EP3526024A1

EP3526024A1 - Method and device for shaping a blank around a mandrel

Info

Publication number: EP3526024A1
Application number: EP17792122.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Didier Desertot
Original assignee: DS Smith Packaging France SAS
Current assignee: DS Smith Packaging France SAS
Priority date: 2016-10-11
Filing date: 2017-10-09
Publication date: 2019-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-09
Also published as: ES2837032T3; EP3526024B1; CA3039854A1; KR102510979B1; US11097504B2; PH12019501052A1; US20190232596A1; WO2018069614A1; FR3057201A1; JP6985383B2; FR3057201B1; JP2019529190A; KR20190069489A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for shaping a blank (1) of material in sheet form around a mandrel, in order to obtain a box or part of box of polygonal cross section, comprising: – a mandrel, – means for wrapping around the mandrel, – means for securing the tab, – means for folding the flaps, and – means for fixing together the flaps thus folded. The means for wrapping the panels and the means for securing the tab are supported by two cradles positioned one on each side of the mandrel, transversely and symmetrically with respect to the direction in which the blank is brought in from the glue-application workstation.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FORMING A FLAN AROUND A CHUCK

The present invention relates to a device for shaping a blank of sheet material around a mandrel, to obtain a box or part of box polygonal section.

It also relates to a process for forming a blank of sheet material.

This blank conventionally comprises a sequence of at least three parts, namely two extreme flaps located on either side of at least one intermediate flap, said flaps being connected to each other by parallel fold lines and provided with lateral flaps, respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, the free edge of one of the end flaps being provided with a tongue connected to said end flap by a fold line parallel to the fold lines connecting said shutters.

When the blank has three flaps, it allows to obtain a part of a box (cover or bottom). When it has at least four parts, it makes it possible to obtain a box.

To obtain a box or part of a box, an adhesive is deposited on one side, on two side flaps and on the other hand, on said tab of an end flap or near the free edge of the end flap opposite said tongue. Then, the flaps are wound around a mandrel with a polygonal section whose external cross section corresponds to the inner cross section of the box to be obtained, the tongue is fixed against the free edge of the other end flap resting on the face. top of the mandrel, and the flaps on the same side of said flaps are folded against a corresponding end face of the mandrel and then fixed to each other.

This invention finds a particularly important, although not exclusive, application in the field of reinforced corrugated boxes.

Numerous methods and devices for forming a blank around a mandrel are already known.

It is particularly possible to cite the document EP 0 334 707 which describes a method and a device consisting of taking the blanks successively in a magazine and placing them on a table provided with driving fingers. They slide the blank on the table to bring it under the mandrel. During the transfer to the mandrel, the blank encounters gluing devices arranged above and below the table which deposit lines of adhesive on the blank.

The shaping of the blank around the mandrel is carried out using a movable element capable of moving in translation, perpendicularly to the plane of the blank, and comprising stops and articulated arms for winding the flaps and the tongue. around the mandrel, as well as actuators integral with the frame.

Fixing the tongue against the free edge of the end flap opposite to the tongue, folding the flaps on the same side of the flaps against a corresponding end face of the mandrel and fixing the folded flaps to each other are made by an articulated arm and cylinders also integral with the frame.

Many variants of this device have been proposed and they provide overall satisfaction.

These devices nevertheless have drawbacks because they all require the intervention of numerous devices independent of each other, which must therefore be adjusted precisely to be able to ensure correct formatting of the blank and which also cause significant bulk.

The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a device and a method for shaping a blank of sheet material around a mandrel making it possible to carry out this shaping with great precision, while being able to 'simplified design and / or implementation.

For this purpose, the invention proposes in particular a device for shaping a blank of sheet material around a mandrel, to obtain a box or part of a box with a polygonal section, said blank comprising a sequence of least three, to two extreme shutters on either side of at least one intermediate shutter, said shutters being connected to each other by parallel fold lines and provided with lateral flaps, respectively connected to said shutters by fold lines perpendicular to the lines bending connecting said flaps, the free edge of one of the end flaps being provided with a tab connected to said end flap by a folding line parallel to the fold lines connecting said flaps, said blank being pre-glued in a gluing station on the one hand on two flaps and on the other hand, on the tongue of the end flap or near the free edge of the end flap opposite to said tongue, the device comprising:

-a frame,

a mandrel with a polygonal section whose external cross-section corresponds to the internal cross-section of the box or part of the box to be obtained;

means for winding the flaps and the tongue around the mandrel,

means for fixing the tongue against the free edge of the end flap opposite to the tongue; means for folding the flaps lying on the same side of said flaps against a corresponding end face of the mandrel and

means for fastening the folded flaps to each other,

characterized in that the winding means of the flaps and the means for fixing the tongue are supported by two nacelles secured to the frame of the device and disposed on either side of the mandrel, transversely and symmetrically with respect to the direction of supply of the blank from the sizing station.

