ES2939387B2 - MACHINE AND METHOD FOR THE FORMATION AND MARKING OF BOXES, AND BOX OBTAINED - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

MACHINE AND METHOD FOR FORMING AND MARKING BOXES, AND BOX

OBTAINED

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention presents a machine for forming and marking boxes from flat sheets of semi-rigid sheet material.

According to a second aspect, the present invention concerns a method for forming and marking boxes from flat sheets of semi-rigid sheet material with a machine for forming and marking boxes.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a formed and marked box, obtained from a flat sheet of semi-rigid sheet material in a machine for forming and marking boxes from flat sheets of semi-rigid sheet material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

In state-of-the-art packaging facilities, it is a widespread practice to use machines to form a cardboard box from a sheet or sheet, and during and/or after its formation to fill/package the box, that is, place a product, for example, fruit and/or vegetables, inside the box. Following such filling, at the facility, a marking device, for example a label applicator, is arranged to mark said boxes with labels. These labels usually contain the packaging date, and/or expiration date of the product, and/or other information. In this sense, documents US3558403A, US3873394A, US4583965A, DE10227065A1, US4112651A, and US5368286A can be cited.

On the other hand, it is known that cardboard manufacturers supply packaging companies with said die-cut cardboard plates or sheets, that is, cut with a die that also provides the plate with folding lines. These plates are generally additionally printed on die-cutting-printing machines, and have identifiers on such plates that contain information about them, for example, logos, trademarks or trade names, barcodes, QR codes, and/or radio frequency identifiers (RFID). ). In this sense, documents WO2009130393A1, US2010224304A1 and US2021019764A1 can be cited.

In document US4648933A a label applicator applies labels to tobacco packages arranged inside an open-top folded box.

In documents EP0854091A1 and EP0861787A1, the application of labels is carried out on the inside of the partially folded cardboard boxes, that is, during their formation, without them being filled with the product to be contained.

Documents EP3246153A1 and WO2013098684A1 disclose a cardboard box forming machine to form a folded cardboard box from the plate, comprising a horizontal conveyor, and a vertically movable male to insert the plate into a cavity determined by folding elements, obtaining by folding box. The machines have applicator devices for so-called "labels" E or strips 6, respectively, to join some parts of the box with others to form the folded box, this union being specifically between mutually adjacent open side edges of the boxes.

In document EP3246153A1 the machine comprises a pair of label applicators 13 arranged to apply cold glue labels E of a certain length along the edges S2a, S2b, S4a, S4b of the front and rear side walls of the plate during its transport on the conveyor, to join adjacent open edges of the box and maintain its folded configuration.

In document WO2013098684A1, sealing heads 2 are arranged in the corners of the cavity 9 where the male 12 is introduced and extracted vertically, each sealing head 2 comprising a dispenser 3 of sealing tape 4, and a gripper 5 in the shape of a "V" designed to apply "V" shaped strips 6 of the sealing tape 4 to a corresponding open side edge 101 of the box 100 that needs to be attached to another adjacent open side edge 101. The grippers 5 are movable transversely towards and away by means of a cylinder with respect to the cavity to be able to apply the strip, and movable vertically to form boxes with side walls of different heights.

Document FR1347188A discloses a cardboard box forming machine with a flat bottom and side walls surrounding the bottom, based on a flat unfolded configuration of the boxes, comprising a rectangular table 1 on which the box moves following a horizontal path. U-shaped, a label loader 4 arranged in a corner 3, a label printing station 5, and a label gluing station 7. At the exit of the gluing station 7 each printed and adhesive label is transported and It is applied to a box in its flat configuration when it is supported in a loader 9, to subsequently transport the box in this flat configuration to one or more folding stations 13, 13' that fold the box. Following the folding stations 13, an assembly station 19 is arranged that continues the formation by joining the four corners 14-16 of the box by stapling or gluing means (not shown). The finished prismatic configuration boxes 22 exit from corner 24 opposite corner 3 on the same side of table 1.

On the other hand, a box forming and marking machine from the company Boix Maquinaria is known, for example, some of the model MCT-1 N E machines, where a horizontal conveyor positions a plate aligned vertically between a core and a cavity. of a mold delimited perimeter by some forming elements. A die-cut marking device is positioned in the front part of the entrance mouth of the cavity, to mark by die-cutting in said front position of the plate, centered previously between the male and the cavity by the conveyor. The die marking device has a vertically movable upper die against a fixed lower counter die. The upper die is located above a flat transport surface of the plate on the conveyor, and the fixed lower die is located below said flat transport surface of the conveyor. When the plate is aligned between the core and the mold, the front end of the plate is positioned sandwiched between said die and counter-die, and a vertically arranged pneumatic cylinder moves the upper die downward, entering blind holes in the lower counter-die. to mark by punching holes or semicircles on said front end of the plate.

However, this die-cut marking device has severe drawbacks:

- causes unwanted movements of the plate during marking due to lateral movements of the plate due to the introduction and extraction of the upper die in the blind holes of the lower counter-die; and

- causes unwanted movements of the plate after marking because when the male pushes the marked plate into the cavity, the front end of this plate interferes with the lower counter-die, these unwanted movements being greater when the height of the plate The box to be obtained is smaller.

All these drawbacks of the machine from the Boix Maquinaria company result in a plate that is vertically off-center with respect to the core and the mold cavity, which causes productive machine stops and plate/box losses.

The box forming and marking machine from the Boix Maquinaria company is considered the closest antecedent to the state of the art and the preambles of the independent claims have been drafted based on it.

