ES2950293A1 - MACHINE FOR FORMING CARDBOARD BOXES (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine for forming cardboard boxes. It comprises at least one core (2) and at least one mold (4). The descent of the male drags a die-cut sheet into the mold for forming the box (1) that includes a bottom, two first side walls with flaps (6) in opposition, and two second side walls. During the descent of the core, said flaps (6) can be located in a relative position selected between a first exterior relative position to join on the exterior faces of the second side walls of the box, and a second interior relative position to join on the interior faces of the second side walls of the box; where said relative positions of the flaps depend on the relative positioning of adjustable flap doublers and mobile stops that protrude from inside the mold to a greater or lesser extent. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

MACHINE FOR FORMING CARDBOARD BOXES

Object of the invention

The present invention refers to a machine for forming laminated or corrugated cardboard boxes, from die-cut laminar pieces, where said boxes incorporate a perimeter flange that delimits an mouth of the box; and where said perimeter flange optionally allows the application of sealing sheets or films to hermetically close said mouth.

The box of the invention finds a special application in the field of the machinery industry for the manufacture of cardboard boxes.

Background of the invention

In the current state of the art, different machines are used for forming cardboard boxes. These machines incorporate an entry area for the die-cut sheets (from which the cardboard boxes are obtained), a system to take said sheets to a forming area where there is at least one forming male that is located (in position of rest) at a higher level above the die-cut sheet, and at least one forming mold that is located in a lower area below the sheet and in the same vertical alignment as the male, so that when this male is activated, the It presses down on the sheet to go inside the mold, configuring the final shape of the box to be formed; having previously applied the corresponding glue application system on the cardboard sheet.

Each of the forming males comprises a block attached to an axis, while it is activated by a motor element that provides an up and down reciprocating movement. The dimension and configuration of the core is related to the size and shape of the box to be formed.

The application of these machines described to the formation of small boxes, but of different proportions or shapes, greatly complicates their versatility. when adapting the different mechanisms responsible for assembling the boxes. For this reason, it is very important to provide the machines with means that allow the regulation and adaptation of these mechanisms to be able to manufacture boxes with different formats.

Boxes with a perimeter flange at the mouth have been known for a long time, but it is now that, in light of the rejection of the use of some materials, such as plastic, they are being introduced with increasing force in the food distribution sector. , since current sealing technologies allow us to obtain boxes to which a sealing sheet or film can be applied on said perimeter flange with an airtight seal. It is even possible to coat the cardboard material with waterproof material to allow it to be used with wet/hydrated products such as meat, fish, etc.

In all of these known machines, to form the box, the die-cut cardboard sheet is pressed against the forming core once the forming process has started. To do this, the machines have four gripping mechanisms, one for each side wall of the box with its respective side support plates, highlighting that currently it has not been resolved how boxes can be assembled in which opposing side flaps can be assembled. , which are an extension of two of the four side walls, can be selectively arranged outside or inside the box; where said side flaps are finally joined by means of an adhesive to the other two even side walls of the box.

Some of these boxes have side walls with inclinations depending on the different models. This requires changing the endplates, which are normally fixed elements and are usually made of polymeric materials such as Teflon, polyamides, etc.

The utility model with publication number ES 1258339 U (D01) refers to a machine for forming boxes with flanges located on the upper part of the side walls thereof and folded towards the outside of said boxes; where said edges constitute a perimeter flange that delimits the mouth of the box.

This machine comprises a chassis 1, a mold 50 with an inlet mouth and an outlet mouth 55, and a core in the shape of a truncated pyramid for forming the box inside a cavity 52 of said mold, so that said mold includes first and second benders 51, 53 coinciding with the mouth of the mold.

The male comprises a front side 61 and a rear side 63 according to the direction of introduction of the male into the mold, and four flat lateral sides 62 facing each other two by two; where said front side 61 includes a flat bottom surface 65 for pressing on a bottom portion of a laminar plate to insert it into the mold and form the box by said laminar plate.

The male comprises four male benders 64 facing each other in pairs configured to protrude outwards to configure the four outer edges that form the outward perimeter flange that delimits the mouth of the box.

The machine also includes a guiding device associated with the mold provided with two box guides 90 facing each other to guide the formed boxes passing through the outlet mouth 55 of the mold.

The mold 50 comprises facing stops 56 activated by actuators 36, and which include cornered and chamfered flat end faces 58, 59 (Figure 9), where in an active position said flat end faces are first configured to be located adjacent to the fold lines that connect the outer flanges with the side walls of the box; and secondly, they are configured to receive the pressure of said outer edges before they are bent outwards by the male benders 64.

The outer edges as a perimeter flange of the box are configured when the male is inside the mold cavity at its maximum introduction; In this operation, the gluing of the outer edges is carried out in overlapping areas.

The movement of the stops 56 from their stop position to their retracted position allows the guiding device, using the box guides 90, to guide the box passing through the outlet mouth 55 of the mold.

The invention patent with publication number ES 2839552 A2 (D02) refers to a machine and method for forming cardboard boxes from flat die-cut sheets and a cardboard box.

