ES1273399Y1 - BOX FORMING MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Forming machine (1) configured to form a box (20) in an unfolded state, wherein the box (20) comprises a flat sheet comprising at least two side flaps (21), two front flaps (22) and a base. (23), wherein each flap (21, 22) comprises a wall (211, 221) and a wing (212, 222), in a folded state, wherein the box (20) comprises a cavity opened by a mouth; wherein the forming machine (1) comprises a male (2) configured to carry out a longitudinal movement, pushing the flat sheet onto a folding and assembly station (3); characterized in that the core (2) comprises: - a lower sector (4) that encompasses a volume corresponding to a volume of the cavity of the folded box (20) and is configured to press the base (23) in a longitudinal direction ) of the flat sheet until it is folded, forming the cavity, and - an upper sector (5) configured to connect to a drive means configured to execute the longitudinal movement of the core (2), where said upper part comprises: - a fixed frame (6) with respect to the lower sector (4); and - a mobile frame (7) with respect to the lower sector (4), configured to move in the longitudinal direction, regardless of the movement of the core (2); where the folding and assembly station (3) comprises two lateral presses (8) configured to move in a transversal direction, and press the lateral flaps (21) of the flat sheet on some sides of the lower sector (4), when the male (2) performs or has performed the longitudinal movement by pushing the base (23) of the flat sheet, locating said folded side flaps (21) with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet; and where the mobile frame (7) is configured to press the wings (222) of the front flaps (22) onto a surface of the side presses (81), the wings (212) of the side flaps (21) being previously folded. due to the transversal displacement of the lateral presses (8) on the fixed frame (6). 2. Forming machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lateral presses (8) comprise a "U" shape and are configured to press the lateral flaps (21) of the flat sheet against a front surface of the lower sector (4 ), with the front flaps (22) folded with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet, when the male (2) makes or has made the longitudinal movement, pushing the base (23) of the flat sheet against the station of folded and armed (3). 3. Forming machine (1) according to any of the previous claims, where the folding and reinforcement station (3) comprises two pre-bending elements (9) fixed with respect to the displacement of the core (2) and the two lateral presses (8 ), where said pre-bending elements (9) are configured to tilt the side flaps (21) of the flat sheet with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet, by the edges that join them, when the flat sheet is in the unfolded state, when said lateral flaps (21) are pressed against the pre-bending elements (9) in the longitudinal movement of the core (2). 4. Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the folding and assembly station (3) comprises two frontal pressers (10) configured to fold the frontal flaps (22) of the flat sheet with respect to the base (23 ) of the flat sheet, by the edges that join them, when the flat sheet is in the unfolded state, when said frontal flaps (22) are pressed against said frontal pressers (10) in the longitudinal displacement of the core (2). 5. Forming machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the frontal pressers (10) are articulated and comprise a linear actuator (101) configured to move a stop (102), included in said frontal presser (10), configured to press the front flap (22) when the male (2) carries out the longitudinal movement pushing the base (23) of the flat sheet, locating said front flaps (22) folded with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet. 6. Forming machine (1) according to claim 3 and claim 4 or 5, where the two frontal pressers (10) are located in a position prior to the two pre-bending elements (9) with respect to the longitudinal trajectory of the core ( 2), where the folding of the frontal flaps (22) of the flat sheet due to the displacement of the male (2) with respect to the two frontal clamps (10) occurs prior to the inclination of the lateral flaps (21) of the sheet flat with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet, due to the displacement of the male (2) with respect to the two pre-bending elements (9). 7. Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core (2) and/or the folding and reinforcement station (3) comprises a heat generating element configured to heat an adhesive element located on the flaps (21 , 22) of the flat sheet. 8. Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the male (2) comprises a linear frame actuator (11) configured to move the movable frame (7) in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed frame (6); and where the mobile frame (7) comprises a plate (71) and two slats (72) assembled on two opposite edges of said plate (71). 9. Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a retainer mechanism for folded boxes (20). A box (20) configured by a forming machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A box (20) according to claim 10, wherein the wings (212, 222) of all the flaps (21, 222) 22) are formed in a single plane forming a support band, with the ends (223) of the wings (222) of the front flaps (22) superimposed on the ends (213) of the wings (212) of the side flaps ( twenty-one). The box (20) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the side flaps (21) comprise side flanges (214) connected to opposite side edges of the walls (211) of said side flaps (21).