The technical problem to be solved is to jointly improve the formation and marking of boxes by providing a versatile, robust/reliable, simple and effective solution.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

To solve the drawbacks set out in the previous section, according to a first aspect, the present invention presents a machine for forming and marking boxes from flat sheets of semi-rigid laminate material.

In the present invention, "flat sheet" refers to a sheet or template that includes the parts of the box in an initially flat unfolded state. From the flat sheet, the box in the folded state is formed by folding and joining. Therefore, "flat plate" and "flat initially deployed box" are used here as synonyms.

Preferably, such flat plates or sheets have been die-cut in a die-cutting machine, prior to supplying them in a machine forming folded boxes from unfolded boxes (i.e., sheets), said sheets having weakened folding lines to facilitate its box formation by folding parts of the plate around said weakened lines in the forming machine.

Semi-rigid laminate material means corrugated cardboard sheet, compact cardboard sheet (also called laminated cardboard and which also includes the case of cardboard cardboard), plastic sheet, corrugated and/or compact plastic sheet, paper sheet and sheet of reinforcement of the paper sheet (for example, plastic) joined together, a combination of any of the above, and the like, these semi-rigid sheets being sheets that have a certain rigidity when folded.

Each box comprises a flat bottom and flat side walls folded with respect to the bottom and arranged surrounding the bottom, forming an interior volume of the box intended for filling it with product.

In a manner known in the state of the art, the machine comprises the features described below.

The machine comprises a conveyor configured to transport flat sheets in a longitudinal X horizontal direction towards a forming station.

The conveyor of the present invention covers any transport device that includes a dragging, pushing or driving element of the plate movable between a initial and final position according to the longitudinal direction

Likewise, the conveyor of the present invention covers any transport device that includes a plurality of elements for dragging, pushing or driving the plate one after the other according to the longitudinal direction, one of them transporting the plate from an initial position to a position associated with the forming station, and the other one transporting the plate from the position associated with the forming station to a final position, towards the forming station, where the bottom of the plate is centered vertically between the bottom surface of the male and mold cavity.

The forming station comprises a core movable in a vertical direction Z, in and out of a mold cavity.

The core comprises a bottom surface configured to vertically push a portion of the bottom of the iron into the cavity.

It will be understood that the bottom surface of the core may be a continuous planar surface, a frame surface, or a plurality of coplanar partial surfaces inscribed within the bottom surface.

The cavity is perimeter delimited by mold-forming elements, which cooperate together with the core, to form boxes by folding and joining parts of the plates. Thus, the forming elements are arranged around a perimeter of the cavity in a manner complementary to the bottom portion.

The cavity is delimited superiorly by an entrance mouth of the plate to the cavity, and the cavity is delimited inferiorly by an exit mouth of the box.

Optionally, in forming the folded box from the sheet, some parts of the boxes may be joined with other parts:

• by fitting some parts of the plate with others by the core and the mold-forming elements,

• by glue applied to the plate by a glue applicator device during its transport on a conveyor,

• by heating the applied glue/adhesive on the plate before placing the plate in the machine for forming and marking, by a heating device arranged in the core and/or mould, and/or

• by a combination of these options, among other options.

In a manner not known in the existing state of the art, the machine of the first aspect of the present invention comprises, in combination, the features described below.

The machine comprises a cutting marking device positioned adjacent to the entrance mouth of the cavity. The cut marking device is configured to mark plates positioned between the core and the mold, with the bottom portion of the plate positioned vertically centered between the bottom surface of the core and the mold cavity, and the plate being supported on a flat transport surface of the conveyor.

In the machine, the cut marking device comprises a cutting element configured to mark the plates with a cut disposed in an end portion of the plate.

The cutting element is movable by a cutting actuator, between a position before cutting, and a retracted position after cutting.

Optionally, the cutting element in the position before cutting may be retracted.

Throughout the specification, said end portion of the iron includes the case of a front end portion of the iron and/or a side end portion of the iron.

Throughout the specification, "front" and "side" in reference to end parts of the plate are with respect to the longitudinal transport direction, which defines front and rear end parts, and at least two mutually facing lateral end parts.

In an illustrative and non-limiting example, said end parts correspond to an upper part of the front and/or lateral side walls of the iron.

It will be understood that the flat transport surface of the conveyor may be a flat surface of a transport bed, a flat surface defined by coplanar partial surfaces inscribed within the flat surface, for example, horizontal surfaces of rails spaced transversely from each other. , among other options.

Preferably, the vertical distance is associated and/or corresponds to the thickness of the plate.

In the machine, the cut marking device with the cutting element positioned in the retracted post-cut position defines a free working space of the machine.

The free work space is arranged below the transport surface, and above the forming elements, according to the vertical Z direction.

Thus, the work space is arranged between the flat transport surface and the forming elements, the work space being inferiorly adjacent to the flat transport surface of the conveyor and superiorly adjacent to the forming elements.

The free work space is configured to accommodate said end portion of the plate during the pushing of the bottom portion by the bottom surface into the cavity without interfering with said pushing of the flat plate marked with the cutting marking device.

The work space is an area free of machine parts, both the cutting marking device and other elements included in the machine, when the cutting element is positioned in the retracted position after cutting.

The work space houses said end portion of the flat plates (or flat unfolded boxes) positioned between the core and the mold, when the bottom portion of the plate is vertically centered with the bottom surface of the core and the mold cavity.

That is, the plate, once marked, does not collide with the marking device due to cutting at any time. In other words, the marked box unfolded flat (marked flat plate) and the partially folded and/or fully folded marked box/plate at the forming station does not collide with the shear marking device.

Advantageously, thanks to the specific cutting marking technology, during plate marking, unwanted movements of the box are mitigated, avoiding productive machine stops and box/plate losses. Thus, the plate is perfectly centered between the bottom surface of the core and the mold cavity both before and during marking.