This machine includes a mold 50 supported on a chassis 1, which comprises a cavity 52 aligned with a core 60 in the shape of an inverted truncated pyramid; where said cavity 52 has an entrance mouth 54 of the iron and an exit mouth 55 of the formed box; further comprising a male drive for moving the male 60, which includes a front side 61 with a flat bottom surface 65, and a rear side 63, according to the direction of introduction of the male 60 into the mold 50.

Each corner region of the core 60 includes a curved-convex surface 62a' complementary to a respective curved-concave surface S2 of the mold 50.

The mold 50 comprises forming stops 56 facing each other around the cavity 52; where each of said forming stops 56 is movable between a retracted position adjacent to the cavity 52, and a stop position towards the interior of the cavity 52, to enable the insertion of the flat plate to be formed in the cavity 52, and a stop position, towards the interior of cavity 52.

Each of the conforming stops 56 is provided with at least one curved concave surface S2; where the shaping stops 56 are configured to evacuate the boxes in the retracted position.

Said curved-concave surfaces S2 of the conforming stops 56 are configured to press the cornered and curved areas of the box in which its side walls PL meet, against the curved-convex surfaces 62a' of the mold 60.

The machine of document D02 that we are describing also includes a system for transporting the plates to take them to the entry mouth 54 of the mold 50.

The machine also includes glue application means for depositing dots or cords of glue on the plate during its dragging through the transport system; where after applying the glue the side walls CL of the box are joined.

The invention patent with publication number ES 2852059 A1 (D03) refers to a machine and method for forming boxes intended to be nested; where these trunk-pyramidal configuration boxes basically comprise a bottom and four side walls with chamfered corner areas; and wherein the machine is configured to manufacture a box configuration as described.

The machine of this document D03 comprises in principle a basic structure as described in document D02 (ES 2839552 A2), with the following particularities.

The truncated-pyramidal core 60 includes lateral corner areas that are chamfered, each including one or more chamfers 62a.

The forming stops 56 of the mold 50 comprise at least six flat lateral end faces movable between the retracted and stop positions; where said lateral end faces can be immobilized in the stop positions.

At least four of the six lateral end faces of the forming stops 56 have a shape complementary to the chamfered corner areas of the male 60; where during the formation of the box when the male 60 is inside the mold 50 in its maximum introduction, said six lateral bearing faces press the exterior part of the box towards the interior of the cavity 52, against the entire lateral contour of the male 60, said contour is formed by the lateral sides 62 (side walls) and the four chamfers 62a.

Finally, the utility model with publication number ES 1273399 U (D04) is also known, which discloses a box-forming machine, preferably cardboard boxes, each of which comprises a truncated-pyramidal configuration formed by a bottom two first side walls and two second side walls converging (all four) towards the bottom, and a perimeter flange that delimits a box mouthpiece; where said perimeter flange is formed by portions that are a continuation of the side walls; and where said perimeter flange is configured to be able to attach a closure cover to the mouth in order to preserve the product contained within the box. This box also includes opposing flaps that are a continuation of the first side walls, and which are joined on the exterior faces of the second side walls of the box.

This utility model document D04 that we are describing further comprises a core 2 configured to push the cardboard sheet onto a folding and assembly station 3.

The male 2 comprises a lower sector 4 in accordance with the interior space of the box to be formed, and an upper sector 5 configured to connect to a driving means to displace the movement of the assembly of the male 2; where the upper sector comprises a fixed frame 6 and a mobile frame 7 configured to move with respect to the lower sector 4 of the male 2.

The folding and assembly station 3 comprises two opposing side presses 8 configured to press two opposite side walls 21 of the box on two opposite faces of the lower sector 4 of the core 2 when it is inside the folding and assembly station 3.

The mobile frame 7 of the core 2 is configured to finish assembling the box by pressing the wings 212, 222 on the nose edges of the two lateral presses 8; where this operation is carried out by lowering said mobile frame 7 with the assembly of the male 2 being in the position of maximum introduction within the folding and assembly station 3.

On the other hand, it should be noted that boxes with the truncated conical configuration described/shown in the four cited documents are well known, fundamentally when they are boxes with a rim or perimeter flange that delimits their mouth and that is intended for gluing a lid to preserve the food product contained in its interior space.

All this technology described in the state of the art does not provide definitive solutions to the assembly and adaptation to the various formats of this type of box or tray; It should be noted that with the machines disclosed in said documents D01 to D04, it has not been resolved either how boxes can be assembled in which opposing side flaps, which are an extension of two of the four side walls of the box, can be selectively arranged outside or inside said box, as is possible in the machine of the invention.

Furthermore, comparing the machines described in the documents of the state of the art D01 to D04, with the machine of the invention, the advantage that the machine of the invention has is highlighted in the sense that the inclination of some of the mold support plates It can be adjusted without having to change elements of the mold, and even the entire mold itself, as occurs in the machines disclosed in said documents.

In document D01, the head of the male includes four benders 64 that move independently outward in opposite horizontal directions two by two to assemble the perimeter flange of the mouth of the box, while in the invention, the male includes a single head that moves vertically.

