprising: means of forming (F1) set up to put the said crate into shape starting from the said panel (C; 1; 1') in such a way as to fold the transverse sides (5) and the longitudinal sides (4) of the crate along transverse folding lines (16) and longitudinal folding lines (15) on the panel and means of stapling (F2) set up to staple the said transverse sides (5) and/or the said longitudinal sides (4) of the crate.

Description

This invention is intended for the sector of production of packaging made in rigid, non-folding material, commonly called crates. This kind of packaging is suitable for any kind of use, particularly for containing, transporting, storing and distributing all kinds of products, especially foodstuffs and/or fruits and vegetables, which, in view of their fragility, need adequate protection, both during storage and during transportation from points of production to destinations, including in refrigerated environments.
EP2366633A1 , in the name of this applicant, describes a forming machine and packaging made with that forming machine. The forming machine enables a completely automatic method for making packaging starting from a flat sheet. The sheet is made up into shape and side flaps of the packaging are glued together to keep the packaging in its three-dimensional state. However, gluing of materials such as MDF does not prove efficient. For this reason the packaging requires appropriate interlocking or has to be reinforced with staples, by means of metal wire and/or plastic. Also, such a machine is not suitable for making packaging of crates with corner posts.
US3583295 describes a forming machine which can form and staple a cardboard box without corner posts. The stapling is done with the cardboard not moving. If extra staples are desired, the cardboard has to move forward by steps, not in continuous mode. The stapling heads are jointed only to move closer to the cardboard and apply the staple, before withdrawing from the cardboard to allow the cardboard to move forward one step and apply the next staple and so on. The stapling heads do not move at the same speed as the cardboard to apply the staples continuously. Also, the stapling heads are used to staple two folds of overlapping cardboard, and cannot staple a corner post of rigid material. Since there is no provision for corner posts, the mandrel does not provide for spaces for corner posts. Also, since the machine works with flexible, non-fragile cardboards, there is no provision for control and variation of the speed during the first stage of the fold, to avoid a shock in the initial stage of the fold, which might cause breakage of a material that has previously been scored and therefore weakened in the area of the fold.
GB1164541 describes a forming machine for cardboard in which glue could be replaced by stapling guns to secure the side flaps. This document does not describe corner posts, nor the box being followed by the stapling heads.
WO2013/065025 describes a forming machine for cardboard in which provision is made for stapling cardboard flaps which are adjacent and not overlapping. Obviously a machine of this type is not suitable for stapling corner posts.
The purpose of this invention is to eliminate the inconveniences of existing techniques and provide a machine for the production of crate-type packaging, suitable for any use, particularly for containing and transporting foodstuffs and/or fruits and vegetables, which have the advantages typical of packaging made from rigid, non-flexible materials, i.e. robustness, stability and hygiene.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide such a machine, which is practical, economical, versatile and fully automatic.
These purposes have been reached in accordance with the invention of the machine subject to independent claim 1.
The machine according to the invention is used for the production of crate-type packaging, starting from a panel.
The panel comprises:

through circular holes and/or oblong eyelets,
longitudinal folding lines, which allow for folding of the longitudinal sides of the crate upwards from the base,
transverse folding lines, which allow for folding of the transverse sides of the crate upwards from the base, and

The machine comprises:

means of forming, set up to put the said crate into shape, starting from the said panel, in such a way as to fold the transverse sides and the longitudinal sides of the crate along transverse channels and longitudinal channels on the panel; and
means of stapling, set up to staple the said transverse sides and/or the said longitudinal sides of the crate to secure them to the said side flaps and/or corner posts.