Part of a box is in particular a lid or a bottom.

In advantageous embodiments, one or more of the following provisions are also and / or in addition:

- The winding means of each nacelle comprises means provided with a sliding surface for folding a flap of the blank on one of two opposite side faces of the mandrel and respectively, for one of the nacelles, means for folding down a flap and for the other nacelle, means for folding the tongue around the edge of the upper face of the mandrel, the nacelles each comprising an articulated system for moving vertically and transversely the winding means;

- The means for folding a flap comprises a first articulated arm mounted rotatably on the means provided with a sliding surface;

the other nacelle also supports the means for fixing the tongue, these means comprising a second articulated arm rotatably mounted on the means provided with a sliding surface of said nacelle and provided with means for compressing the tongue against the edge; free of the extreme shutter in opposite; - At least a portion of the flaps folding means is also supported by the two nacelles;

the device comprises means for supporting or holding at least part of the surface of an intermediate flap of the blank and the mandrel comprises an application face of said intermediate flap on the support or holding means, the faces side and an upper face opposite to the application face;

the mandrel is movable between a first forming position of the box or part of a box, in which its external cross-section corresponds to the internal cross-section of the box or part of the box to be obtained and a second retracted position in which the distance between the application face of the mandrel and its opposite face is less than the width of the box or portion of the box to be obtained;

the distance between the application face and the opposite face of the mandrel is adjustable;

- The edges of the mandrel are cut corners.

The invention also relates to a method of shaping a blank of sheet material around a mandrel to obtain a box or part of box with polygonal section, said blank comprising a sequence of at least three parts, to namely two extreme flaps on either side of at least one intermediate flap, said flaps being connected to each other by parallel fold lines and provided with lateral flaps, respectively connected said flaps by fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, the free edge of one of the end flaps being provided with a tongue connected to said end flap by a fold line parallel to the fold lines connecting said flaps, process implementing a device provided with a frame and in which the blank is previously glued to a sizing station of the device, the flaps are wound around a mandrel with a polygonal section whose external cross section corresponds to the internal cross section of the box or of the box part to be obtained, the tongue is fixed against the free edge of the other end flap resting on the upper face of the mandrel, the flaps lying on the same side of said flaps being folded against a face of corresponding end of the mandrel and then fixed to each other, characterized in that the winding of the flaps and the tongue and the fixat Ion said tongue result from translational movements and rotation carried by means supported by two nacelles integral with the frame of the forming device, arranged on either side of the mandrel, transversely and symmetrically with respect to the direction of feeding the blank from the sizing station.

Advantageously, it is also and / or moreover recourse to one and / or the other of the following provisions: - Folding at least a portion of the flaps is also performed from means supported by the nacelles;

the mandrel comprises an application face of the intermediate flap on support or holding means of the forming machine for at least a part of the surface of the intermediate flap, the mandrel being in a retracted position, in which the distance between the application face of the intermediate flap and the opposite upper face of the mandrel is less than the width of the box or part of the box to be obtained, when the blank coming from the gluing station is positioned under the mandrel, and in a position of forming, wherein the outer cross section of the mandrel corresponds to the inner cross section of the box or part of the box to be obtained, once the intermediate flap on the support or holding means, for pressing said intermediate flap on the means of support or holding by means of the application face of the mandrel.

the blank is brought from the gluing station under the mandrel by a translational movement of direction parallel to the fold lines between the flaps of the blank, the mandrel being arranged at a fixed station;

- The blank is secured by suction with the means ensuring its translational movement to ensure its precise positioning under the mandrel.

The invention also relates to a machine for forming a box or part of a box polygonal section comprising a gluing station in which a blank of sheet material, comprising a set of flaps connected to each other by parallel fold lines and provided with lateral flaps, respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, the free edge of one of the end flaps of said flap assembly being provided with a tongue connected to said end flap by a folding line parallel to the fold lines connecting said flaps, is glued at least to one part on two side flaps and on the other hand on the tongue of an end flap or near the free edge of the end flap opposite said tongue and a forming station comprising the shaping device as described above.

The invention also relates to a method of forming a box or box portion with a polygonal section from a blank comprising a set of flaps connected to each other by parallel fold lines and provided with side flaps respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, wherein the blank is glued in a gluing station and then shaped around a mandrel by implementing the forming process described above.