In summary, the present invention solves all of these problems and limitations described by incorporating improvements in the forming mold and, in addition, in the forming core, avoiding the aforementioned problems and limitations, fundamentally with regard to the regulation of the inclination of the mold ends, the new system to form the perimeter flange of the box, the ejection system to extract each box from inside the mold once formed, avoiding possible jams, as well as the ability to manufacture boxes with the flaps attached inside and outside the box.

Description of the invention

In order to achieve the objectives and avoid the drawbacks mentioned in the previous sections, the invention proposes a machine for forming cardboard boxes; where a box comprises a bottom, two first inclined side walls, two second inclined side walls, opposing flaps that are an extension of the first side walls, and a perimeter flange that delimits the mouth of the box. the box and said perimeter flange is formed by extensions that are an extension of the four side walls.

The machine basically comprises a chassis that supports at least one core, at least one mold, first clamping mechanisms, and second clamping mechanisms.

The male includes a head and a trunk-pyramidal block in accordance with the interior space of the box, which is delimited by its bottom and its four side walls converging towards said bottom; where the head of the male includes a protruding spoiler configured to press the perimeter flange against a horizontal end surface of two first end plates and two second end plates.

The mold includes the two first end plates in opposition according to the two first side walls of the box, and the two second end plates in opposition according to the two second side walls of the box; where between these four end plates the space of the mold is configured where the assembly of the box is completed when the trunk-pyramidal block of the male is inside the mold.

The first gripping mechanisms include first linear actuators configured to mobilize the first support plates that push the first side walls against two opposite side faces of the truncated-pyramidal block of the mold, while the second gripping mechanisms include second linear actuators configured to mobilize the second supports that push the second side walls against the other two opposite side faces of the truncated-pyramidal block of the mold.

A die-cut sheet runs above the mold guided in a longitudinal alignment until it is positioned vertically where the core and the mold are located to form the box with the die-cut sheet when the core descends and is introduced into the mold.

The machine of the invention further comprises two additional opposing gripping mechanisms located above the second gripping mechanisms; where the Additional clamping mechanisms comprise linear actuators to which stops guided in recesses located in an upper part of the second support plates are fixed; where said stops are configured to protrude to a lesser extent inside the mold in order to ensure that the flaps are located outside or inside the box.

The machine comprises transverse guiding elements located above the stops, and which are located in parallel alignments that are perpendicular to two longitudinal bars; where said transverse guiding elements have regulation to vary their positioning with a displacement parallel to the longitudinal bars.

The machine of the invention also includes adjustable flap folders, which are located in areas where the first and second end plates meet and below the additional clamping mechanisms.

The benders are supported by a set formed by intermediate supports and carriages with relative mobility between them; where the carriages are coupled to transverse profiles that are part of the machine chassis;

With this described arrangement, during the descent of the core that drags the die-cut sheet into the mold to carry out the forming of the box, the flaps are located in a relative position selected from a first exterior relative position to join on the exterior faces. of the second side walls of the box, and a second interior relative position for joining on the interior faces of the second side walls of the box; and where said relative positions of the flaps depend on the relative positioning of the adjustable flap folders and the stops that protrude from inside the mold to a greater or lesser extent.

Each of the first end plates has tilting mobility around a first articulated connection that connects the first end plate with a head connected to the first linear actuator of the first gripping mechanism, which includes locking means to be able to place the first end plate in different positions. inclined positions according to the inclination of the respective second side wall of the box.

Said locking means for stably placing the first support plate in the desired position comprise a screw element fitted into a slot in the head below the first joint; where one end of said screw element is coupled to the first end plate; and where a nut is attached to the threading of said screw element that rests on a front face where the slot of the head is located.

The head 30 includes horizontal plates integral with said head 30, and which include angled end extensions; where said horizontal plates, together with other horizontal edges of the second end plates constitute coplanar horizontal end surfaces configured to form the perimeter flange of the box.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the benders include wedge-shaped end bodies with inclined planes, which are configured so that they contact lower edges of the box flaps during their formation inside the mold.

Said benders of the first embodiment are coupled to the intermediate supports adjusted in channels of the opposing carriages that are coupled and guided in the transverse profiles of the chassis arranged in two parallel alignments that are perpendicular to the longitudinal bars; where the flap benders can be moved parallel to the transverse profiles to place them in different stable positions; and where said mobility comprises a first regulation in the connection between the flap folders and the intermediate supports; a second regulation in the connection between the intermediate supports and the carriages; and a third regulation in the connection between the cars and the transverse profiles of the chassis.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the benders comprise end plates that are configured so that they contact the flaps of the box during its formation inside the mold.

Said doublers of this second embodiment of the invention are coupled to the intermediate supports through front pieces; where said intermediate supports are coupled and guided in channels of the opposing carriages that are coupled and guided in the transverse profiles of the chassis arranged in two parallel alignments that are perpendicular to the longitudinal bars; where the benders can be moved perpendicular to the transverse profiles to place them in different stable positions; and where said mobility comprises a first regulation in the connection between the benders and the front pieces perpendicular to the transverse profiles; a second regulation in the connection between the intermediate supports and the carriages parallel to the transverse profiles; and a third regulation in the connection between the cars and the transverse profiles of the chassis.