Further features of the invention will appear more clearly from the following detailed description, referring to forms of production that are purely examples and, as such, in no way exclusive, where:

Fig. 1 is an axonometric projection of a crate-type packaging obtained with the machine according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a panel for obtaining the packaging shown in Fig. 1, after the creation of the openings and folding lines;
Fig. 3 is an axonometric projection of the machine according to the invention with the panel shown in Fig. 2;
Figs. 4 and 5 are two axonometric projections showing two successive stages of putting the crate into shape with the machine shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of the panel shown in Fig. 2 to which the corner posts have been attached and the corner windows have been created;
Fig. 7 is a view as in Fig. 4 showing the forming of the panel shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is an axonometric projection of a crate obtained with the panel shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a panel.
Fig. 10 is a plan view of the panel shown in Fig. 9, after the creation of the openings and folding lines ;
Fig. 10A is an enlarged view in cross section of a part of the panel, taken along the plane of section A-A of Fig. 10;
Fig. 11 is an axonometric projection from below of the panel shown in Fig. 10 to which the corner posts have been attached;
Fig. 12 is an axonometric projection of the machine according to the invention with the panel shown in Fig. 11;
Figs. 13 and 14 are two axonometric projections showing two successive stages of putting the crate into shape with the machine shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 15 is a crate obtained with the machine shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 16 is an axonometric projection showing two crates shown in Fig. 15 stacked;
Fig. 17 is an axonometric projection of a third embodiment of a panel;
Fig. 18 is an axonometric projection of the panel shown in Fig. 17 after folding the side flaps to form the corner posts;
Fig. 19 is an axonometric projection of the panel shown in Fig. 18 turned over;
Fig. 20 is an axonometric projection of the forming and stapling machine according to the invention with the panel shown in Fig. 17;
Figs. 21 and 22 are two axonometric projections showing two successive stages of putting the crate into shape with the machine shown in Fig. 20;
Fig. 23 is an axonometric projection of the crate coming out of the machine shown in Fig. 20;
Fig. 24 is an axonometric projection showing two crates shown in Fig. 23 stacked.