The invention finally relates to a method of automatically sequential forming of boxes or parts of boxes implementing a method of forming a box or part of a box according to the invention, in which forms the blank n - 1 during the gluing of the blank n.

The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear more clearly on reading the following description of embodiments given as non-limiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows in plan view an embodiment of a blank that can be used with the method and the sizing device according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a polygonal section box forming machine, from the blank shown in Figure 1, including a sizing device according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a side view in longitudinal section of the machine shown in Figure 2, more precisely on the right side of the machine in the direction of routing of the blanks.

Figures 4 and 5 are top views of the machine shown in Figure 2, Figure 5 differing from Figure 4 in that it also shows blanks being processed on the machine.

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the forming station illustrating the mandrel in the retracted position.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing the mandrel in the forming position.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the two nacelles of the forming station.

Figure 9 is a side view of one of the nacelles. Figures 10 to 14 are transverse views illustrating the various steps of forming the blank on the mandrel.

The elements common to the different figures will be designated by the same references.

FIG. 1 shows a blank 1 of double-sided corrugated cardboard, for example of low grammage (<250 g / m 2) for example of thickness 3 mm intended to form a box.

It comprises a sequence 2 of four rectangular main flaps 3, 4, 5, 6 terminated by a gluing tab 7 and interconnected by first fold lines parallel to one another, namely a first central or reference fold line. 8, two first lateral fold lines 9 and 10, and a first end fold line 11, junction with the tongue 7.

The shutters 3 and 6 are called extreme shutters and the shutters 4 and 5, intermediate shutters.

The blank comprises, in a manner known per se, a first set 12 of rectangular or substantially rectangular flaps 13 connected to the main flaps by second fold lines 14 perpendicular to the first and adapted to form the top of the box after filling and a second set 15 flaps 16a to 16d rectangular or substantially rectangular also connected to the main flaps by second fold lines 14 and fit to form the bottom of the box.

The method and the device according to the invention can also use variants of the blank illustrated in Figure 1 and in particular a blank having rectangular main flaps interconnected by rectangular side flaps.

In known manner, these secondary flaps form, on the final box, the bevelled angles of the latter.

They can also use blanks comprising an intermediate flap and two extreme flaps to obtain a box portion.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 2 to 5 to describe a machine for forming a box with a polygonal section from the blank shown in FIG. 1, this machine comprising a sizing device according to the embodiment of FIG. the invention more particularly described here, in particular with reference to the other figures.

This machine 20 comprises a frame or structure 21 forming a platform carrying subsets or independent modules, assembled to ensure the formation of a box from the blank shown in Figure 1.

This is the blank storage-unstacking module 30, the module 40 for gluing the blanks, the forming module 50, and the extraction module 60.

These modules can be manufactured independently and then mounted on the frame 22.

Thus, the frame 21 provides the connection between the two end modules, namely the storage-unstacking module 30 and the extraction module 60. In the posts 22 of the frame, can be provided an electrical cabinet that includes a programmable machine control machine, known in itself.

The first storage-unstacking module 30 comprises a storage magazine 31 in the semi-vertical position of the blanks 1 to be formed.

This comprises two modular chains 32 driven by a system 33, comprising for example an asynchronous motor.

The chains 32 are for example coupled to a freewheel 34 and allow to maintain a blank ready to be fed in front portion 36.

In the storage magazine 31, the blanks are stored with the printed side facing the outside of the machine and the tab of the blank located on the right side of the machine in the direction of scrolling blanks.

This module 30 also comprises means 35 (see FIG. 3) for unstacking the blanks 1 from the magazine 31.

The gluing module 40 comprises a sizing device with a flat support 41, such as a table, intended to receive a blank 1. On the longitudinal edges of this table 41, there are provided lugs 410 fixed with respect to the table, to ensure the positioning of the blank.

The gluing device also comprises a system of articulated arms 42 supporting a nozzle 420 positioned above the support. The forming module 50 comprises a mandrel 51, that is to say a form tool, around which the blank previously glued by the sizing device will be formed.

In order to move the blank 1 from the gluing device to the mandrel 51, there are provided transfer means 43 comprising a system of articulated arms situated under the table 41 and capable of grasping a blank from below by means of FIG. aspiration.

The forming module 50 (see FIG. 4) comprises two pods 52, 53, integral with the frame 21 and arranged on either side of the mandrel 51, transversely and symmetrically with respect to the direction of delivery. flan from the gluing station.

These nacelles comprise, in the example illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the winding means of the flaps and the tongue of the fixing means.

The extraction module 60 comprises an extraction station for extracting a box or portion of polygonal section box from the mandrel 51 where it has been formed, by means of an extraction device 61, an evacuation station comprising the two conveyors 62, 63 and a station for transferring the boxes or parts of the box from the extraction station to the evacuation station.