Advantageously, thanks to the free work space and its strategic position in the machine, there are no unwanted movements of the box initially deployed flat in the form of a flat plate after marking, avoiding productive machine stops and box/plate losses. Thus, the box already marked and partially folded and/or folded inside the cavity does not suffer from turning of the bottom of the box due to the marking of the plate, neither due to the push of the bottom surface of the core, nor due to contact with the forming elements for folding parts of the plate, keeping the bottom of the box, during folding of the side walls of the box, horizontal to the plane of the ground where the machine sits.

Thus, the box in a flat unfolded, partially folded, and folded state, at all times follows the desired trajectory along the longitudinal and vertical directions determined by the conveyor and the core, eliminating box and/or plate jumps and eliminating jams. of box and/or iron due to unwanted movements caused by the marking device.

Another key to the present invention lies in identifying at what point in a box forming, marking and filling process it is most advantageous to position the marking device, the solution being to position the marking device in a specific position of a specific box forming machine, just before introducing the plate (initially deployed box) into a cavity of a mold using a vertically movable core.

Advantageously, in the present invention the marking is not carried out on a folded box filled with the product to be contained, but rather the present invention makes it possible to obtain a folded box, marked and empty of the product to be contained, that is, the formed box is marked. before packaging/filling the product in the folded box.

Advantageously, the machine for forming and marking boxes of the present invention is versatile since it can be easily implemented in existing forming machines, with a simple and economical adaptation thereof.

Advantageously, the robustness and precision of the machine allows for forming and marking boxes of compact cardboard or cardboard (generally thinner and less rigid), or boxes of corrugated or micro-corrugated cardboard (generally thicker and more rigid), a combination of these, and/or other possibilities.

Advantageously, this marking device simplifies maintenance and handling tasks for operators, compared to a more complex automatic marking solution such as, for example, a label applicator.

Advantageously, the cutting marking device does not need a consumable material to provide said marking, simplifying the operation and handling of the machine.

The present invention expressly covers the case where the marking device applies marks selectively, that is, it marks some plates and does not mark other plates, and also covers the case where the marking device marks all the plates.

Herein "cut marking device" covers any device configured to cut marking for the identification of boxes, and this marking is provided by such marking device on at least one semi-rigid flat surface of the plates, for example, on the side walls of the boxes.

Preferably, in the machine, the cutting marking device further comprises an upper stop disposed above a flat transport surface of the conveyor a vertical distance. The upper stop is configured to upperly limit the vertical position of said end part of the plate during the movement of the cutting element.

Advantageously, the transport surface and the upper stop limit, inferiorly and superiorly, respectively, the vertical position of said end part of the plate, avoiding unwanted displacements of the plate in a horizontal direction parallel and/or transverse to the horizontal longitudinal direction of transportation during marking and after marking.

Other optional features of the box forming and marking machine of the first aspect of the present invention are described in the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings herein.

According to a second aspect, the present invention concerns a method for forming and marking boxes from flat sheets of semi-rigid sheet material with a machine for forming and marking boxes.

Each box comprises a flat bottom and flat side walls folded with respect to the bottom and arranged surrounding the bottom.

In a manner known in the state of the art, the method comprises:

• longitudinally transporting the plates on a conveyor in a longitudinal X horizontal direction towards a forming station that includes a core and a mold;

• move the core, according to a vertical direction Z, in and out of a mold cavity;

• pushing a portion of the bottom of the plate into the cavity with a bottom surface of the core during movement of the core into the cavity; and

• form the boxes by folding and joining parts of the plates with the core and with mold-forming elements arranged perimeter delimiting the cavity that cooperate with the core in said formation.

Differentially, the method of the present invention comprises, in a way not known in the existing state of the art, in combination:

• mark by cutting, with a cutting marking device of the machine located adjacent to a plate entry mouth to the cavity, an end part of the plates positioned between the core and the mold with the bottom portion of the plate positioned between the thrust surface and cavity; and

• housing said end part during said push in a free work space of the machine arranged below a transport surface of the conveyor and above the forming elements, without interfering with said push with the box marked with the cutting marking device.

This second aspect of the invention referring to the method benefits from advantages described in the first aspect of the invention referring to cutting marking and free work space.

Optionally, the method of this second aspect of the present invention can be implemented by the machine of the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the method further comprises limiting the position of said end portion of the plate inferiorly and superiorly during cutting marking, with the transport surface on which the plate is supported and with an upper stop of the cutting marking device, respectively.

In this preferable option of the second aspect of the invention referring to the method, it additionally benefits from advantages described in the first aspect of the invention referring to the upper and lower limitation with the transport surface and the upper stop.

Other optional features of the box forming and marking method of the second aspect of the present invention are described in the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings herein.

According to a third aspect, the present invention presents a formed and marked box, obtained from a flat sheet of semi-rigid sheet material in a machine for forming and marking boxes from flat sheets of semi-rigid sheet material, which comprises a bottom plane and flat side walls folded with respect to the bottom and arranged surrounding the bottom.

Differentially, the box is marked by a cut arranged in an end part of the plate associated with the upper part of the side walls.

In the box, a portion of the cutout and/or cutout is visible from an exterior side view of the folded box.

Furthermore, in the box, said cut is made on the flat plate, prior to forming it in a box.

In the case, the cut is carried out with a cutting element of a cutting marking device of the machine with the plate supported and stationary on a transport surface of a conveyor of the machine.

Optionally, the box is obtained with the machine of the first aspect of the invention and/or with the method of the second aspect of the invention.