The Figures are used to help describe the machine for production of crate-type packaging according to the invention, indicated with the letter (F).
In Fig. 1 a crate (100) is shown, as obtained with the machine (F) according to the invention. The crate (100) comprises a base (3), two longitudinal sides (4) and two transverse sides (5) which rise from the base (3).
Referring to Fig. 2, the crate (100) is obtained starting from a panel (C).
The panel (C) has a substantially rectangular or square shape and features two longitudinal edges (10) and two transverse edges (11).
The panel (C) is made of rigid, but foldable material, such as, for example, cardboard.
The panel (C) comprises a number of through openings for transpiration (12). The transpiration openings (12) are circular and/or oblong eyelet shaped and are cut into a central part of the panel (C). The transpiration openings (12) enable transpiration of the product contained in the crate (100).
The panel (C) comprises two longitudinal folding lines (15), to fold the longitudinal sides (4) and two transverse folding lines (16), to fold the transverse sides (5).
Side flaps (50), with a rectangular or square shape, are connected to the parts of the transverse sides (5), connecting folding lines (114) positioned longitudinally and staggered by a distance equal to the thickness of the panel compared to the longitudinal folding lines (15). The side flaps (50) could be connected to the longitudinal sides (4) through connecting folding lines positioned transversely.
The longitudinal, transverse and connecting folding lines (15, 16, 114) can be made in a known way, through creases or incisions in the panel (C) in rigid, but foldable, material.
Referring to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the machine (F) comprises means of forming (F1) set up to put the crate (100) into shape, starting from the panel (C) in such a way as to fold the transverse sides (5) and the longitudinal sides (4) of the crate along the transverse folding lines (16) and the longitudinal folding lines (15) of the panel.
The means of forming (F1) comprises a forming mandrel (90) and a tunnel (99) positioned below the forming mandrel.
The forming mandrel (90) is in the shape of a parallelepiped, with a base substantially the same as the base (3) of the crate it has to form. The forming mandrel (90) is supported by columns (91) fitted to slide vertically on guides (92A) fitted in a supporting frame (92).
A motor or actuator (93), by means of a transmission (93a), drives the forming mandrel (90) in such a way that the forming mandrel (90) can make an alternating movement in a vertical direction to enter and exit from the tunnel (99). The forming mandrel (90) can be driven by any suitable means, for example, an electric, magnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. The means of transmission (93a) may include a connecting rod, chain or the like.
The tunnel (99) comprises four sides formed by two longitudinal plates (94) and two transverse plates (95), which make up a parallelepiped tunnel through which the forming mandrel (90) can pass.
Each plate (94, 95) of the tunnel has its upper part curved towards the outside. The upper part of the plates (94, 95) may include rollers.
The tunnel (99) of the machine (F) features four guides (98), obtained from plates curved towards the outside or rollers, to allow the side flaps (50) to be folded along the connecting folding lines (114). The guides (98) are parallel to the longitudinal plates (94) and positioned at the ends of the longitudinal plates (94), closer to the inside of the tunnel (99) compared to the longitudinal plates.
Inside the tunnel (99), the forming mandrel (90) slides alternatively.
The panel (C) is positioned on the tunnel (99) in such a way that the side flaps (50) of the panel lie above the guides (98) of the tunnel, the parts of the longitudinal sides (4) of the panel lie above the externally curved parts of the longitudinal plates (94) of the tunnel and the parts of the transverse sides (5) of the panel lie above the externally curved parts of the transverse plates (95) of the tunnel. In this way, the forming mandrel (90) pushes the part of the base (3) of the panel downwards and the side flaps (50) bend upwards, along the connecting folding lines (114) to form a 90° angle with the transverse sides (5). Then, the longitudinal and transverse plates (94, 95) of the tunnel raise the longitudinal and transverse sides (4, 5) of the panel, in relation to the part of the base (3), to form the crate (100).
The machine (F) also comprises means of stapling (F2), set up in such a way as to staple the transverse sides (5) and/or longitudinal sides (4) of the crate. In the drawings shown, the means of stapling (F2) are stapling the longitudinal sides (4) to the side flaps (50).
The means of stapling (F2) comprises two pairs of stapling heads (96), fitted to swing on respective bars (97) positioned parallel to the longitudinal plates (94) of the tunnel. The stapling heads (96) place the staples (P1) (see Fig. 1) which attach the longitudinal sides (4) to the side flaps (50) of the crate.
Fig. 3 shows the panel (C) in flat form above the tunnel (99). Figs. 4 and 5 show two successive stages of the forming of the crate (100); this is while the forming mandrel (90) descends inside the tunnel (99), pressing on the base (3) of the panel, the side flaps (50), the longitudinal sides (4) and the transverse sides (5) fold along the connecting, longitudinal and transverse folding lines (114, 15, 16) channels until reaching a position which is substantially perpendicular in relation to the base (3).
