JP5474601B2 - Apparatus and process for covering a box having a bottom wall containing more than four sides - Google Patents

Description

  The subject matter of the present invention is an apparatus and process for covering a box having a bottom wall containing more than four sides.

  The present invention relates to the technical field of industrial processes for covering finely finished fine boxes.

  The box in question is in particular made of a shaped sheet of paperboard or cardboard known as a blank.

  In particular, such a box is formed with a flat blank consisting of a base and a plurality of faces connected to the base, and is designed to be folded with respect to the base to form a side wall of the box. ing.

  The industrial process leading to the finished box has two different stages: assembling the box and subsequently covering the box by applying (or lining) the cover sheet to the box.

  The invention particularly relates to the step of covering the box.

  In particular, in the context of the present invention, a box to be covered is a box having a bottom wall containing more than four sides and a side wall containing the same number of faces as the sides.

  The cover sheet is a molded sheet that constitutes a cover blank.

  The cover blank is a flat blank having a base molded in the same manner as the bottom wall of the box and a plurality of segments (ie, side portions) connected to the base so as to cover the side wall of the box. It is designed to be bent.

  With regard to the shape of the cover blank, generally speaking, the number of cover blank segments is equal to the number of sides of the base. Each segment is connected to each side of the base. This type of blank can generally be referred to as a “petalled” like flower. It should be noted that in such a petal cover blank, all segments are approximately the same size except where the lip is folded over.

  In particular, each segment of the cover blank defines two side edges. Thus, in a petal cover blank, the number of outer edges (of the petals) is twice the number of base sides of the cover blank (this is the number of sides of the bottom wall of the box and the side edges of the side walls of the box Equals a number).

  At these side edges, some of the segments of the cover blank are provided with a plurality of lips (for folding in the lateral direction), ie a plurality of flaps of the cover blank projecting in the lateral direction.

  Also, the lip of one segment provided on the side wall of the box so that it completely covers one side is adjacent to the fully covered side and is a limited part of the other side (of the side wall of the box) (The part covered by the lip extends along the edge at the intersection between the two faces). In this way, all the edges of the box sidewall are completely covered without leaving any part uncovered.

  The action of folding the lip is referred to as folding over.

  After folding, there is at least one face of the side wall of the box that is only partially covered (by only one or two lips).

  Thus, in a subsequent step, at least one further segment is folded to completely cover this face. Thus, the further segment partially overlaps (overlaps) the pre-folded lip.

  Thus, the process of covering the box can be divided into the following steps.

  First, an adhesive layer is applied to the cover blank.

  The box to be covered is then placed on a cover blank that has been pre-adhered (ie, pre-bonded) with the bottom of the box attached to the base of the cover blank.

  Then, a plurality of segments of the cover blank provided with a plurality of lips are folded (from a horizontal position on the same plane as the base to a vertical position) so as to cover the respective portions of the side wall of the box.

  These lips are then folded in the lateral direction for folding. This folding is accomplished by a plurality of movable brushes connected to the moving means.

  Next, the remaining segments of the cover blank are folded (from a horizontal position to a vertical position) to overlap the folded lips.

  Finally, the flap of the cover blank projecting vertically upward (on the opposite side to the bottom wall) is folded into the interior of the box so as to cover the free top edge.

  Currently used box cover systems based on the use of petal cover blanks have the disadvantage of being very complex.

  In particular, the prior art technical solutions have drawbacks, especially during folding, especially in the case of boxes containing more than four sides.

  In fact, the greater the number of sides, the greater the number of lips that can be folded, which considerably increases the complexity of the process.

  Furthermore, if the box has an odd number of sides, two additional steps are necessary to fold all the vertical edges. Thus, for geometric reasons, the multiple segments of the cover blank must be folded in three different steps, alternating with two different folding steps.

  As an alternative to petal cover blanks, Applicants have developed improved cover blanks. According to this, at least one segment is oversized, i.e. longer than the side of the base of the cover blank connected thereto. In particular, oversized segments are provided to completely cover at least two sides of the box sidewall.

  Thus, by using an improved cover blank, it is possible to reduce the number of lips required for folding compared to the number of sides of the box. In fact, if the oversized segment covers two adjacent faces on the side wall of the box, the edge at the intersection between these faces is completely covered by the oversized segment itself. No need for folding lips.

  Therefore, the number of folded lips is small. However, there are no fold-over lips.

  In practice, the oversized segment of the improved cover blank is provided with additional (extra) portions (at least one of these side edges) that constitute the folded lip.

  From this point of view, prior art cover systems cannot be used to cover boxes containing these improved cover blanks.

  Also known in the prior art (from patent document 1) is a machine for using petal blanks to cover boxes containing more than four sides. Here, a plurality of folding members are guided by these movements along a curved path determined by the geometric limitations of the machine.