Description

DESCRIPTION

BOX FORMING MACHINE

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention refers to a device for forming or assembling boxes, preferably cardboard boxes or boxes that can fold their parts, which comprise a cavity opened by a mouth, and a horizontal support flange that surrounds said mouth, which allows closing of the cavity by means of a lid by adhesive or by thermo-welding, as well as correct storage and handling without altering the state of the box as well as its content.

The invention is within the technical field of the assembly and storage sector, more specifically in the sector of assembly or assembly of cardboard boxes by folding.

The main industrial application of the present invention occurs in the packaging manufacturing industry, preferably for the food sector. These containers can comprise different sizes and are very appropriate for the distribution of units, for example strawberries, cherries, or any other product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, in the logistics industry, in the assembly and manufacturing sectors, the existence of various types of assemblers or box-forming machines, of different sizes and configurations, designed to assemble and fold different types of boxes is known. by folding its parts, depending on its size, shape, material, even contained product.

In the state of the art there are many machines where, in the box-forming process, the folding of each of the flaps that compose them is usually carried out by means of a pusher and guides or stops, configured to fold each of said flaps, and adjust them by means of fixing elements such as adhesives or staples, which strengthen the unions of the parts.

Normally, these machines receive, sequentially, the boxes in the unfolded state, in the form of sheets or die-cut trays, and may have adhesive on some of its parts or being able to receive said adhesive during forming.

These boxes to be formed by folding their parts are usually made of cardboard, since it is a sufficiently resistant material for its use, but it also allows the folding of the flaps without breaking, although they can also be made of other materials such as plastics or fabrics. that provide additional characteristics to the boxes, in addition to inks or stickers for their identification or decoration.

To receive the unfolded boxes, in the form of sheets or die-cut sheets, the machines can be connected to transport mechanisms that move said sheets or sheets laterally. These mechanisms can be conveyor belts, rollers, or gears with chains and belts, and similarly, the machines can also be connected to output mechanisms that move the assembled boxes with the flaps folded for storage.

Once the devices receive the box in its unfolded state, it is moved through a series of guides that fold each of the flaps that comprise it in an orderly manner, overlapping those that are located on the sides or on the front, where a fixation is made with adhesives or staples, in addition to the fitting of the possible grooves with protrusions, obtaining a rigid element.

A type of box that is increasingly covering a large market volume are those that include a flange or rim at the mouth, where said flange consists of a small flat surface, normally horizontal, that facilitates the application of a lid or plastic operculum. of another similar material, by applying adhesive or heat welding.

One of the drawbacks of box-forming machines that have a flange at their mouth consists of correctly locating and fixing the wings that form said flange, especially at the ends of each of said wings that each flap of the box has, being able to generate fixings by means of insufficient adhesive due to the scarce overlapping surface, as well as incorrect folding.

These machines for forming or assembling and assembling boxes have had a development of continuous improvement, aimed at optimizing time and resources, said optimization being appreciated and necessary in the logistics industry. For this reason, the present invention presents an improved machine comprising different folding, bending and clamping mechanisms, through which the forming of the box is carried out quickly and without jams. This allows enormous savings in terms of the complexity of the assembly machine and in terms of the time spent in the complete assembly of a box.

One of these devices is published in the reference document ES1258339 U, which describes an assembly machine for cardboard boxes that includes an assembly based on the folding of its flaps.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problems mentioned in the previous section, a box-forming machine has been provided, where the box comprises at least two side flaps, two front flaps and a base, which can be, for example, a prismatic-shaped box. with four straight walls, and where each flap comprises at least one wall and one wing. In other words, not only the front flaps have a wing, as is usual, but all the flaps on the box have said wing.

The flap wall is joined by a first edge or end to an edge or end of the base and by a second edge, opposite the first, to an edge of the wing, where said wing is configured to fold relative to the wall of the flap. flap, and the wall of the flap with respect to the base of the box.

The machine is configured to shape the box from an unfolded state, where it comprises a flat sheet, said sheet or plate being die-cut as well as comprising fold lines to facilitate shaping, to a folded state, where the box includes a cavity open by a mouthpiece, said cavity formed by the walls of the folded flaps with respect to the base.

To carry out the forming, the forming machine includes a male configured to carry out a longitudinal movement, where said movement is preferably vertical, which pushes the flat sheet onto a folding and reinforcement station from which they are sequentially inclined in a specific order each one of the flaps of the flat sheet as well as its parts to assemble a rigid box.