The forming module 50 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14.

FIG. 6 illustrates the mandrel 51 and the blank 1, previously glued to the gluing station 40. The mandrel and the blank are here shown transversely to the direction of circulation of the blanks in the machine 20 and seen from the rear of the machine. In other words, the tongue 7 is situated to the right in the direction of movement of the blank 1 inside the machine 20 and to the left in FIG.

In the exemplary implementation of the method that will be described, lines of adhesive have been deposited near the free edge of the flap 3, and on the flaps 16a and 16c. These lines of adhesive were deposited on the upper face of the blank which is illustrated in FIG.

This upper face is that facing the mandrel 51 in Figure 6 and is opposite to the underside which is the printed face of the blank.

Of course, the invention is not limited to this mode of implementation. In particular, the deposition of the adhesive lines could be performed on the underside of the blank, that is to say the one facing the table 41, the printed face of the blank then forming its upper face.

In this case, the adhesive lines will be deposited on the flaps 16b and 16d.

As indicated above, the blank 1 is moved from the gluing station 40 to the mandrel 51 by transfer means 43 comprising a system of articulated arms.

These transfer means have the advantage of being extremely precise. They allow in particular to remove the set of lateral guides which must be present when the transfer is effected for example by means of driving fingers. They also remove the front stop which is normally provided to properly position the blank under the mandrel. This is why this front stop is not illustrated in the figures.

However, the invention is not limited to this mode of implementation and the blank 1 could be moved from the gluing station 40 to the forming station 50 by conventional means moving linearly.

FIG. 6 thus illustrates the blank 1 after its positioning under the mandrel 51 thanks to the transfer means 43 and its recovery and maintenance by support means 54 and 55, located under the mandrel 51 and on which the blank 1 bears by its underside, when the means 43 left the forming station to return to the sizing station.

In the example illustrated in Figure 6, these support means are in contact with at least a portion of the surface of the intermediate flap 5 and the end flap 3. Other solutions for supporting and / or maintaining the blank 1 can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows that the support means 54 located under the mandrel comprise two lateral pavers 540 and 541 and an intermediate support 542.

The mandrel 51 comprises an application face 510 intended to face the blank 1, an upper face 511, opposite to the application face 510 on which the main flap 3 will be plated, and side faces 512 and 513, on which will be wound the main flaps 4 and 6, and an end face 514 on which will be folded the side flaps 16a to 16d.

The faces of the mandrel may be formed by plates or angle brackets, in a manner known per se.

In the examples shown in the figures, the edges are straight lines.

When the blank 1 has rectangular secondary flaps between the main flaps, the mandrel 51 has corners cut edges so that the secondary flaps form the beveled corners of the box obtained after forming.

By comparing FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be understood that the mandrel 51 is movable between a retracted position illustrated in FIG. 6 and a forming position, illustrated in FIG. 7.

In the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 6, the distance between the application face 510 of the mandrel and its opposite face 511 is smaller than the width of the box that will be obtained from the blank 1.

This retracted position allows the transfer means 43 to pass the blank 1 between the application face 510 of the mandrel and the support means 54 and 55.

In the forming position illustrated in FIG. 7, the external cross-section of the mandrel corresponds to the internal cross-section of the box which will be obtained from the blank 1 and the face application 510 is in contact with the upper face of the blank 1.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the distance between the application face 510 and the opposite face 511 of the mandrel is adjustable, thanks to appropriate means such as cylinders 515. however not limited to this embodiment and variants could be envisaged without departing from its scope.

It is understood that the lateral blocks 540, 541 are positioned facing the mandrel so that their outer face 5400, 5410 is substantially in line with a lateral face 512, 513 of the mandrel 51.

This ensures effective plating of the intermediate flap 5 against the application face 510 of the mandrel.

The forming of the box around the mandrel is carried out by the nacelles 52 and 53 which will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

As indicated above, these two nacelles are secured to the frame 21 of the machine and are arranged on either side of the mandrel (not shown in Figure 8), transversely and symmetrically with respect to the direction of feed of the blank from the gluing station.

The direction in which the blanks are routed inside the machine 20 is illustrated by the arrow F in FIG.

Thus, the nacelle 52 is located on the side of the tongue 7 of a blank positioned under the mandrel, while the nacelle 53 will be positioned under the shutters 3 and 4.

Each nacelle 52, 53 comprises a system of articulated arms 56, 57 made identically.

Thus, this system of articulated arms 56, 57 comprises a pair of main arms 560, 570 interconnected by two axes 561, 571 and 562, 572.