The present invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

Other embodiments can be made by experts in the field in light of this description without departing from the scope defined in the claims.

For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will emerge partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention.

The claims of the machine object have been expressly drafted so that a possible infringement of the machine of the present invention can be verified, even if the machine is not in operation at the time of verification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made of the object of the invention and to help a better understanding of the characteristics that distinguish it, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of plans, in which that for illustrative and non-limiting purposes the following has been represented:

Fig. 1 is a side and sectional view of the machine for forming and marking boxes from flat sheets of semi-rigid sheet material according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, with the core positioned outside the cavity of the mold;

Fig. 2 is a side and sectional view of the machine of Fig. 1, now with the male vertically pushing a portion of the bottom of the into the mold cavity; Fig. 3 is a plan view of a forming station of the machine of Fig. 1 and the conveyor of the machine transporting a plate in a longitudinal X horizontal direction towards the forming station;

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the forming station of the machine of Fig. 3 with the core positioned within the mold cavity, and where the conveyor and cutting marking device have been omitted for better visualization of the elements;

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the conveyor and cutting marking device of Fig. 3 omitted from Fig. 4, which are shown relative to the core in a position outside the cavity;

Fig. 6 is an enlargement of detail IV of Fig. 1, showing a plate positioned between the core and the mold supported on a flat transport surface of the conveyor;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view of the cutting marking device of Fig. 6 located on the machine, where some elements have been omitted for better understanding, with the cutting element of the cutting marking device positioned in a position prior to cutting;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the cut marking device located on the machine, with the cutting element of the cutting marking device positioned in a retracted position after cutting;

Figs. 9 to 11 show a sequence of operation of the machine and the method subsequent to Fig. 6;

Figs. 12 and 13 are a top and bottom perspective view, respectively, of the cutting marking device of the machine of the first embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a top view of the plate of Fig. 13 already marked with a cut arranged in an end part of the plate, specifically in the front part of the plate according to the longitudinal transport direction X shown;

Fig. 15 shows the box formed and marked with a cut in the upper part of the side walls thereof, according to a first embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, with the machine of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 16 shows a stack of boxes formed where the top box of the stack is also cut marked to identify batches of boxes to be treated, for example, handled.

DETAILED EXPOSITION OF IMPLEMENTATION MODES / EXAMPLES

According to a first aspect of the present invention, Figs. 1 to 13 show a machine (100) for forming and marking boxes (B) from flat sheets (S) of semi-rigid laminate material, for example, those sheets (S) that include a cardboard sheet, as shown. in Figs. 3 and 14.

In Figs. 2, 15 and 16, each box (B) comprises an essentially rectangular flat bottom (F) with or without chamfered corners, and at least four side walls (PL) folded with respect to the bottom (F) and arranged surrounding the bottom (F). .

The bottom (F) and the side walls (PL) delimit inferiorly and laterally an interior volume in the folded configuration of the box (B) intended to be filled with product, for example, fruit and/or vegetables.

The Figs. 1 to 3 and 5 show that the machine (100) comprises a conveyor (40) that transports the plates (S), one by one, according to a horizontal longitudinal direction (X) towards a forming station.

The Figs. 1 to 3 show that the conveyor (40) optionally includes a pushing element (41) of the plate (S), movable in the horizontal longitudinal direction (X) between an initial position, associated with plates (S) coming from a loader. (30) supporting plates (S), and a final position of Fig. 6 associated with the forming station.

In the final position of Figs. 1 and 6, the bottom portion (F) of the plate (S) is vertically centered with the bottom surface (65) of the core (50) and the cavity (52) of the mold (50).

The Figs. 1 to 3, 5 and 6 to 11 show that the conveyor (40) comprises two lateral guides (42). A side guide (42) is provided on each side of the plate (S) during transportation of the plate (S). The two lateral guides (42) guide the box (B) laterally in a horizontal transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X).

Advantageously, the lateral guides (42) contribute to improved precision in marking the box.

The Figs. 1 and 2 show that the conveyor (40) comprises a first driving member (45), for example, a rotating electric motor, which moves the pushing element (41) guided thanks to a pushing guide (44) between the initial position of Figs. 1 and 3 and the final position of Fig. 6

In Figs. 1 and 2, the thrust element (41) is optionally mounted on a thrust support (43) attached to transmission chains (46) arranged between it and the rotating electric motor (45).

The machine (100) preferably comprises a joining device configured to supply a joining material to join some parts of the plate (S) with others, so that the box (B) folded by the forming station is permanently folded, determining the aforementioned interior volume of the box (B) of Figs. 15 and 16.

In Figs. 1 and 2, optionally, the joining device is a glue or adhesive applicator and the joining material is glue or adhesive supplied on the plate (S) in the machine (100).

Preferably, the glue or adhesive applicator device of Figs. 1 and 2 comprise pressurizable hot glue and/or cold glue injectors (70). The injectors (70) are located between the initial position of the box (B) on the conveyor (40) and the box forming station to apply glue on the plate (S), and thus join side walls (PL) with others with the deposition of glue on lateral flaps (SL) derived from the lateral walls (PL).

The Figs. 1 and 2 show that the forming station comprises a core (60) movable in a linear vertical direction (Z), inside and outside a cavity (52) of a mold (50). In Figs. 9 to 11 the male (60) comprises a bottom surface (65) that vertically pushes a portion of the bottom (F) of the plate (S) into the cavity (52).

The Figs. 1 to 4 show that the male (60) is movable in and out of the cavity (52) by a male drive (10).

Preferably, said drive (10) comprises a second driving member (12).