  A disadvantage of this type of machine is that it is associated with the use of petal cover blanks. The added disadvantage is that the number of folds using it must be the same as the number of sides of the box to be covered. This inevitably increases machine complexity and costs.

  Also known is a machine (also from patent document 2) for covering a box with more than four sides using a petal blank. Here, each bending member is fixed to one end of a rod, and the other end of the rod is pivoted with respect to a slider that is movable toward the box along an axis. The rod is also connected to a return spring designed to push the rod aligned with the axis as the slider moves toward the box.

  A disadvantage of this type of machine is that it is associated with the use of petal cover blanks. If you attempt to use a machine that includes an improved blank (in a suitable form), there is a risk of damaging the cover sheet, or even the box itself, on the wall of the box under the return spring movement (ie There are still drawbacks associated with applying excessive pressure (to the cover blank) and the movement imparted to the fold (which is a passive member, the path of which depends on the contour of the box).

US Pat. No. 2,574,127 U.S. Pat. No. 18,29063

  Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and process that overcomes the above disadvantages of the prior art.

  In particular, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and process for covering a box having a bottom wall containing more than four sides using a modified cover blank.

  Another object of the present invention is a box with a bottom wall containing more than four sides using an improved cover blank that allows a quick and effective changeover to a box of different shape. It is to provide an apparatus and process for covering.

  The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a box having a bottom wall including a predetermined number of sides (especially more than four sides) and a side wall having the same number of faces as the sides. An apparatus for covering using a flat cover blank having a base formed in the same shape and a plurality of segments connected to the base and bendable to cover a side wall of the box, At least one of the segments is formed so as to completely cover at least two sides of the side wall of the box and partially cover at least the other side of the side wall.

This device
Means for placing the box in the folding station on a horizontal surface and pre-adhered cover blank with the bottom wall in contact with the base of the blank;
A mold that can move vertically and is operably connected to the inner surface of the box to vertically move the box from the folding station to a folding station below the folding station;
During movement relative to the box, it is placed in the folding station to interact with the cover blank segment, and the segment is moved from the horizontal position to a vertical position in contact with a corresponding surface of the box sidewall. At least one contact member to be bent;
At least two folding members movable relative to the box placed at the folding station;
Moving means connected to the folding member so as to bend the at least one segment in a lateral direction and make full contact with a side wall of the box.

  Also, the process according to the present invention comprises a box having a bottom wall including a predetermined number of sides (preferably more than four sides) and a side wall having the same number of faces as the sides. A process for covering using a flat cover blank having a base molded in the same shape as the bottom wall and a plurality of segments connected to the base and foldable to cover the side wall of the box, At least one of the plurality of segments is formed so as to completely cover at least two surfaces of the side wall of the box and partially cover at least the other surface of the side wall.

This process
Placing the box in a folding station on the cover blank, which is placed on a horizontal surface and previously coated with adhesive, with the bottom wall in contact with the base of the blank;
Providing at least one contact member at the folding station;
During movement relative to the box, the at least one contact member interacts with a corresponding segment of the cover blank so that the segment is in contact with a corresponding surface of the side wall of the box from the horizontal position. Moving the box vertically from the folding station to a folding station below the folding station so as to be folded into position;
Moving the at least two folding members relative to the box placed at the folding station so as to bend the at least one segment laterally to make full contact with the side wall of the box. It has.

  The above objective is accomplished entirely by the apparatus and process according to the invention as characterized in the appended claims.

  In particular, in the apparatus according to the present invention, the means for moving at least one of the plurality of brushes is provided so as to move the brush along a predetermined path including at least one change in direction. It is characterized by.

  The process according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the plurality of brushes is moved along a predetermined path including at least one change in direction.