These two axes 561, 562 and 571, 572 are spaced from one another and extend substantially longitudinally, that is to say in the direction of movement of the blanks in the machine 20.

Each main arm 560, 570 supports an intermediate arm 563, 573.

The two intermediate arms 563, 573 are, at one of their ends, rotatably mounted around the axis 562, 572 common to the two main arms 560, 570.

At their end opposite to that mounted in rotation on the axis 562, 572, the intermediate arms 563, 573 are mounted to rotate on an axis 564, 574 common to two secondary arms 565, 575.

In addition, the rods 566, 576, respectively 567, 577 double each of the main arms 560, 570, respectively each of the secondary arms 565, 575.

The end of the secondary arms 565, 575 and rods 567, 577, opposite the intermediate arms 563, 573, is provided with support means 568, 578 for a lateral liner 521, 531 which has a sliding surface 522, 532. These two sliding surfaces extend in a longitudinal plane, substantially parallel to the side faces 512 and 513 of the mandrel and perpendicular to the blank 1, when positioned under the mandrel 51. They are designed to ensure the winding of the flap 6, 4 and its plating against the mandrel 51.

These pods are designed to support all means for the formation of the box.

Thus, the nacelle 52 supports means 523 for breaking and folding the tongue 7 around the fold line 11 and means 524 to ensure the attachment of the flap 3 on the tongue 7, once folded.

The means 523 are provided near the top 5220 of the sliding surface. They may be formed of an actuator having the shape of a comb with three teeth, each of them being capable of passing through an orifice 5230.

The means 524 comprise two arms 5240 (second articulated arm) substantially parallel and having a general shape in L.

These two arms 5240 are rotatably mounted on the lateral plater 521, about a common axis 5241 which extends substantially longitudinally, by the free end of the first leg of L.

As illustrated in the figures, this axis 5241 is located at the rear of the lateral liner, with respect to the sliding surface 522.

At the free end of the second leg of the L, opposite the axis 5241, the arms 5240 support a plate 5242 which extends substantially perpendicular to the second branch of the L formed by the arms 5240.

The nacelle 52 also supports an articulated arm 525, located downstream of the folding means 523, in the direction of flow of the blanks illustrated by the arrow F.

This articulated arm 525 is intended to fold the side flap 16a (in the upper position) against the end face 514 of the mandrel 51, in cooperation with the arm 534 of the nacelle 53 which will be described later.

The nacelle 53 supports a set 533 for winding the main flap 4 around the mandrel.

This set comprises two arms 5330 substantially parallel and mounted in rotation about a common axis 5331 which is substantially longitudinal. This axis 5331 is situated substantially at the upper end 5320 of the sliding surface 532 of the lateral plater 531, opposite the support means 578.

At their end opposite the axis 5331, the arms 5330 (first articulated arm) support a plate 5332.

Moreover, the nacelle 53 also supports an articulated arm 534 which is intended to fold down the side flap 16a (in the upper position and facing the flap 16c) on the end face 514 of the mandrel 51, in cooperation with the arm 525 of the nacelle 52.

This articulated arm is located downstream of the winding means 533 with respect to the direction of movement blanks, materialized by the arrow F. It is located substantially vis-à-vis the arm 525 of the nacelle 52.

Finally, each nacelle 52, 53 comprises means 526, 536 vis-à-vis to fold the side flaps 16d and 16c, on the end face 514 of the mandrel.

These means 526, 536 may consist of a finger capable of passing through a light, 5260, 5360 and actuated by a set of three actuators controlled according to the size of the flaps 16d and 16c.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 which shows the nacelle 53, viewed from the side.

This Figure 9 illustrates the sideplate 531 which supports the plate 5332 and the arm 534.

It also illustrates the means for actuating the arm 534, comprising a system of jacks 5340.

Figure 9 shows the folding means 536 and their actuating means.

It also shows the belts 575 which generate the movement of the articulated arm system 57, thanks to the engine 578.

The nacelle 52 includes drive means of the articulated arm system 56 which is similar.

In practice, the motors associated with each of these articulated arm systems are controlled so that the two articulated arm systems 56, 57 are driven by the same movement, during the winding of the flaps on the mandrel. Reference is now made to FIGS. 10 to 14 to explain the various steps of forming a blank around the mandrel 51, using the two nacelles 52 and 53.

Figure 10 illustrates the relative position of mandrel 51 and blank 1 before forming begins.

This position is that illustrated in Figure 7. It is understood that the blank 1 must be positioned accurately with respect to the mandrel 51. Indeed, the winding of the flaps is performed after plating the blank against the application face 510.