The second driving member (12) which can be, for example: a rotating electric motor (conventional motor, servomotor/servo-driven motor, among others) as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, a fluid dynamic cylinder, for example, a pneumatic cylinder (not shown in the figures), among other options.

In Figs. 1 to 4, optionally, the fixed part of the driving member (12) is fixed with respect to the chassis (1) on a horizontal bridge (2) thereof, and the movable part of the driving member (12) is attached to a mechanism that includes a vertical member (11) at whose lower end the male (60) is supported.

Preferably, in Figs. 1 to 4, the first driving member (45) moves the push element (41) of the conveyor (40) and the second driving member (12) of the male drive (10) moves the male (60).

Alternatively, in an option not shown in the figures, the same driving member moves the thrust element (41) and the male (60).

The Figs. 6 and 9 to 11 show that the perimeter of the cavity (52) is delimited by forming elements (51) of the mold (50), which cooperate together with the male (60), for the formation of boxes (B) by folding. and joined with glue parts of some plates (S).

Fig. 6 shows that the cavity (52) is delimited superiorly by a plate entrance mouth (53) to the corresponding cavity (52) with a horizontal plane determined by the upper parts of the forming elements (51). Likewise, in Fig. 6, the cavity (52) is delimited below by an exit mouth (54) of the box (B) already formed. Thus, the cavity (52) is essentially in the shape of a vertical tunnel.

In the forming station of the machine (100) shown in Fig. 6, the plate (S) is positioned by the conveyor (40) above the entrance mouth (53) of box (B) of the cavity (52). ) and below the bottom surface (65) of the male (60), where it is supported on a flat transport surface (46) of the conveyor (40).

It will be understood that "flat transport surface" of the conveyor of the present invention covers the cases of a flat surface of a transport bed, a flat surface defined by coplanar partial surfaces inscribed within the flat surface, for example, horizontal surfaces separated transversely from each other, a surface of a plane defined by the rounded upper parts of longitudinal profiles, and/or combination of these, among other options.

Optionally, as shown in Figs. 1 to 11, the machine (100) optionally comprises two plate guides. Each plate guide comprises one of said lateral guides (42) and a horizontal surface to support the plate (S) during marking, the two horizontal surfaces defining the transport surface (46), as shown in detail in Figs. 3 and 5.

Complementarily, the two plate guides are mutually separated transversely according to the transverse direction (Y) by a distance adjustable by a regulation device (90) that comprises at least one guide element (91), which may optionally comprise one, two or three spindles, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 5.

Later, in Figs. 9 to 11 the plate (S) is pushed by the bottom surface (65) of the male (60) into the cavity (52).

As the flat iron (S) is pushed in Figs. 9 to 11, the forming elements (51) located around the cavity (52) at the corners and/or sides of the cavity (52) cooperate with the male (60) in forming the box (B) from the flat plate (S), with the folding and joining of some parts of the plate (S) with others.

The boxes (B) formed leave the cavity (52) inferiorly, crossing the exit mouth (54), as shown in Fig. 2.

Continuing in Fig. 6, the machine (100) comprises a cutting marking device (80) positioned adjacent to the entry mouth (53) of the cavity (52) to mark the plates (S) positioned in a position centered between the male (60) and the mold (50) and supported by the flat transport surface (46) of the conveyor (40).

In the centered position of Fig. 6, the bottom portion (F) of the flat plate (S) is located between the bottom surface (65) of the core (60) and the cavity (52) of the mold (50). .

Preferably, Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5 to 11 show that the cavity (52) is essentially rectangular, with the corners of the rectangle unchamfered or chamfered to form boxes with four, eight or twelve side walls. In this option, on the machine (100), the cut marking device (80) is positioned to cut mark from one of at least four sides of the essentially rectangular cavity (52).

Advantageously, with the even more specific positioning of the cut marking device (80), positioned to mark by cutting from one side of the essentially rectangular cavity (52) and not from the corners of the cavity (52), simplifies the installation of the device cutting marker (80) on the machine (100) providing versatility.

Advantageously, this positioning on one side of the cavity (52) and not from the corners of the cavity (52) improves versatility in view of the formation and marking of boxes (B) of changing measurements.

Optionally, the cut marking device (80) is positioned to cut mark from the front side of the cavity (52) according to the longitudinal direction (X) of transport, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5 to 11.

The Figs. 6 to 8 show that the cutting marking device (80) comprises a cutting element (81) that marks the plates (S) with a cut (C) arranged in an end part (E), preferably front, of the plate ( S).

In the figures the cutting element (81) is a blade, but other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention, such as the teeth of a toothed wheel as cutting elements (81), a rotating disc as cutting element ( 81), among other options.

To carry out said marking by cutting, the cutting element (81) is moved by a cutting actuator (82), between a position prior to cutting (C) shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and a post-cut retracted position (C) of Figs. 8 and 9.

Preferably, in Figs. 6 to 13, the cutting actuator (82) is connected to a horizontal rotation axis (89) of the cutting marking device (80) to move the cutting element (81) in a vertical cutting plane perpendicular to the plate. (S) flat, due to the rotational movement of the cutting element (81) around the horizontal axis of rotation (89) between the positions before and after the cut (C).

Advantageously, the vertical orientation of the cutting plane causes a cut of the cutting element perpendicular to the plane of the plate, minimizing unwanted positional displacements, minimizing productive stops and plate / box losses due to marking.

The Figs. 7, 8, 12 and 13 show that the marker actuator (82) is preferably a pneumatic cylinder.

In other options not shown, the marker actuator (82) but may be a rotating electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or any other actuator, optionally activatable by a control device (20), among other options.