Once the box has been shaped, it comprises a support flange comprising the wings of the side and front flaps folded with respect to the walls of said flaps in a single plane, where some ends of said wings are superimposed. In this way, said flange, being in a single plane, allows it to be easily sealed by means of adhesive or heat welding around the mouthpiece.

The male comprises:

- a lower sector that encompasses a volume corresponding to a volume of the cavity of the folded box and is configured to press the base of the flat sheet in a longitudinal direction until it is folded, forming the cavity, and - an upper sector configured to be connected to a drive means configured to execute the longitudinal movement of the core, where said upper part comprises:

• a fixed frame with respect to the lower sector; Y

• a mobile frame with respect to the lower sector, configured to move in the longitudinal direction, regardless of the movement of the core. In other words, said mobile frame can be moved when the entire core is moving longitudinally or is stationary.

The folding and assembly station comprises at least two lateral presses configured to move in a transversal direction, and press the lateral flaps of the flat sheet on some sides of the lower sector, when the male performs or has performed the longitudinal movement, pushing the base of the sheet. the flat sheet, locating said folded side flaps with respect to the base of the flat sheet. Preferably, the two lateral presses press the lateral flaps when the core is stopped and the flaps, both lateral and frontal, have already been, at least, slightly inclined due to the contact of said flaps with folders of the station during the displacement of the male.

The mobile frame is configured to press the wings of the front flaps onto a surface of the side flaps, preferably a flat surface that is located under the wings of both flaps when said side presses fold the side flaps, the wings of the side flaps being previously folded with respect to the walls of said lateral flaps due to the transversal displacement of the lateral presses on the fixed frame. In the box formed by said forming machine, the wings of all the flaps remain in a single plane, forming the support flange, with the ends of the wings of the front flaps superimposed on the ends of the wings of the lateral flaps.

In one embodiment, the lateral presses comprise a "U" shape and are configured to press the lateral flaps of the flat sheet against a front surface of the lower sector, the front flaps being folded with respect to the base of the flat sheet, when the The male performs or has performed the longitudinal movement, pushing the base of the flat sheet against the folding and assembly station.In a particular embodiment, the side flaps comprise two side tabs connected to opposite side edges of the walls of said side flaps, the lateral presses comprising a "U" shape being configured to press said two lateral flanges against a front surface of the lower sector. In this way, the front flaps remain on the inside of the box, in the cavity, while the tabs remain on the outside.

In one embodiment, the folding and reinforcement station comprises two fixed pre-bending elements with respect to the movement of the core and the two lateral presses, where said pre-bending elements are configured to incline the lateral flaps with respect to the base of the flat sheet, by the edges that join them, when the flat sheet is in the unfolded state, when said lateral flaps are pressed against the pre-bending elements in the longitudinal movement of the core. Preferably, these pre-bending elements each comprise a cylindrical bar arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the core and to the transverse direction of the lateral presses.

In one embodiment, the folding and assembly station comprises two frontal pressers configured to fold the frontal flaps with respect to the base of the flat sheet, at the edges that join them, when the flat sheet is in the unfolded state, when said sheets are pressed. frontal flaps against said frontal pressers in the longitudinal displacement of the male.

In one embodiment, the frontal pressers are articulated and comprise a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, configured to move a stop, also included in said frontal presser, configured to press the wall of the frontal flap when the male carries out the longitudinal movement pushing the base of the flat sheet, locating said folded frontal flaps with respect to the base of the flat sheet.

In one embodiment, the two frontal pressers are located in a previous or earlier position than the two pre-bending elements with respect to the longitudinal trajectory of the core. In this way, the folding of the frontal flaps of the flat sheet due to the displacement of the core with respect to the two frontal clamps occurs prior to the inclination of the lateral flaps with respect to the base of the flat sheet, due to the displacement of the core with respect to the of the two pre-bending elements.

In one embodiment, the core and/or folding and erecting station comprises a heat generating element configured to heat an adhesive element located on the carton flaps. By this embodiment, it is possible that the flat sheet of the box receives an amount of adhesive on a surface before it is introduced into the forming machine, and that it does not perform gluing until the adhesive is heated. Preferably, the heat generating element is located in the lower sector, in the mobile frame of the core and/or in the lateral presses, since these are the elements that generate the tightening of the parts of the box.

In one embodiment, the plug comprises a linear frame actuator configured to move the movable frame in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed frame; and where the mobile frame comprises a plate and two slats assembled on two opposite edges of said plate.