After that, a command signal activates the stapling heads (96) to place the staples. The stapling heads (96) are driven by actuators, in such a way as to perform a swinging movement (like a pendulum) around the bar (97). Therefore, during the stapling, the stapling heads (96) follow the longitudinal sides (4) of the crate at a speed that is substantially the same as that of the forming mandrel (90).
When the forming mandrel (90) is lowered it presses the base (3), the side flaps (50), being in contact with the guides (98), fold along the connecting folding lines (114) and close against the longitudinal sides (4). At this point, the stapling head (96) places the staples (P1), attaching the longitudinal side (4) to the side flap (50).
The machine (F) can include means of countering (not shown in the figures), used to support and flatten the staples (P1) placed by the stapling heads (96). The means of countering can be obtained through a counter device fitted to the forming mandrel (90) and used to operate together with the stapling head (96).
Once the stapling stage is concluded, the formed crate (100) is expelled from the tunnel (99) and the forming mandrel (90) repositions itself above the tunnel (99) for a successive cycle.
The motor (93) of the forming mandrel (90) is configured in such a way as to vary the speed of the forming mandrel (90) during the forming cycle, in order to optimise timings and production.
It should be taken into consideration that the panel (C) can be in rigid, fragile material, such as wood, plywood, MDF, compound material and the like. In this case, the panel (C) is milled, with material removed, in the longitudinal and transverse channels (15, 16), with weakening of the panel. In this case, the motor (93) is set up in order to control the speed of the forming mandrel (90), by slowing the mandrel in the initial stage of folding the longitudinal and transverse sides (4, 5), to avoid uneven breakage, and increasing the speed of the mandrel in the other stages of the process.
The device which commands and activates the stapling heads (96) may be any type of actuator, for example, electric, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or the like.
It is obvious that, by carrying out the stapling with the forming mandrel (90) moving and, therefore, with the crate (100) moving continuously in the stapling stage, there is an advantage in terms of increased production and reduced costs.
The crate (100) exits from the tunnel (99) of the forming and stapling machine (Fig. 1) already in shape and permanently fixed with the staples (P1). The crate (100) is ready for use or for stacking.
The panel (C) might also include a number of protrusions (not shown) close to the longitudinal edges (10) and/or the transverse edges (11), as well as a number of openings (not shown) made in a central part of the panel. These openings must coincide with the position of the protrusions made close to the longitudinal edges (10) and/or the transverse edges (11), so that when a crate (100) of fig. 1 is placed on top of another crate (100), the protrusions of the first crate coincide and interlock with the openings in the second crate placed on top. In this way, placing one crate exactly on top of another is easier and stable stacking of the crates is ensured.
Referring to Fig. 6, the panel (C) of Fig. 2 is shown, to which four corner posts (6) have been attached, in the form of columns protruding above the transverse sides (5). The corner posts (6) are attached to the transverse sides (5) using staples (P) (Fig. 8) in metal wire or plastic. The corner posts (6) could be attached to the longitudinal sides (4).
The corner posts (6) are constituted from battens of wood or other suitable rigid material with a triangular cross-section, but may also have a different geometrical shape (square, rectangular cross-section, etc.).
In the panel (C) four corner windows (17) are cut out, substantially triangular shaped and positioned in correspondence with the corners of the base (3).
Each corner post (6) has an upper end (60) protruding above the transverse side (5) and a lower end (61) aligned with the corner window (17).
Fig. 7 shows the panel (C) put into shape with the corner posts (6), using the machine (F). In this case the forming mandrel (90) has cut-off corners (90') to create spaces for the corner posts (6). The stapling heads (96), when they perform the stapling, place the staples (P1) through the longitudinal side (4) and the side flap (50) and sink them into the corner post (6), without any need to flatten the tips. A crate (200) exits from the machine (F) fitted with corner posts (6) and therefore with greater rigidity than the crate (100).
In this case, when two crates (200) are to be stacked, the upper ends (60) of the corner posts of the first crate are inserted into the corner windows (17) of the second crate, in such a way that the lower ends (61) of the corner posts of the second crate butt against the upper ends (60) of the corner posts of the first crate.
The corner windows (17) of the second crate ensure both the stacking alignment of the second crate on top of the first crate and stability, preventing side movement of the second crate in relation to the first crate.
To make stacking easier, each corner window (17) of the base (3) of the crate has to be of slightly greater dimensions than those of the upper end (60) of the corner post (6).