Optionally, the marker actuator (82) of FIGS. 6 to 8 is connected to a control device (20) of the machine (100) of Figs. 1 and 2 connected to the rotating electric motor of the male drive (10).

Additionally, Figs. 6 to 13 show that, in the machine (100), the cutting marking device (80) further comprises a blunt, rounded and/or inclined plate (S) receiving end (88) arranged above the transport surface (46). The receiving end (88) upperly limits the position of said end part (E) of the plate (S) being transported before the movement of the cutting element (81).

Advantageously, the receiving end (88) contributes to minimizing production stops and cash losses (B), in the event of unacceptable flatness tolerances of the plate (S) that cause the plate (S) to be slightly curved, and/or in the event of its own vibrations. of the machine (100) due to the movements of the male (60) and conveyor (40).

Optionally, in Figs. 6 to 13, the cutting marking device (80) comprises an upper stop (83) arranged above the transport surface (46) a vertical distance associated with the thickness of the semi-rigid sheet material of the plate (S).

In Figs. 6 to 13, the upper stop (83) upperly limits the vertical position of said end part (E) of the iron during the movement of the cutting element (81) between the positions before and after the cut (C).

In the option of Figs. 6 to 13, the upper stop (83) is included in the cutting marking device (80).

Additionally, Figs. 6 to 8 and 13 show that in the machine (100), the cutting marking device (80) comprises two upper stops (83), one located on each side of the vertical cutting plane where the cutting element (81) is movable. .

Advantageously, this double upper stop (83), one on each side flanking the cutting plane of the cutting element (81), improves marking precision and prevents unwanted movements of the plate (S) due to marking.

In an option not shown in the figures, two top stops (83) are supported on the conveyor (40), preferably each top stop (83) is supported on a respective side guide (42).

In another option not shown in the figures, an upper stop is supported on a structural point of the machine such as the chassis (1) or on the mold (50).

Following the option of Figs. 6 to 13, the cutting element (81), the cutting actuator (82), and the upper stop (83) of the cutting marking device (80) are supported on a base support (87) of the cutting marking device ( 80).

Advantageously, in this option a more precise marking is obtained on the plate since the aforementioned elements are supported on the same base support (87), and it also provides a simple adaptation of the machine (100) to the formation and marking of boxes. of different sizes.

Optionally in this option, the base support (87) is in turn supported on a structural point of the machine (100) in a fixed position during the formation and marking of boxes (B), as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

In Figs. 3 and 5, the base support (87) is supported on one of the lateral guides (42), the lateral guides (42) being in a fixed position during the formation and marking of boxes (B).

The structural point of the fixed position machine (100) may be movable during adaptation of the machine to different box sizes.

The structural point of the fixed position machine (100) may be the chassis (1) of the machine (100) or a mold element (50), among other options.

In Figs. 3 and 5, preferably, the machine (100) comprises a transverse positioner (95, 96, 97) of the cutting marking device (80) configured to modify the position of the base support (87) of the cutting marking device (80) to along the transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X).

Optionally, in Figs. 3 and 5, the transverse positioner (95, 96, 97) comprises a secondary base support (95) joined to the base support (87) by a linear guide element, for example, a cross bar (97) as shown in the figures or a spindle (not shown).

The transverse position between secondary base support (95) and base support (87) can be modified by a fixing and releasing device (96), for example, by screws in the case of the transverse bar of Figs. 3 and 5 or by the spindle edges in the case of the spindle (not shown).

Optionally, in Figs. 12 and 13, the position before the cut (C) and the retracted position after the cut (C) is modifiable by a cutting adjustment device (98, 99) supported directly or indirectly on the base support (87).

In the example of Figs. 12 and 13, the cutting adjustment device (98,99) comprises a slot (99) or elongated hole parallel to the vertical direction (Z) supported on the base support (87). An auxiliary fixing and releasing device (98), for example, at least one screw, is attached to the coliso (98), in turn attached to the cutting actuator (82).

Thus, upon the change in position of the auxiliary fixation and release device (98) along the coliseum (99), the cutting element movable by the cutting actuator (82) modifies the position prior to cutting (C) and the retracted position after cutting (C).

Optionally, in the machine (100), the conveyor (40), the forming station equipped with core (60) and mold (50), and the marking device (80) are supported directly or indirectly on the same chassis (1) of the machine (100).

Advantageously, thanks to the fact that the essential elements of the machine (100) are supported on the same chassis, the marking precision is improved.

Referring to the option of Figs. 6 to 13, the cutting marking device (80) also comprises a centering stop (85) that limits the position of the plate (S) according to the longitudinal direction (X) and/or a transverse direction (Y), contacting the extreme part (E) of the plate (S), when the plate (S) is positioned between the male (60) and the mold (50).

Advantageously, thanks to the fact that the centering stop (85) is included in the cutting marking device (80), the marking precision is improved since the distance between the marking position with the cut (C) and the cutting position is significantly reduced. the extreme part (E) of the plate (S), which is limited in position and in contact with the centering stop (85).

The Figs. 6 to 19 show that, preferably, the centering stop (85) is supported on the base support (87).

Advantageously, with the centering stop (85) supported on the base support (87) the marking precision is improved, and also provides a simple adaptation of the machine (100) to the formation and marking of boxes of different sizes.

Following in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, in the machine (100), the cutting marking device (80) with the cutting element (81) positioned in the retracted position after cutting (C) defines a free work space (86) of the machine (100). The free working space (86) is arranged below the transport surface (46) and above the forming elements (51).

Continuing in these Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the free work space (86) houses the front end part (E) of the plate (S) during the pushing of the bottom portion (F) by the bottom surface (65) into the the cavity (52) without interfering the flat plate (S) marked with the cutting marking device (80) before said push with the bottom surface (65) of the male (60), as shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11.