In one embodiment, the box-forming machine comprises a folded box retaining mechanism. Said mechanism makes it possible to collect all the boxes formed by the core and by the folding and assembly station, maintaining their integrity so that they can be used later as temporary storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To complement the description that will be made below, and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this specification is accompanied by a set of plans, whose figures are illustrative and non-limiting. , the most characteristic details of the invention are represented.

Figure 1A. It shows a plan view of the box in the unfolded state, where you can see how the parts of the side and front flaps are connected, such as the walls and the wings, with respect to the base of the flat sheet.

Figure 1B. It shows a profile view of the box in a folded state, where you can see how the different parts of said box are folded.

Figure 1C. It shows a perspective view of the box in a folded state, where you can see how the different parts of said box are folded, especially the ends of the wings of the side and front flaps.

Figure 2. Shows an exploded perspective of the core in which the lower and upper sector of said core can be seen, as well as the fixed and mobile frames of said upper sector.

Figure 3. Shows a perspective view of a part of the forming machine in which the mechanism for distributing the flat sheets or cardboard sheets can be seen before they are folded by pressing the core on the folding and assembly station.

Figure 4. Shows a perspective view of a part of the forming machine similar to figure 3, without the mechanism for distributing the flat sheets, allowing easy observation of the position of said sheet prior to its shaping.

Figure 5. Shows a perspective view of a part of the forming machine in greater detail than that shown in figures 3 and 4, being able to see how a frontal presser folds a frontal flap of the box due to the thrust of the male on the base of the flat sheet, the front flaps being the first to be folded in the forming process.

Figure 6. Shows a perspective view of a part of the forming machine in a step subsequent to that shown in figure 5, where the front flaps have been folded in their final folding position and the side flaps are folding due to contact with the two pre-bending elements when the base of the flat sheet is pushed by the male.

Figure 7. Shows a perspective view of a part of the forming machine in a step after that shown in figure 6, where the side flaps have been pressed by the side presses to their final folding position, leaving the wings of said flaps in a horizontal position, due to the contact of said wings against the fixed frame, and where the wings of the frontal flaps are unfolded, with their ends located on the ends of the wings of the lateral flaps.

Figure 8. Shows a perspective view of a part of the forming machine in a step after that shown in figure 7, where the mobile frame presses the wings of the frontal flaps on the lateral presses, leaving all the wings of the flaps forming the flange of the box in a single plane.

Figure 9. Shows a perspective view of a part of the forming machine in a step subsequent to that shown in Figure 8, where the mobile frame and the side presses have removed the pressure on the wings and flaps.

A list of the different elements represented in the figures that make up the invention is provided below:

1) Forming machine

2) Male

3) Folding and assembly station

4) Lower sector

5) Upper section

6) Fixed frame

7) Movable frame

71) iron

72) slats

8) Lateral presses

81) Surface of the side presses

9) Pre-bending elements

10) Front pressers

101) Linear actuator

102) butt

11) Frame Linear Actuator

20) Box

21) Side Flaps

211) Side flap wall

212) Side Flap Wing

213) Side Flap Wingtip

214) Side lashes

22) Front flaps

221) Front flap wall

222) Front flap wing

223) Front flap wingtip

23) Foundation

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As can be seen from the figures, the preferred invention consists of a box-forming machine (1) for boxes (20) that simplifies the assembly of this type of packaging on existing machines on the market.

As can be seen in figure 1A-1C, the type of box (20) to be folded, for which the forming machine (1) is configured, is similar to those existing on the market for the storage and transport of perishable products, such as fruit or vegetables.

In its simplest configuration, said box (20) comprises a flat sheet with four flaps (21, 22) called front flaps (22) and side flaps (21) due to the position they occupy, arranged facing each other, as shown. in figure 1C, that is to say, said flaps (21, 22) being joined by some edges to the base (23) of the box (20). In its unfolded state, the box (20) comprises a single flat sheet or die-cut sheet, as shown in Figure 1A, and in its folded state, the box (20) comprises a prismatic-shaped cavity, as shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1C, and is distinguished by having a flange located on the perimeter of the mouth of said cavity. Said flange is formed by the wings of the side and front flaps (212, 222) superimposed at their ends (213, 223), provides rigidity to the mouthpiece and allows closure by means of a tab or sheet of plastic or similar material.