Each longitudinal bar is coupled to two intermediate supports by means of a longitudinal guide; where said longitudinal bar is immobilized by one of its extreme sections to one of the two intermediate supports.

Each of the first gripping mechanisms includes a first support structure to which the first linear actuator is fixed, while said first support structure is fixed to two opposing carriages by means of a bridge perpendicular to the transverse profiles.

Each of the second clamping mechanisms includes a second support structure to which the second linear actuator is fixed, while said second structure is fixed to the chassis below the respective additional clamping mechanism.

The male includes a box ejection system using compressed air; where said system includes connections for connecting compressed air ducts; and where said connections communicate with air outlets located on the protruding aileron of the male.

Considering the state of the art described in the background section, it should be noted that one of the important advantages of the invention is precisely that the machine can join the same flaps in opposition selectively, both on the interior faces and on the faces. exteriors of the respective pair of walls opposite sides of the box, east end that is not contemplated in any of the state-of-the-art machines; nor is the characteristic system incorporated in the male of the invention to assemble the perimeter flange; wherein said system comprising the vertically movable head compared to the system used in D01 (ES1258339 U) comprising four male benders that move two by two in opposition in horizontal directions.

The difference in the means for ejecting the boxes out of the molds from below is also highlighted, where only in the case of the invention, said ejection is carried out with the help of a flow of compressed air that flows downward through nozzles or outlets. air located in the spoiler of the core head, which facilitates and ensures the ejection of the boxes out of the mold, avoiding possible jams.

On the other hand, although document D01 (ES 1258339 U) could be the closest to the invention, the structures of both machines differ clearly as described, firstly with regard to the configuration of the molds, and secondly with regard to the configuration of the cores, with the advantages described in favor of the machine of the invention.

Furthermore, with regard to the D01 molds and the invention, it should be noted that the different mechanisms of both inventions are totally different, both the nose pads, clamping devices, and the laminar plate guiding devices located in the mouth area of the mold.

Below, to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and forming an integral part thereof, a series of figures are attached in which the object of the invention has been represented with an illustrative and non-limiting nature.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of a part of the machine for forming cardboard boxes, object of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of a mobile cart to which an adjustable flap folder is associated that is part of the machine, according to a first embodiment of said flap folder.

Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of a gripping mechanism that includes an adjustable mechanism to be able to position a footplate in different planes according to the inclination of the side walls of the box to be formed.

Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of a forming male that is part of the box of the invention.

Figure 5.- Represents another sectional perspective view of the male shown in figure 4.

Figure 6.- Shows a perspective view of the process of forming a box, where flaps of two first opposite side walls are joined on the external faces of the second opposite side walls; and where said flaps are folded using flap folders such as the one shown in Figure 2.

Figure 7.- Shows a view similar to the previous one, where in this case the flaps are joined on the interior faces of the second opposite side walls; where said flaps are folded using flap folders according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8.- Shows a view similar to that shown in Figure 2, where a longitudinal bar associated with the adjustable bender of the first embodiment is also included.

Figure 9.- Shows a perspective view similar to Figure 2, where the mobile carriage is associated with the adjustable flap folder that is part of the machine, according to the second embodiment of said second flap folder.

Description of an example of embodiment of the invention

Considering the numbering adopted in the figures, the machine for forming cardboard boxes 1 includes an entry area for the die-cut sheets from which the cardboard boxes are obtained, a system for taking said sheets to a forming area where the at least one forming male 2 that is located (in rest position) at a higher level above the die-cut sheet 3, and at least one forming mold 4 that is located in a lower area below the die-cut sheet 3 and in the same vertical as the male 2, so that when this male 2 is activated, it descends, pushing down on the die-cut sheet 3 to enter the interior of the mold 4, configuring the final shape of the box 1 to be formed; an adhesive material having previously been applied to designated areas of the die-cut cardboard sheet 3.

The direction of advance of each die-cut sheet 3 is that indicated in Figures 1, 6 and 7, while said direction of advance is indicated with the reference 5a, and corresponds to a longitudinal direction/alignment 5.

The box 1 to be formed comprises a square or rectangular bottom 1a, two first opposite side walls 1b, two second opposite side walls 1c, two pairs of opposing flaps 6 that are extensions of the first side walls 1b, and a perimeter flange 7 a. roof mode, located around the mouth of box 1; where said perimeter flange 7 is formed by four narrow extensions that are an extension of the first 1b and second 1c side walls, which are arranged in inclined planes converging towards the bottom 2a.

In a first embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 6, the flaps 6 are attached to the outer faces of the opposite second side walls 1c, the flaps 6 being located outside the box 1; while in a second embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 7, the flaps 6 are attached to the internal faces of the second opposite side walls 1c, the flaps 6 being hidden inside the box 1; where in both cases the union between the flaps 6 and the second side walls 1c is carried out by means of a previously applied adhesive.

Therefore, the machine of the invention can position the flaps 6 inside or outside the box 1, joining them on the exterior faces of the second side walls 1c or on the interior faces of said second side walls 1c.