This context is therefore different from that of patent EP 0 334 707 which describes a method in which the winding of the blank begins while its plating against the mandrel has not been achieved.

In practice, the flap 5 is in contact with the application face 510, while the flap 6 extends on the side of the nacelle 52 and the flaps 3 and 4 on the side of the nacelle 53.

In this position, the articulated arm systems 56, 57 are in the folded position, as illustrated in FIG.

These two systems are then controlled to move into the deployed position illustrated in Figure 12.

When moving from the folded position to the deployed position, the rotational movements of the main and secondary arms as well as the intermediate arms print to each lateral tacker 521, 531 a combined movement upwards and inwards of the machine.

FIG. 11 illustrates an intermediate position between the folded position of FIG. 10 and the extended position of FIG. 12.

In this intermediate position, the upper part 5220 of the sliding surface 522 is in contact with the lower face (printed) of the flap 6. The movement of the sliding surface 522 causes the winding of the flap 6 around the mandrel and its folding around the fold line 10.

Similarly, the upper part 5320 of the sliding surface 532 is in contact with the flap 4, while the plate 5332 of the assembly 533 is in contact with the lower face of the flap 3.

The movement of the sliding surface 532 makes it possible to wind the flap 4 around the mandrel and to bend it around the folding line 8, the plate 5332 making it possible to hold the flap 3 in the extension of the flap 4.

In the deployed position of the nacelles shown in Figure 12, the flap 6 is pressed against the lateral surface 512 of the mandrel, thanks to the sliding surface 522.

Furthermore, the folding means 523 are actuated to fold the tongue 7 around the fold line 11. It is then in contact with the upper face 511 of the mandrel.

In parallel, the sliding surface 532 of the nacelle 53 plates the flap 4 against the lateral face 513 of the mandrel. In addition, the 5330 arms rotate in anti-clockwise around the axis 5331 to fold the flap 3 around the fold line 9.

In the next step illustrated in FIG. 13, the two nacelles 52, 53 remain in the deployed position illustrated in FIG. 12.

In this position, the winding arms 5330 continue their rotation about the axis 5331 in the counterclockwise direction, which ensures the plating of the flap 3 against the upper face 511 of the mandrel with the plate 5332.

At the same time, the 5240 arms move around the 5241 shaft, clockwise.

In this position, the folding means 526, 536 are actuated, so as to fold the side flaps 16d and 16b around the fold lines 14 to press against the end face 514 of the mandrel.

The arms 525 and 534 are then actuated to fold the upper flap 16a against the side flaps 16b and 16d already folded, by folding around the fold line 14.

FIG. 14 illustrates the next step during which the rotation movement of the arms 5240 around the axis 5241 continues, so that the plate 5242 bears on the flap 3 and ensures its fixing on the tongue 7, by pressing, thanks to the adhesive present near the free edge of the shutter 3.

If the adhesive line was not present near the free edge of the flap 3 but on the upper face of the tongue, the folding means 523 would then be actuated only after the assembly 533. Thus, it would first proceed to the plating of the flap 3 against the upper face 511 of the mandrel and then the folding of the tongue 7 around the fold line 11, thanks to Means 523. Finally, the arms 5240 would be actuated so as to press the tongue 7 against the flap 3 to ensure their attachment through the adhesive on the tongue.

As illustrated in Figure 14, when the plate 5242 provides the attachment between the tongue 7 and the flap 3, the nacelle 53 can initiate its movement to the folded position.

Once achieved the fixing of the tongue 7 on the flap 3, the nacelle 52 will also initiate its movement to the folded position and the two nacelles 52 and 53 will then be in the folded position shown in Figure 10, the arms 5240 having tilted to the rear, through a rotational movement in the counterclockwise direction about the axis 5241. The forming of a new blank around the mandrel 51 may then intervene.

Means are also provided to fold the flap 16c around the fold line 14 and to fix it against the flaps 16b and 16d already folded against the end face 514 of the mandrel.

These means are not illustrated in detail in the figures because they are conventional. They can be carried by lateral platers 521, 531 or be provided for example on the extractor means 61 of the extraction module 60. Thus, all the means ensuring the shaping of the blank around the mandrel, the tab attachment against the free edge of the end flap opposite the tongue and the folding of at least two flaps on the same side of the flaps against one side end of the mandrel are carried by the nacelles 52, 53 and in particular by the lateral platers 521, 531.

The positioning of these different means relative to each other is fixed in advance, during the design of the nacelle.

The device according to the invention therefore does not require any adjustment to ensure its proper operation.

Moreover, the fact that all these means are grouped together on the nacelles makes it possible to limit the space requirement and in particular to avoid the presence of arms fixed to the upper part of the frame, the space between the mandrel and the frame being generally freed.