Claims (12)

1. - Shaping machine (1) configured to shape a box (20) in an unfolded state, where the box (20) comprises a flat sheet that comprises at least two lateral flaps (21), two front flaps (22) and a base (23), where each flap (21, 22) comprises a wall (211, 221) and a wing (212, 222), in a folded state, where the box (20) comprises a cavity opened by a mouth; wherein the forming machine (1) comprises a male (2) configured to carry out a longitudinal movement, pushing the flat sheet onto a folding and assembly station (3); characterized in that the male (2) comprises: - a lower sector (4) that encompasses a volume corresponding to a volume of the cavity of the folded box (20) and is configured to press the base (23) of the flat sheet in a longitudinal direction until it is folded, forming the cavity, and - An upper sector (5) configured to be connected to a drive means configured to execute the longitudinal displacement of the core (2), where said upper part comprises: • a fixed frame (6) with respect to the lower sector (4); Y • a mobile frame (7) with respect to the lower sector (4), configured to move in the longitudinal direction, regardless of the movement of the core (2); where the folding and assembly station (3) comprises two lateral presses (8) configured to move in a transversal direction, and press the lateral flaps (21) of the flat sheet on some sides of the lower sector (4), when the male (2) performs or has performed the longitudinal movement by pushing the base (23) of the flat sheet, locating said folded side flaps (21) with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet; Y where the mobile frame (7) is configured to press the wings (222) of the front flaps (22) on a surface of the side presses (81), the wings (212) of the side flaps (21) being previously folded due to to the transversal displacement of the lateral presses (8) on the fixed frame (6). 2. - Forming machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lateral presses (8) comprise a "U" shape and are configured to press the lateral flaps (21) of the flat sheet against a front surface of the lower sector ( 4), with the flaps front panels (22) folded with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet, when the male (2) makes or has made the longitudinal movement, pushing the base (23) of the flat sheet against the folding and assembly station (3 ). 3. - Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, where the folding and reinforcement station (3) comprises two pre-bending elements (9) fixed with respect to the displacement of the male (2) and the two lateral presses ( 8), where said pre-bending elements (9) are configured to tilt the side flaps (21) of the flat sheet with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet, by the edges that join them, when the flat sheet is folded. It is in the unfolded state, when said lateral flaps (21) are pressed against the pre-bending elements (9) in the longitudinal movement of the core (2). 4. - Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, where the folding and assembly station (3) comprises two front pressers (10) configured to fold the front flaps (22) of the flat sheet with respect to the base ( 23) of the flat sheet, by the edges that join them, when the flat sheet is in the unfolded state, when said frontal flaps (22) are pressed against said frontal pressers (10) in the longitudinal displacement of the core (2). 5. - Shaping machine (1) according to the preceding claim, where the front clamps (10) are articulated and comprise a linear actuator (101) configured to move a stop (102), included in said front clamp (10), configured to press the front flap (22) when the plunger (2) makes the longitudinal movement pushing the base (23) of the flat sheet, locating said front flaps (22) folded with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet. 6. - Shaping machine (1) according to claim 3 and claim 4 or 5, where the two frontal pressers (10) are located in a previous position than the two pre-bending elements (9) with respect to the longitudinal trajectory of the male (2), where the folding of the frontal flaps (22) of the flat sheet due to the displacement of the core (2) with respect to the two frontal clamps (10) occurs prior to the inclination of the lateral flaps (21) of the flat sheet. flat sheet with respect to the base (23) of the flat sheet, due to the displacement of the male (2) with respect to the two pre-bending elements (9). 7. - Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core (2) and/or the folding and reinforcement station (3) comprises a heat-generating element configured to heat an adhesive element located on the flaps ( 21, 22) of the flat sheet. 8. - Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the male (2) comprises a linear frame actuator (11) configured to move the mobile frame (7) in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed frame (6) ; and where the mobile frame (7) comprises a plate (71) and two slats (72) assembled on two opposite edges of said plate (71). 9. - Forming machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a retainer mechanism for folded boxes (20). 10. Box (20) configured by means of a forming machine (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9. 11. - Box (20) according to claim 10, wherein the wings (212, 222) of all the flaps (21, 22) are formed in a single plane forming a support flange, the ends (223) of the wings being (222) of the front flaps (22) superimposed on the ends (213) of the wings (212) of the side flaps (21). 12. - Box (20) according to any of claims 10 or 11, wherein the side flaps (21) comprise side tabs (214) connected to opposite side edges of the walls (211) of said side flaps (21).