The male 2 is attached by its upper part to an axis, at the same time it is activated by a motor element that provides a vertical downward movement to be introduced into the mold 4 to form the box 1, and a vertical upward movement to recover an initial position of the male 2. The shaft and the motor element are not represented in the figures.

The core 2 comprises a head 2a and a block 2b in accordance with the shape of the box 1 to be formed; where in the embodiment shown in the figures, said core 2 comprises the truncated-pyramidal-shaped block 2b with four lateral faces that converge on a smaller base corresponding to the bottom 1a of the box 1 to be obtained. TO In turn, the lateral faces of block 2b converge peripherally into edges without chamfers. It should be noted that the head 2a has relative mobility with respect to the block 2b of the male 2.

The machine of the invention comprises two parallel longitudinal bars 9 arranged in longitudinal alignments parallel to the longitudinal direction 5 and the direction of advance 5a in which the die-cut sheets 3 are dragged to the mold 4 above said parallel longitudinal bars 9.

The mold 4 includes two first support plates 10 in opposition corresponding to the two first side walls 1b of the box 1, and two second support plates 11 in opposition according to the two second side walls 1c of the box 1; where between these four end plates 10, 11, the space of the mold 4 where the box 1 is assembled is initially configured.

Each of the first support plates 10 is associated with a first gripping mechanism that includes a first linear actuator 14, such as a pneumatic cylinder, which is fixed to a first support structure 15 integral with a bridge 16 which is in turn fixed to two carriages 17 in opposition coupled and guided in two parallel transverse profiles 18 that are arranged in transverse planes perpendicular to the parallel longitudinal bars 9; where said transverse profiles 18 form part of a machine chassis.

On the other hand, the two second support plates 11 are associated with two second gripping mechanisms that include second linear actuators 12, such as pneumatic cylinders, which are fixed to second support structures 13 integral with the two transverse profiles 18 that form part of a machine chassis.

As shown more clearly in Figure 2, an intermediate support 19 is coupled to each of said carriages 17 with a transverse adjustment parallel to the transverse profiles. On said intermediate support 19, a bender 20 (first) of wedge-shaped flaps 6 is coupled with a transverse adjustment also parallel to the transverse profiles 18 that form part of the machine chassis. So Therefore, in practice the bender 20 finally has a double linear regulation in parallel to the transverse profiles 18, according to a first embodiment of said bender 20.

The intermediate support 19 is coupled and guided in a channel 21 of the carriage 17, while said intermediate support 19, once placed in the desired position along said channel 21, is immobilized to the carriage 17 by means of a screw 22 that It passes through a slot 23 of the intermediate support 19 and threads into a hole in the carriage 17.

The two longitudinal bars 9 are associated by one of their end sections to two of the four wedge-shaped benders 20 that are located close to one of the two transverse profiles 18 of the machine chassis (Figure 1). In turn, as shown more clearly in Figure 8, each longitudinal bar 9 is coupled to two intermediate supports 19 by means of a longitudinal guide 39, while said longitudinal bar 9 is immobilized by one of its end sections to one of the two intermediate supports 19.

Above the two second support structures 13, two additional gripping mechanisms 24 are located in opposition that coordinate with the wedge-shaped benders 20 that are located in correspondence with the four corners of the box 1; where the additional clamping mechanisms 24 include stops 26 on which the second side walls 1c contact during the initial descent of the die-cut sheet 3 to form the box inside the mold 4; and where on the wedge-shaped benders 20 they contact the corner areas of the box 1 during the descent and shaping of the box 1 inside the mold 4.

Figures 6 and 7 show the formation sequences of box 1; where in Figure 6 the flaps 6 are located outside the box 1 attached to the outer faces of the second side walls 1c of said box, using the wedge-shaped doublers 20, which include wedge-shaped end bodies. with inclined planes 40, on which lower edges 44 of the flaps 6 of the box 1 contact during its formation inside the mold 4.

However, in figure 7, the flaps 6 are attached to the internal faces of said second side walls 1c; where in this case benders 20' (seconds) are used according to a second embodiment of the invention, such as those shown in said figure 7 and also in figure 9. In this case also, although not specifically shown, each of The two longitudinal bars 9 are coupled to two opposing intermediate supports 19 that are coupled to two carriages 17, and these are in turn coupled to the two transverse profiles 18.

In this case, each of these benders 20' comprises a slotted stem 41 and an end plate 42. Said benders 20' are also coupled to the intermediate supports 19 by means of front pieces 43 fixed to said intermediate supports 19; where said benders 20' have a regulation with linear displacement in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal bars 9 and perpendicularly with respect to the transverse profiles 18.

Thus, each of the wedge-shaped benders 20 (first embodiment) has multiple adjustment in parallel to the transverse profiles 18 thanks to the guided coupling of the carriage 17 on the respective transverse profile 18, the guided coupling of the intermediate support 19 on the carriage 17, and the guided coupling of the bender 20 on the respective intermediate support 19.