Note also that all movements are rotational movements, whether movements to drive the side tackers or movements of the various means carried by the nacelles.

Fixing the flaps 16a and 16c, provided with adhesive on their upper face, on the flaps 16b and 16d previously folded on the end face 514 of the mandrel ensures attachment of all four side flaps which is stronger than when the adhesive is present on the underside of the side flaps 16b and 16d and that the flaps 16a and 16c are folded over them. Finally, insofar as the adhesive is present on the upper face of the blank and the various means carried by the nacelles are in contact with the underside (printed) of the blank, there is no risk that these means come in. contact with previously deposited adhesive lines. This reduces the accuracy requirements in the settings of the various means and in particular the assembly 533 and fastening means 524.

We will now describe the operation of the machine for forming a box with reference to the figures.

From the blank storage magazine 31, a first blank 1 is extracted and tilted horizontally.

It is then dropped on the table 41 and positioned precisely on the table 41.

The blank being stationary, adhesive lines are deposited on at least two side flaps 16c and 16a, on the upper face of the blank, the lower face constituting the printed face of the blank.

The blank is then transferred from the sizing station to the forming station and is carried out, during this transfer, the deposition of a line of adhesive near the free edge of the flap 3 or on the tongue 7.

The blank 1 being positioned under the mandrel, it is wound around the mandrel, here by means of two pods 52 and 53 previously described.

At the end of the forming step, the shutter 3 is glued on the tongue 7 and the lateral flaps 16a and 16c are glued on the flaps 16b and 16d to form the bottom of the box on the end face 510 of the mandrel. The latter is turned on the side of the extraction module 60.

The latter extracts, by any appropriate means, the box thus formed from the mandrel 51, so as to deposit it on one or other of the conveyors 62 or 63.

The above description also applies to the formation of a box part, in particular a lid or a bottom.

Of course, this method is implemented in the context of a successive and automatic forming of boxes or box parts, so that the blank is glued during the forming of the blank n-1.

As is obvious and as also follows from the above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments more particularly described. On the contrary, it encompasses all the variants and in particular those in which the means for moving the blank under the mandrel are formed by a mat integral with the means for positioning the blank in a precise manner for the gluing.

Claims

1. Device for shaping a blank (1) of sheet material around a mandrel (51), to obtain a box or part of box polygonal section, said blank comprising a sequence of at least three flaps (3 to 6), namely two end flaps (3, 6) on either side of at least one intermediate flap (4, 5), said flaps being connected to each other by fold lines ( 8 to 10) parallel and provided with side flaps (13, 16a to 16d), respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines (14) perpendicular to the fold lines (8 to 10) connecting said flaps, the free edge of a (6) end flaps being provided with a tongue (7) connected to said end flap by a fold line (11) parallel to the fold lines connecting said flaps, said blank (1) being pre-glued in a gluing station (40) on the one hand on two flaps (16a, 16d) and on the other hand, on the tab (7) of the end flap or near the free edge of the end flap (3) opposite to said tongue, the device comprising:

a frame (21),

a mandrel (51) with a polygonal section whose external cross-section corresponds to the internal cross-section of the box or part of the box to be obtained;

means for winding the flaps and the tongue around the mandrel, means for fixing the tongue against the free edge of the end flap opposite to the tongue,

means for folding the flaps lying on the same side of said flaps against a corresponding end face of the mandrel and

means for fastening the folded flaps to each other,

characterized in that the winding means of the flaps (522; 532, 533) and the means (524) for securing the tongue are supported by two nacelles (52, 53) integral with the frame (21) of the device and arranged in both sides of the mandrel (51), transversely and symmetrically with respect to the direction of supply of the blank from the gluing station.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the winding means of each nacelle comprises means (521, 531) provided with a sliding surface (522, 532) for folding a flap (3, 5) of blank on one of two opposite side faces (512, 513) of the mandrel and respectively, for one of the pods (53), means (533) for folding one flap (6) and the other basket (52). ), means (523) for folding the tongue (7) around the edge of the upper face of the mandrel, the nacelles (52, 53) each comprising an articulated system (56, 57) for moving vertically and transversely the means winding.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (533) for folding down a flap (3) comprises a first articulated arm (5330) rotatably mounted on the means (531) provided with a sliding surface (532).

4. Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the other nacelle (52) also supports the fixing means (524) of the tongue (7), these means comprising a second articulated arm (5240) mounted in rotation on the means (521) provided with a sliding surface (522) of said nacelle and provided with compression means (5242) of the tongue against the free edge of the end flap in opposite.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least a portion of the folding means (525, 526; 534, 536) of the flaps is also supported by the two nacelles (52, 53).