Referring to Fig. 9, a second embodiment of a panel (1) is shown.
The panel (1) comprises a sheet (2) in rigid non-folding material, such as, for example, wood, fibre wood, plywood, MDF, compound material and the like. A film (20) is attached to the sheet (2), by gluing, for example. The film (20) is positioned on a face of the sheet that is to be turned towards the outside of the crate.
The film (20) can be glued to the sheet (2), using any known means, such as, for example, a sealer, an automatic coater or a laminator. This film (20) may be of any flexible material, such as, for example paper, card, plastic film, duct tape and the like. The film (20) may be transparent, non-transparent and/or printed with a desired print.
If the sheet (2) has an external face that is decorated (for example, covered with melamine paper) and printed, the film (20) may be transparent, to show the printed external face of the sheet (2). However, if the sheet (2) is plain, the film (20) may be printed before or after application to the sheet (2), in order to save on the treatment of the sheet surfaces (2).
Referring to Fig. 10, through openings for transpiration (12), longitudinal folding lines (15), to fold the longitudinal sides (4) and transverse folding lines (16), to fold the transverse sides (5) are made on the panel (1).
Referring to Fig. 10A, the longitudinal folding lines (15) are channels obtained with a "V"- shaped carving made on the sheet (2) of rigid, non-foldable material, in such a way as to leave a thin strip (21) of rigid material of the sheet (2), just sufficient to avoid unintentional folding of the panel (1) along these longitudinal folding lines (15), when not subjected to deliberate application of force. In this way, moving the panels in their flat form is made easier. Obviously this thin strip (21) of rigid material can be easily broken, to allow folding of the sides of the crate. The transverse folding lines (16) are obtained in the same way as the longitudinal folding lines. However, these longitudinal and transverse folding lines (15, 16) can have any geometrical shape whatsoever which allows for the folding of the longitudinal sides (4) and/or transverse sides (5) substantially to 90° in relation to the base (3) of the container.
The panel (1) comprises corner windows (17), created at the corners of the base (3) part of the panel, in other words, at the ends of the longitudinal channels (15) and the transverse channels (16).
The panel (1) of the second embodiment can be made with a single sheet of rigid, but foldable, material, such as cardboard, and its folding lines can be made with creases or incisions.
In a fully equivalent manner, the panel (C) of the first embodiment can be made with a sheet of rigid, non-foldable material with a foldable film applied to it and the folding lines can be made by means of incisions in the sheet of rigid, non-foldable material.
Referring to Fig. 11, four corner posts (6) are attached to the transverse sides (5) of the panel (1), in other words two corner posts on each transverse side. The corner posts are attached with staples (P). The corner posts could be attached to the longitudinal sides (4).
Referring to Figs. 12, 13 and 14 the panel (1) is shown being put into shape with the machine (F) according to the invention. In this case, given that the panel (1) does not feature side flaps attached to the transverse side (5), the machine (F) is not fitted with lateral guides on the tunnel (99). This means that the tunnel (99) is only provided with the longitudinal plates (94) and the transverse plates (95), to fold the longitudinal sides and the transverse sides of the panel (1) respectively.
Referring to Fig. 14, the stapling heads (96) place the staples (P1) (Fig. 15) on the longitudinal side (4) to attach the longitudinal side (4) to the corner post (6).
Fig. 15 shows a crate (300) obtained from the panel (1) of Fig. 11.
Fig. 16 shows stacking of two crates (300). In this case, the upper ends (60) of the corner posts of the first crate are inserted into the corner windows (17) of the second crate, in such a way that the lower ends (61) of the corner posts of the second crate butt against the upper ends (60) of the corner posts of the first crate.
Fig. 17, shows a third embodiment of a panel (1'). The panel (1') may be a single sheet of rigid, foldable material, such as cardboard, or may be obtained from application of a foldable film to a sheet of rigid, non-foldable material. In the case of the panel (1') being in cardboard, the folding lines are obtained by means of creasing or incisions. In the case of the panel (1') being a sheet of rigid, non-foldable material covered with a film, the folding lines are obtained by means of incisions made only in the rigid, non-foldable material.
The panel (1'), has transverse sides (5) higher than the longitudinal sides (4). A through oblong eyelet (57) is made in the transverse sides (5) to act as a carrying handle.
The panel (1') has four side flaps (150), substantially rectangular shaped and connected to the transverse sides (5) through connecting folding lines (114), positioned longitudinally. The side flaps (150) could be connected to the longitudinal sides (4) through connecting folding lines positioned transversely.
Four rectangular shaped windows (117) are made from the angles of the base (3).
On each side flap (150) two folding lines (151, 152) are made, parallel to each other and positioned longitudinally.