On the other hand, each of the benders 20' of the second embodiment of the invention has a first linear regulation with a perpendicular coupling to the transverse profiles 18 with mobility of the bender 20' itself, a second regulation with a guided coupling of the intermediate support 19 on the carriage 17 parallel to the transverse profiles 18, and a third regulation with a guided coupling of the carriage 17 along the transverse profile 18.

Each of the benders 20' of the second embodiment is coupled to the respective front piece 43 by means of screws that thread into said front piece 43; where said screws are fitted into a through slot of the slotted stem 41 of the bender 20'.

The additional gripping mechanisms 24 are fixed on the transverse profiles 18, while they are located above the second support structures 13.

Furthermore, each additional clamping mechanism 24 comprises a linear actuator 25, such as a pneumatic cylinder, to which the stop 26 is connected, which is guided in an upper recess 27 of the respective second end plate 11, so that when the two mechanisms are activated additional grippers 24 in opposition, the two stops 26 move in opposition to contact on them 26 the second side walls 1c of the box 1 during the descent of the core 2.

On the other hand, above the additional gripping mechanisms 24, transverse guiding elements 28 in the shape of a half-round are located, on which the second side walls 1c of the box 1 contact when the forming of the box 1 begins by pushing the male 4 to the die-cut sheet 3 towards the interior of the mold 4; so that as the plug 2 advances downwards, the second side walls 1c come into contact with the two stops 26 of the additional clamping mechanism 24.

In this initial phase of the forming of the box 1 described in the preceding paragraph, the other two first side walls 1b come into contact with the two longitudinal bars 9. Said transverse guiding elements 28 are attached to pieces 29 whose positioning can be adjusted. parallel to the longitudinal bars 9 according to the size of the box 1, with regard to the distance between the second side walls 1c of the box 1.

Depending on the relative positioning between the guiding elements 26 and the benders 20, 20', and the benders themselves 20, 20', the flaps 6 will be placed outside the box 1 to join the external faces of the second walls. side walls 1c of box 1, or they will be placed inside box 1 to be attached to the inside of the two second side walls 1c of box 1.

The first end plates 10, associated with the first support structures 15, have the great advantage of having a tilting adjustment to be able to adapt to the different inclinations of the opposite faces of the block 2b of the male 2 according to the different inclinations of the boxes 1 to be manufactured, without it being necessary to change the assemblies of said first support structures 15, or at least the first end plates 10 each time the box model 1 is changed with the variation of the inclination of its first side walls 1b.

To do this, as shown more clearly in Figure 3, the stem of each first linear actuator 14 is connected to a head 30 in which the first end plate 10 articulates through an articulated connection 31. In turn, the first end plate 10 is coupled to a screw element 32 by means of another articulated connection 33, so that said screw element 32 passes through a front slot 34 located in the head 30. The stable positioning of each first end plate 10 is carried out through a nut 35 engaged in the threading of the screw element 32; where a part of said head 30 sits on the nut 35.

The variation of the inclination of the first end plates 10 is a very interesting feature in order to speed up the adaptation of the machine to the different box formats 1, thanks precisely to being able to vary said inclination without having to change each end plate 10 or the assembly of the mechanism associated with said first bearing plate 10.

Another important detail of the invention refers to horizontal plates 36 integral with the head 30, and which include elbowed end extensions 36a; where said horizontal plates 36, together with other horizontal edges of the second support plates 11 constitute coplanar horizontal support surfaces to form the perimeter flange 7 of the box 1, so that when the male 2 descends completely, a perimeter surface of an aileron Protrusion 37 of the head 2a of the male 2 sits with tightness and pressure on the perimeter flange 7 of the box 1, which is in turn resting on the aforementioned supporting surfaces.

Now to avoid the exchange operation of each of the first end plates 10, this is articulated at the top and is provided with a simple regulation system in the lower part, as mentioned above, so that its position can be modified. inclination to adapt the pressing action to the inclination of the lateral side faces of the block 2b that is part of the male 2, without the need to disassemble any part or have as many interchangeable parts as box models 1 appear on the market.

On the other hand, the second support plates 11 of mold 2 could also incorporate the same regulation system applied to the first support plates 10.

The forming core 2 includes an ejection system for the box 1 once assembled and which has been resolved by taking advantage of the perimeter surface of the protruding spoiler 37 of the head 2a of the core 2; where said perimeter surface, as previously referred to, is the one that presses the perimeter flange 7 or roof of the box 1 against the horizontal end surfaces; where said expulsion system is carried out by means of compressed air that flows through pressurized air outlets 38 located in said protruding spoiler 37, which project an air flow over the upper part of the perimeter flange 7 of the box 1 when the The assembly process has concluded and we want to expel it below the forming mold 4. The pneumatic supply of compressed air is introduced through specifically located connections 8, as shown in Figure 5.

The forming process of box 1 is described below.

Firstly, the die-cut sheet 3 is dragged along a substantially horizontal plane until a central part, which corresponds to the bottom of the box 1, is placed in the same vertical as the core 2 and the interior space of the mold 4. ; The die-cut sheet 3 is placed above the mold 4 and below the core 2.