That is, after or during the movement of the cutting element (81) of Figs. 7 and 8 to produce the marking of the plate (S), the bottom surface (65) of the male (60) pushes in Figs. 9 to 11 the bottom portion (F) of the plate (S) into the cavity causing the folding of parts of the plate (S) against the forming elements (51) to form the box (B) marked with the cut (C) of Fig. 15. During said pushing the end (E) of the plate (S) is housed in the free work space (86) and the plate (S) does not interfere with the cutting marking device (80).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, Figs. 1 to 11 show a method for forming and marking boxes (B) of semi-rigid sheet material with a machine (100) for forming and marking boxes (B).

The Figs. 2, 15 and 16 show that each box (B) comprises a flat bottom (F) and flat side walls (PL) folded with respect to the bottom (F) and arranged surrounding the bottom (F).

The method comprises longitudinally transporting the plates (S) on a conveyor (40) in a horizontal longitudinal direction (X) towards a forming station that includes a core (60) and a mold (60) facing each other.

Likewise, the method comprises moving the core (60), according to a vertical direction (Z), in opposite directions inside and outside a cavity (52) of the mold (50).

Likewise, the method comprises pushing a portion of the flat bottom (F) of the iron (S) into the cavity (52) during the movement of the core (60) into the cavity (52). This thrust is executed with a bottom surface (65) of the male (60).

Also, the method comprises forming the boxes (B) by folding and joining parts of the plates (S) with others. This formation of boxes is executed with the core (60) and with forming elements (51) of the mold (50) arranged delimiting a perimeter of the cavity (52). The forming elements (51) cooperate with the male (60) in said formation.

Likewise, the method comprises marking by cutting an end part (E) of the plates (S) positioned between the core (60) and the mold (50) when the bottom portion (F) of the box (B) positioned between the thrust surface (65) of the male (60) and the cavity (52) of the mold (50). This cutting marking is carried out with a cutting marking device (80) of the machine (100) located adjacent to the entrance mouth (53) of the plate (S) flat to the cavity (52).

Likewise, the method comprises housing said end part (E) during said pushing in a free work space (86) of the machine (100) arranged below a transport surface (46) of the conveyor (40) and above the forming elements (51), without interfering with said push with the box (B) marked with the cutting marking device (80).

Preferably, the cutting marking (C) comprises moving a cutting element (81) of the cutting marking device (80), between a position before the cut (C), and a retracted position after the cut (C), to cut the extreme part (E) of the plate (S).

Preferably, the movement of the cutting element (81) is by rotation in a vertical cutting plane perpendicular to the flat plate (S) arranged horizontally between the male (60) and the mold (50).

Preferably, the method further comprises limiting inferiorly and superiorly the position of said end portion (E) of the plate (S) during cutting marking, with the transport surface (46) where the plate (S) is supported and with a upper stop (83) of the cutting marking device (80), respectively.

Optionally, the method also comprises limiting the longitudinal and/or transverse position of the plate (S), contacting the end part (E) of the plate (S) with a centering stop (85) included in the cutting marking device (80). ), when the iron (S) is positioned between the male (60) and the mold (50).

Complementarily, the method also comprises filling or placing the products to be contained in the folded box (B) after marking by cutting.

According to the third aspect of the invention, Figs. 2 and 14 to 16 show a box (B) formed and marked, obtained from a flat plate (S) of semi-rigid sheet material in a machine (100) for the formation and marking of boxes (B) from plates ( S) flat semi-rigid laminar material.

Fig. 15 shows that the box (B) comprises a flat bottom (F) and flat side walls (PL) folded with respect to the bottom (F) and arranged surrounding the bottom (F).

Continuing in Fig. 15, the box (B) is marked by a cut (C) arranged in an end part (E) of the plate (S) associated with the upper part of the side walls (PL).

In the box (B) of Fig. 15, a portion of each cut (C) and/or the cut (C) is visible from an exterior side view of the folded box (B).

Continuing in these Figs. 6 to 9, said cut (C) is made on the flat plate (S), prior to forming it into a box (B). Said cut (C) is made with a cutting element (81) of a cutting marking device (80) of the machine (100). Furthermore, said cut (C) is made with the plate (S) supported and immobile on a transport surface (46) of a conveyor (40) of the machine (100).

Complementarily, in the box (B) of Fig. 15, the side walls (PL) are inclined convergently towards the bottom (F) of the box (B), to partially insert some boxes (B) inside others forming a stack. (P) of nested boxes (B) shown in Fig. 16.

Also in a complementary way, Fig. 16 shows that the boxes (B) are marked with at least a portion of each cut (C) and/or the cut (C) visible from the outside of the stack (P) of boxes ( B) nested.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims

Claims (15)