In detail, each side flap (150) has a longitudinal end flap (153), with a protruding part (154) protruding outwards in relation to the transverse edge of the panel (1').
Referring to Fig. 18, each side flap (150) is folded along the folding lines (151, 152) in such a way that it takes the shape of a corner post (106), which is hollow inside, with a triangular cross-section. In detail, the protruding part (154) of the longitudinal end flap (153), protrudes higher, in relation to the corner post (106) formed by the folded side flap. Also, the corner post (106) formed out of the folded side flap has a hole (155) which faces on to the window (117) made in the corners of the base (3).
Referring to Fig. 19, staples (P) are applied to the transverse sides (5), in order to attach the corner posts (106) (obtained by folding the side flap (150)) to the transverse sides (5).
A variation of the panel (1') from the third embodiment, might be that the end flap (153) of each side flap (150), rather than being folded towards the inside of the corner post (106), is folded towards the outside of the corner post; then the end flap (153) would remain visible on the inside face of the transverse side (5) of the crate. In this case, the tips of the staples that attach the corner post (106) to the transverse side (5) would be facing towards the inside of the crate and would come into contact with the products contained in the crate.
For this reason, it is preferable that the flap at the end (153) of the side flap (150) folds towards the inside of the corner post (106), so that the line of staples (P) can never come into contact with the product contained in the crate.
The connecting folding lines (114) and the folding lines (151, 152) may be obtained as creases or incisions if the panel is in cardboard or else with "V"-shaped carvings, or another geometrical shape, on the sheet of rigid material, if the panel comprises a sheet of rigid, non-foldable material covered with a foldable film.
Fig. 20 shows the panel (1') positioned above the tunnel (99) of the machine (F).
Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, the forming mandrel (90) is lowered, also lowering the base (3) of the panel, and the longitudinal and transverse sides (4, 5) come into contact with the longitudinal and transverse plates (94, 95) of the tunnel, folding along their respective longitudinal and transverse folding lines (15, 16).
Referring to Fig. 22, since the corner post (106) is hollow inside, the stapling heads (96) have to make a flattened tip on the staples, in order to ensure the hold between the corner post (106) and the longitudinal side (4). For this purpose, the machine (F) could include means of flattening (not shown), in order to support the corner post (106) during stapling and so help the flattening of the staples. This means of flattening could be columns inserted into the corner post (106) through the opening (155) of the corner post and which move together with the corner post.
Referring to Fig. 23, a crate (400) is shown exiting from the machine (F), as obtained from the third embodiment of the panel (1'). In this case, the crate (400) has four corner posts (106) obtained from folding the side flaps (150) of the panel (1'). Each of the corner posts (106) features the protruding part (154) which protrudes at the top and the hole (155) which faces on to the windows (117) at the corners of the base (3).
Referring to Fig. 24, a second crate (400) is positioned on a first crate (400). In this case the protruding parts (154) of the corner posts of the first crate interlock with the corner windows (117) of the second crate in order to ensure stacking alignment of the crates and stable stacking of the crates.
In all the methods of making the crates, any protrusions for interlocking when stacking the crates must coincide with the respective windows and the protrusions and windows can be made in various positions and dimensions.
It is evident that, in all the forms of production of the crates, the heights of the transverse sides (5) and the longitudinal sides (4) may be different; also in all the forms of production of the crates, an extra folding line could be created on the same transverse sides (5) and/or longitudinal sides (4), parallel to the transverse folding line (16) and/or longitudinal folding line (15), which would allow a part of the panel to be folded at a following stage, to position it on the upper face of the crate, substantially parallel to the base (3) of the crate.
The line of staples may be in metal and/or plastic.
In all the methods of making the crates, in place of staples (P, P1) or in addition to staples (P, P1), other, equivalent, means of attachment may be employed, such as, for example, rivets, dowels, nails, glue or the like. In this case, fixing holes are made in the panel, positioned in such a way that, when the crate is put into shape, these fixing holes coincide with the parts of the crate to be attached and allow for the insertion of such fixings, in the form of rivets or dowels. The diameter of the fixing holes depends on the size of the rivet or dowel to be used. In this case, in addition to the stapling heads (96) on the machine (F), appropriate application heads are fitted to apply the fixings, such as rivets dowels, nails, glue or the like.
It is evident that the machine (F), according to the invention, can be altered and/or have parts added or be altered in shape or dimensions, by a qualified person in the sector, without exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