The two additional clamping mechanisms 24 are then activated to place their stops 26 in advanced positions protruding from the inside of the mold 4; then the plug 2 is activated, which descends downwards with an initial push of the die-cut sheet 3, which will first contact the guiding elements 28 and then the stops 26 of the additional clamping mechanisms 24; where said contacts are made on what will be the second side walls 1c of the box 1. In this phase that we are describing what will be the first side walls 1b of the box are in contact with the longitudinal bars 9.

Next, the core 2 continues to descend, dragging the die-cut sheet 3, forming an initial structure of the box 1; where in this phase parts of the flaps 6 of the box 1 will contact the four folders 20, 20'; where depending on the relative distance between said benders 20, 20' and the transverse guiding elements 28, and the benders 20, 20' themselves, the flaps 6 will be located on the outside or inside the second side walls of the box 1, depending on whether it is desired that the flaps 6 be glued on the external faces or the internal faces of said second side walls 1c of the box, respectively. Obviously the doublers 20 of the first embodiment of the invention will be used, or the doublers 20' of the second embodiment of the invention, so that if the flaps 6 are glued on the external faces of the second side walls 1c of the box 1 The wedge-shaped doublers 20 of the first embodiment are mounted, while if the flaps 6 are glued on the internal faces of the second side walls 1c of the box 1, the doublers 20 of the second embodiment are mounted, which include the end plates. 42.

Following the phase described in the preceding paragraph, when the flaps 6 go outside the box 1, the lower edges 44 of the flaps 6 come into contact with the inclined planes 40 that form part of the wedge-shaped end bodies. of the wedge-shaped doublers 20 of the first embodiment, until said flaps 6 fit between pairs of opposing first doublers 20. Furthermore, it should be noted that in this phase, the continued folding of the second side walls 1c always lags behind the continued folding of said flaps 6.

However, in this phase of forming the box 1, when the flaps 6 go inside the box 1, said flaps 6 come into contact with the end plates 42 of the benders 20' of the second embodiment of the invention; where in this case, obviously the continued folding of the flaps 6 comes before the folding of the second side walls 1c.

Next, the first linear actuators 14 are activated in opposition so that they advance until the first end plates 1 press in opposition to the first side walls 1b of the box 1 against two opposite faces of the block 2b of the male 2. In this phase, the horizontal plates 36 associated with the first end plates 1, are placed in their final position to be able to form the perimeter flange 7 in another subsequent phase. It should be noted that in this phase that we are describing, the extreme extensions 36a of the horizontal plates 36 are placed parallel to upper end portions of the second side walls 1c of the box 1 being formed.

Next, once the box 1 has reached its destination within the interior space of the mold 4 in terms of its descent pushed by the male 1, the second linear actuators 12 are activated so that the second support plates 11 advance until Press in opposition to the second side walls 1c of the box 1 against two opposite faces of the block 2b of the core 2. In this phase, the flaps 6 are joined on the second side walls 1c of the box 1, having previously applied the adhesive.

The advancement of head 2a of core 2 is then activated to complete the formation of box 1; so that in this phase, the perimeter surface of the protruding spoiler 37 of the head 2a of the male 2 presses the perimeter flange 7 against the horizontal end surfaces of the horizontal plates 36 and the horizontal edges of the second end plates 11.

Next, the first 14 and second 15 linear actuators are activated so that the first 10 and second 11 end pieces move back towards their initial rest positions.

Next, the ejection system of box 1 is activated by means of compressed air that will flow through the pressurized air outlets 38 of male 2, with which the box will be ejected downwards due to the pressure of the air that affects the perimeter flange 7 of box 1. Finally, the return of the head 2a of the male 2 is activated so that it returns to its elevated rest position.

Claims (1)