1. - Machine (100) for the formation and marking of boxes (B) from flat sheets (S) of semi-rigid laminar material, where each box (B) comprises a flat bottom (F) and side walls (PL ) flat folded with respect to the bottom (F) and arranged surrounding the bottom (F), comprising the machine (100): a conveyor (40) configured to transport the plates (S) in a horizontal longitudinal direction (X) towards a forming station; and said forming station comprising a core (60) movable in a vertical direction (Z), in and out of a cavity (52) of a mold (50), the core (60) comprising a bottom surface (65) configured to vertically pushing a portion of the bottom (F) of the plate (S) into the cavity (52); where the cavity (52) is perimeter delimited by forming elements (51) of the mold (50), which cooperate together with the male (60), for the formation of boxes (B) by folding and joining parts of the plates (S), the cavity (52) being delimited superiorly by an entrance mouth (53) of plate (S) to the cavity (52), and the cavity (52) being delimited inferiorly by an exit mouth (54) of the box (B); characterized in that the machine (100) comprises a cutting marking device (80) positioned adjacent to the entry mouth (53) of the cavity (52) to mark the plates (S) positioned between the male (60) and the mold (50), the plates (P) being supported on a flat transport surface (46) of the conveyor (40), which comprises: a cutting element (81) configured to mark the plates (S) with a cut (C) arranged in an end part (E) of the plate (S), the cutting element (81) being movable by a cutting actuator (82), between a position before the cut (C), and a retracted position after the cut (C); and wherein the cutting marking device (80) with the cutting element (81) positioned in the retracted position after cutting (C) defines a free work space (86) of the machine (100) arranged below the surface transport (46) and above the forming elements (51), the free work space (86) being configured to house said end part (E) during the pushing of the bottom portion (F) by the bottom surface (65) into the cavity (52) without interfering with said push with the plate (S) marked with the cutting marking device (80). 2. - Machine (100) according to claim 1, further comprising an upper stop (83), arranged above the transport surface (46) a vertical distance, configured to upperly limit the vertical position of said end part (E) of the plate (S) during the movement of the cutting element (81). 3. - Machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein the upper stop (83) is included in the cutting marking device (80). 4. - Machine (100) according to claim 3, wherein the cutting element (81), the cutting actuator (82), and the upper stop (83) are supported on a base support (87) of the marking device by cut (80). 5. - Machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting marking device (80) also comprises a centering stop (85) configured to limit the position of the plate (S) according to the longitudinal and/or direction. a transverse direction, contacting the end part (E) of the plate (S), when the plate (S) is positioned between the male (60) and the mold (50). 6. - Machine (100) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the centering stop (85) is supported on the base support (87). 7. - Machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor (40) comprises two lateral guides (42), a lateral guide (42) being arranged on each side of the plate (S) during transport. of the plate (S), configured to guide the box (B) laterally according to a horizontal transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X). 8. - Machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting marking device (80) further comprises a blunt, rounded and/or inclined receiving end (88) of plate (S) arranged above the transport surface (46), configured to upperly limit the position of said end part (E) of the plate (S) being transported before the movement of the cutting element (81). 9. - Machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting actuator (82) is connected to a horizontal rotation axis (89) of the cutting marking device (80) to move the cutting element (81). ), in a vertical cutting plane perpendicular to the flat plate (S), before the rotational movement of the cutting element (81) around the horizontal axis of rotation (89) between the positions before and after the cut (C). . 10. - Machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (52) is essentially rectangular and the cutting marking device (80) is positioned to mark by cutting from one side of the cavity (52). 11. - Method for the formation and marking of boxes (B) from flat sheets (S) of semi-rigid laminar material, where each box (B) comprises a flat bottom (F) and folded flat side walls (PL). with respect to the bottom (F) and arranged surrounding the bottom (F), with a machine (100) for the formation and marking of these boxes (B), the method comprising: longitudinally transporting the plates (S) on a conveyor (40) in a horizontal longitudinal direction (X) towards a forming station that includes a core (60) and a mold (60); move the core (60), in a vertical direction (Z), into and out of a cavity (52) of the mold (50); pushing a bottom portion (F) of the plate (S) into the cavity (52) with a bottom surface (65) of the core (60) during movement of the core (60) into the cavity (52); form the boxes (B) by folding and joining parts of the plates (S) with the core (60) and with forming elements (51) of the mold (50) arranged perimeter delimiting the cavity (52) and that cooperate with the male (60) in said formation; characterized in that it also includes: marking by cutting (C), with a marking by cutting device (80) of the machine (100) located adjacent to an entrance mouth (53) of the iron (S) to the cavity (52), an end part (E) of the plates (S) positioned between the male (60) and the mold (50) when the bottom portion (F) of the plate (S) positioned between the thrust surface (65) and the cavity (52); and housing said end part (E) during said pushing in a free work space (86) of the machine (100) arranged below a transport surface (46) of the conveyor (40) and above the forming elements (51 ), without interfering with said push with the box (B) marked with the cutting marking device (80). 12. - Method according to claim 11, wherein the cutting marking (C) comprises moving a cutting element (81) of the cutting marking device (80), between a position prior to the cutting (C), and a retracted position after cutting (C), to cut the extreme part (E) of the plate (S). 13. - Method according to claim 12, wherein the movement of the cutting element (81) is by rotation in a vertical cutting plane perpendicular to the flat plate (S) arranged horizontally between the male (60) and the mold (50). ). 14. - Method according to any one of claims 11, 12 or 13, which further comprises limiting the position of said end part (E) of the plate (S) from below and above during cutting marking, with the transport surface (46). ) where the plate (S) is supported and with an upper stop (83) of the cutting marking device (80), respectively. 15. - Box (B) formed and marked, obtained from a flat sheet (S) of semi-rigid laminate material in a machine (100) for the formation and marking of boxes (B) from flat sheets (S) of semi-rigid laminar material, comprising a flat bottom (F) and flat side walls (PL) folded with respect to the bottom (F) and arranged surrounding the bottom (F), characterized in that it is marked by a cut (C) arranged in a extreme part (E) of the plate (S) associated with the upper part of the side walls (PL), with a portion of the cut (C) and/or the cut (C) visible from an exterior side view of the box ( B) folded, said cut (C) being made on the flat plate (S), prior to its formation in a box (B), and the cut (C) being made with a cutting element (81) of a cutting marking device (80) of the machine (100) with the plate (S) supported and immobile on a transport surface (46) of a conveyor (40) of the machine (100).