Machine (F) for the production of crate-type packaging (100; 200; 300; 400) starting from a panel (C; 1; 1'),
the said panel comprises:
- through circular holes and/or oblong eyelets (12, 17; 117, 57),

- longitudinal folding lines (15), which allow for folding of the longitudinal sides (4) of the crate at right angles to the base (3),

- transverse folding lines (16), which allow for folding of the transverse sides (5) of the crate at right angles to the base (3), and

- side flaps (50; 150) and/or corner posts (6; 106) attached to the said transverse (5) and/or longitudinal (4) sides;
the said machine (F) comprises:
- means of forming (F1), set up to put the said crate into shape, starting from the said panel (C; 1; 1'), in such a way as to fold the transverse sides (5) and the longitudinal sides (4) of the crate along transverse channels (16) and longitudinal channels (15) on the panel; and

- means of stapling (F2), set up to staple the said transverse sides (5) and/or the said longitudinal sides (4) of the crate to secure them to the said side flaps (50; 150) and/or corner posts (6; 106)
where
the said means of forming (F1) comprise a tunnel (99) and a forming mandrel (90) set up to move in an alternating manner in the tunnel (99), and
the said means of stapling (F2) comprise stapling heads (96) fitted so as to swing from a bar (97) to apply the staples (P1) to the longitudinal sides (4) and/or the transverse sides (5) of the crate,
featuring the fact that there are also included
actuators connected to the stapling heads (96), in such a way that the said stapling heads (96) make a swinging movement, following the longitudinal (4) and/or transverse (5) sides of the crate at a speed equal to that of the forming mandrel (90).
Machine (F) according to the claim 1, where the said forming mandrel (90) is in the shape of a parallelepiped block and the said tunnel (99) comprises four sides formed by two longitudinal plates (94) and two transverse plates (95) which make up a parallelepiped tunnel through which the forming mandrel (90) can pass; each plate (94, 95) of the tunnel having a part curved towards the outside or a part fitted with rollers, to allow for folding of the transverse and longitudinal sides of the crate.
Machine (F) according to the claim 1 or 2 also comprises:
- columns (91) attached to the forming mandrel (90), fitted to slide on guides (92A) which are fitted to a supporting frame (92),

- a motor or actuator (93) to drive the forming mandrel (90), and

- means of transmission (93a) connected to the motor or actuator (93) and to the forming mandrel (90).
Machine (F) according to the claim 2 or 3, where
the said panel (C) comprises four side flaps (50), connected to the parts of the transverse sides (5) or the longitudinal sides (4), through connecting folding lines (114),
the said tunnel (99) of the machine (F) comprises four guides (98) obtained through plates curved towards the outside or plates with rollers, to allow the folding of the side flaps (50) on the panel along the connecting folding lines (114); the guides (98) on the tunnel being parallel to the longitudinal plates (94) and positioned at the ends of the longitudinal plates (94), closer to the inside of the tunnel (99) than the longitudinal plates
the said means of stapling (F2), being set up to staple the said transverse sides (5) and/or the said longitudinal sides (4) of the crate to the said side flaps (50).
Machine (F), according to any of the previous claims, also including means of flattening, in order to flatten the tips of the staples (P1) placed by the said means of stapling (F2).
Machine (F), according to any of the previous claims, where the said panel (C; 1; 1') includes corner posts (6; 106) in the form of a rigid column; the said corner posts (6; 106) being stapled to the parts of the said panel intended to form the said transverse sides (5) and/or the said longitudinal sides (4) of the crate,
the said means of stapling (F2), being set up to staple the said transverse sides (5) and/or the said longitudinal sides (4) of the crate to the said corner posts (6; 106).
Machine (F) according to the claim 6, where
the said panel (1') comprises four side flaps (150) connected to the parts of the transverse sides (5) or the longitudinal sides (4), through connecting folding lines (114); each side flap (150) being folded along folding lines (151, 152) so as to acquire the form of a corner post (106), which is hollow inside;
the said machine (F) including means of flattening, intended to be inserted inside the said corner posts (106) to flatten the tips of the staples (P1) placed by the said means of stapling (F2).
Machine (F) according to any of the previous claims, where the forming mandrel (90) is a parallelepiped block with cut-off corners (90') to create spaces for the said corner posts (6; 106).
Machine (F) according to any of the claims from 3 to 8, where the motor (93) is set up in order to control the speed of the forming mandrel (90), by slowing the mandrel in the initial stage of folding the longitudinal and transverse sides (4; 5), to avoid uneven breakage, and increasing the speed of the mandrel in the other stages of the process.