6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises means for supporting or holding (54, 55) at least a portion of the surface of an intermediate flap (4) of blank (1) and in that the mandrel (51) comprises an application face (510) of said intermediate flap on the support or holding means, side faces (512, 513) and an opposite upper face (511). at the application face (510).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the mandrel (51) is movable between a first forming position of the box or part of box, wherein its outer cross section corresponds to the section inner cross-section of the box or part of box to be obtained and a second retracted position in which the distance between the application face (510) of the mandrel and its opposite face (511) is less than the width of the box or part of a box to obtain.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the distance between the application face (510) and the opposite face (511) of the mandrel is adjustable.

9. Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the edges of the mandrel are cut corners.

10. A method of shaping a blank (1) of sheet material around a mandrel to obtain a box or part of box polygonal section, said blank comprising a sequence of at least three parts (3 to 6), namely two end flaps (3, 6) on each side of at least one intermediate flap (4, 5), said flaps being connected to each other by fold lines (8 to 10). parallel and provided with side flaps (13, 16a to 16d), respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines (14) perpendicular to the fold lines (8 to 10) connecting said flaps, the free edge (6) of one of the extreme shutters being provided with a tongue (7) connected to said end flap by a fold line (11) parallel to the fold lines connecting said shutters, a method using a device provided with a frame (21) and in which the blank (1) being previously glued to a sizing station (40) of the device, the flaps (3 to 6) are wound around a mandrel (51) with a polygonal section whose external cross section corresponds to the internal cross section of the box or part of box to obtain, the tongue (7) is fixed against the free edge of the other end flap bearing on the upper face (511) of the mandrel, the flaps on the same side of said flaps are folded against a face of corresponding end of the mandrel and then fixed to each other, characterized in that the winding of the flaps and the tongue and the attachment of said tongue result from translational movements and rotation carried out by means (522, 523, 524; 532, 533) supported by two nacelles (52, 53) integral with the frame (21) of the forming device, arranged on either side of the mandrel, transversely and symmetrically with respect to the feed direction of the blank from the sizing station (40).

11. The method of claim 10, characterized in that the folds of at least a portion of the flaps is also performed from means (525, 526, 534, 536) supported by the nacelles.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the mandrel (51) comprises an application face (510) of the intermediate flap (5) on support means or holding (54) of the forming machine for at least some of the surface of the intermediate flap, the mandrel being in a retracted position, wherein the distance between the application face (510) of the intermediate flap and the opposite upper face (511) of the mandrel is less than the width of the box or part of box to be obtained, when the blank (1) coming from the sizing station (40) is positioned under the mandrel, and in a forming position, in which the outer cross section of the mandrel corresponds to the inner cross-section of the box or part of box to be obtained, once the intermediate flap on the support or holding means, for pressing said intermediate flap (5) on the support or holding means (54) by means of the application face (510) chuck.

13. The method of claim 12, characterized in that the blank (1) is fed from the sizing station (40) under the mandrel (51) by a translational movement direction parallel to the fold lines (8 to 10). ) between the flaps of the blank, the mandrel (51) being arranged in a fixed position.

14. The method of claim 13, characterized in that the blank is secured by suction with the means (43) ensuring its translational movement to ensure its precise positioning under the mandrel.

15. A machine for forming a box or box portion with a polygonal section comprising a sizing station (40) in which a blank (1) of sheet material, comprising a set of shutters (3 to 6) connected to each other by parallel fold lines (8 to 10) and provided with side flaps (13, 16a to 16d), respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines (14) perpendicular to the lines of folding (8 to 10) connecting said flaps, the free edge of one (6) of the end flaps of said flap assembly being provided with a tongue (7) connected to said end flap by a fold line (11) parallel to the lines folding (8 to 10) connecting said flaps, is glued at least on one side, on two lateral flaps (16a, 16d) and on the other hand, on the tongue (7) of an end flap (6) or near the free edge of the end flap (3) opposite said tongue and a forming station (50) comprising the shaping device according to one of claims 1 to 9.

16. A method of forming a box or box portion with a polygonal section from a blank (1) having a set of flaps (3 to 6) connected to each other by fold lines (8). 10) parallel and provided with side flaps (13, 16a to 16d), respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines (14) perpendicular to the fold lines (8 to 10) connecting said flaps, wherein the blank is glued in a sizing station (40) then shaped around a mandrel (50) implementing the method according to one of claims 10 to 14.

17. A method of automatically sequential forming of boxes or parts of box implementing a Process according to any one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the n-1 blank is formed during the gluing of the blank n.