1- Machine for forming cardboard boxes, where the box (1) comprises a bottom (1a), two first inclined side walls (1b), two second inclined side walls (1c), opposing flaps (6) that are extensions of the first side walls (1b), and a perimeter flange (7) that delimits the mouth of the box (1); and where the machine includes: - a chassis; - at least one core (2) that includes a head (2a) and a trunk-pyramidal block (2b) in accordance with the interior space of the box (1) delimited by its bottom (1a) and its four side walls (1b, 1c) converging towards said bottom (1a); where the head (2a) includes a protruding spoiler (37) configured to press the perimeter flange (7) against a horizontal bearing surface of two first bearing plates (10) and two second bearing plates (11); - at least one mold (4) includes the two first end plates (10) in opposition according to the two first side walls (1b) of the box (1), and the two second end plates (11) in opposition according to the two second side walls (1c) of the box (1); where between these four end plates (10, 11) the space of the mold (4) is configured where the assembly of the box (1) is completed when the truncated-pyramidal block (2b) of the male (2) is inside the mold (4) ; - first clamping mechanisms that include first linear actuators (14) configured to mobilize the first support plates (10) that push the first side walls (1b) against two opposite side faces of the truncated-pyramidal block (2b) of the mold (2) , and second gripping mechanisms that include second linear actuators (12) configured to mobilize the second supports (11) that push the second side walls (1c) against the other two opposite lateral faces of the truncated-pyramidal block (2b) of the mold (2); where a die-cut sheet (3) runs above the mold (4) guided in a longitudinal alignment (5) until it is positioned vertically where the core (2) and the mold (4) are located to form the box (1) with the die-cut sheet (3) when the core (2) descends and enters the mold (4); characterized in that the machine also includes: - two additional gripping mechanisms (24) in opposition located above the second gripping mechanisms; where the additional gripping mechanisms (24) They comprise linear actuators (25) to which stops (26) are fixed, guided in recesses (27) located in an upper part of the second end plates (11); where said stops (26) are configured to protrude from inside the mold (4); - transverse guiding elements (28) located above the stops (6), and which are located in parallel alignments that are perpendicular with respect to two longitudinal bars (9); where said transverse guiding elements (28) have regulation to vary their positioning with a displacement parallel to the longitudinal bars (9); - adjustable folders (20, 20') of the flaps (6), which are located in areas where the first (10) and second (11) end plates meet and below the additional gripping mechanisms (24); where the benders (20, 20') are supported by a set formed by intermediate supports (19) and carriages (17) with relative mobility between them; and where the carriages (17) are coupled to transverse profiles (18) that are part of the machine chassis; where during the descent of the male (2) that drags the die-cut sheet (3) into the mold (4) for forming the box (1), the flaps (6) are located in a relative position selected from a first position outer relative position to join on the outer faces of the second side walls (1c) of the box (1), and a second inner relative position to join on the inner faces of the second side walls (1c) of the box (1); and where said relative positions of the flaps (6) depend on the relative positions of the adjustable benders (20, 20') and the stops (26) that appear from inside the mold (4) to a greater or lesser extent. 2 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to claim 1, characterized in that: - each of the first end plates (10) has tilting mobility around a first articulated connection (31) that connects the first end plate (10) with a head (30) connected to the first linear actuator (14) of the first gripping mechanism, which includes locking means to be able to place the first support plate (10) in different inclined positions according to the inclination of the respective second side wall (1c) of the box (1); - the locking means to stably position the first support plate comprise a screw element (32) fitted into a slot (34) of the head (30) below the first joint (31); where one end of said screw element (32) is coupled to the first end plate (10); and where a nut (35) is attached to the threading of said screw element (32) that rests on a front face where the slot (34) of the head (30) is located. 3 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises horizontal plates (36) integral with the head (30), and which include angled extreme extensions (36a); where said horizontal plates (36), together with other horizontal edges of the second end plates (11) constitute coplanar horizontal end surfaces configured to form the perimeter flange (7) of the box (1). 4 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that: - the doublers (20) comprise wedge-shaped end bodies with inclined planes (40), which are configured so that they contact lower edges (44) of the flaps (6) of the box (1) during its conformation inside the mold (4). - the benders (20) are coupled and guided in the intermediate supports (19) coupled and guided in channels (21) of the opposing carriages (17) that are coupled and guided in the transverse profiles (18) of the chassis arranged in two parallel alignments that are perpendicular to the longitudinal bars (9); where the benders (20) can be moved parallel to the transverse profiles (18) to place them in different stable positions; and where said mobility comprises a first regulation in the connection between the benders (20) and the intermediate supports (19); a second regulation in the connection between the intermediate supports (19) and the carriages (17); and a third regulation in the connection between the carriages (17) and the transverse profiles (18) of the chassis; 5 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: - the benders (20') comprise end plates (42) that are configured so that the flaps (6) of the box (1) come into contact with them during their formation inside the mold (4). - the doublers (20') are coupled to the intermediate supports (19) through front pieces (43); where said intermediate supports (19) are coupled and guided in channels (21) of the opposing carriages (17) that are coupled and guided in the transverse profiles (18) of the chassis arranged in two parallel alignments that are perpendicular to the bars. longitudinal (9); where the benders (20') can be moved perpendicularly to the transverse profiles (18) to place them in different stable positions; and where said mobility comprises a first regulation in the connection between the benders (20') and the front pieces (43) perpendicular to the transverse profiles (18); a second regulation in the connection between the intermediate supports (19) and the carriages (17) in parallel to the transverse profiles (18); and a third regulation in the connection between the carriages (17) and the transverse profiles (18) of the chassis; 6 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to any one of the previous claims 4 or 5, characterized in that each longitudinal bar (9) is coupled to two intermediate supports (19) by means of a longitudinal guide (39); where said longitudinal bar (9) is immobilized by one of its extreme sections to one of the two intermediate supports (19). 7 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the first gripping mechanisms includes a first support structure (15) to which the first linear actuator (14) is fixed, to which time that said first support structure (15) is fixed to two carriages (17) in opposition by means of a bridge (16) perpendicular to the transverse profiles (18). 8 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the second gripping mechanisms includes a second support structure (13) to which the second linear actuator (12) is fixed, to which time that said second structure (13) is fixed to the chassis below the respective additional clamping mechanism (24). 9 - Machine for forming cardboard boxes, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the male (2) includes a system for ejecting the box (1) using compressed air; where said system includes connections (8) for connecting compressed air ducts; where said connections communicate with air outlets (38) located on the protruding aileron (37) of the male (2).