  These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred, non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention with reference to a folding station. FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 and an eight-sided box joined to the device. FIG. 3 shows the device and box of FIG. 2 in different operating positions. FIG. 4 shows the apparatus of FIG. 2 with reference to a folding station. FIG. 5 is a top perspective view showing details of the apparatus of FIG. 4 with the brush in a first operating position. FIG. 6 shows the detail of FIG. 5 with the brush in the second operating position. FIG. 7 shows the detail of FIG. 5 with the brush in the third operating position. FIG. 8 is a perspective view from below of the details of FIG. FIG. 9 shows the detail of FIG. 8 with the brush in the second operating position. FIG. 10 shows the detail of FIG. 8 with the brush in the third operating position. FIG. 11 shows the apparatus of FIG. 2 with reference to a second folding station. FIG. 12 shows the device and box of FIG. 11 in different operating positions. FIG. 13 shows the apparatus of FIG. 2 with reference to a station for completing the upper edge. FIG. 14 shows the 8-sided box of FIG. 2 during the first cover process. FIG. 15 shows the box of FIG. 14 during the second cover step. FIG. 16 shows the box of FIG. 14 during the third cover step. FIG. 17 shows the box of FIG. 14 during the fourth cover step. FIG. 18 shows the box of FIG. 14 during the fifth cover step. FIG. 19 shows the box of FIG. 14 during the sixth cover step. FIG. 20 shows the brush in the first operating position and the 8-sided box of FIG. 2 at the folding station. FIG. 21 shows the brush and the box of FIG. 20 in the second operating position. FIG. 22 shows the brush and the box of FIG. 20 in the second operating position. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an apparatus according to the present invention in another embodiment for a six-sided box, with reference to a folding station with a six-sided box joined thereto. 24 is a perspective view from above showing the brush in a first operating position and details of the device of FIG. FIG. 25 shows the brush in the second operating position and details of FIG. FIG. 26 shows the brush in the third operating position and the details of FIG. FIG. 27 shows the six-sided box of FIG. 23 during the first cover step. FIG. 28 shows the box of FIG. 27 during the second cover step. FIG. 29 shows the box of FIG. 27 during the third cover step. FIG. 30 shows the box of FIG. 27 during the fourth cover step. FIG. 31 shows the box of FIG. 27 during the fifth cover step. FIG. 32 shows the box of FIG. 27 during the sixth cover step. FIG. 33 shows the brush in the first operating position and the six-sided box of FIG. 23 at the folding station. FIG. 34 shows the brush and the box of FIG. 33 in the second operating position. FIG. 35 shows the brush and the box of FIG. 33 in the third operating position.

  Reference numeral 1 in the drawings denotes an apparatus according to the invention for covering a box 2 of paperboard or cardboard.

  The box 2 has a bottom wall 3 including a predetermined number of sides and a side wall 4 including the same number of surfaces 5.

  It should be noted that in general the box may be any shape. In the illustrated example, the bottom wall of the box has a polygonal shape, but may have curved side walls.

  In particular, the device 1 is designed to cover (preferably but not exclusively) a box 2 containing more than four sides.

  The device 1 is designed to cover the box 2 with a cover blank 6 having a base 7 shaped like the bottom wall 3 of the box 2 and a segment 8 connected to the base 7, and It is designed to be folded over the two side walls 4.

  The at least one segment 8 covers the oversized segment 8A, that is, completely covers at least two surfaces 5 of the side wall 4 of the box and partially covers at least one other surface 5 of the side wall 4. It should be noted that this is a segment provided in

  Also, the cover blank 6 is preferably connected to one of the sides of the base 7 adjacent to the side of the base 7 to which the oversized segment 8A is connected (ie one limited portion of the face 5). It should be noted that it has at least one undersized segment 8B (designed to cover only).

  Also, according to the present invention, the cover blank 6 is of a standard size, i.e. a segment 8C sized such that the segment completely covers only one face 5 of the side wall 4 of the box 2 (when folded vertically). Have

  The standard size segment 8C may be omitted. This is because the number of standard size segments is equal to the number of sides of the box 2 and the total number of oversized segments 8A and undersized segments 8B. Therefore, if the sum of the oversized segment 8A and the undersized segment 8B is equal to the number of sides of the box 2 (or the number of sides of the base 7 of the cover blank 6), the number of standard size segments 8C. Is zero.

  The device 1 has a mold 9 that moves vertically. Device 1 is operatively connected to the inner surface of the box to move the mold vertically.

  The mold 9 also constitutes a means for placing the box 2 in the folding station of the device 1.

  It should be noted that when the box 2 is in the folding station, the box 2 is placed on a pre-glued cover blank 6 and in a horizontal plane. In particular, the box 2 is placed on the bottom wall 3 and the cover blank 6 in contact with the base 7 of the blank 6 (ie glued).

  As is known, the mold 9 constitutes a restricting member that is operatively engaged so that its size is matched to the internal volume of the box 2. Further, the mold 9 is in contact with the inner surface of the surface 5 to form a joint surface.

  The mold 9 is movable vertically (relative to the box 2 and to the cover blank 6 applied to the mold) to move the box from the folding station to the fold over station. . The folding station is lower (below) than the folding station.

  The device 1 is also placed on the outside of a similarly shaped box 2 and a mold (not shown in the drawing but well known customarily) in contact with the bottom wall 3 of the box 2. It should be noted that it has. The outer mold is movable vertically in synchronism with the mold 9 and together with the latter to move the box 2 and hold it in the required position (eg at the folding station). To work.

  At the folding station, the device 1 has at least one contact member 10. The contact member 10 is in the form of an elongated member connected to the frame of the device 1 (type shown only partially in the drawing, but known as such) and fixed to the box 2, ie to the mold 9. Located in position.

  Preferably, the contact member 10 has a brush.

  The contact member 10 is placed in a folding station so as to interact with one segment 8 of the cover blank during movement relative to the box 2, so that the segment contacts the corresponding surface 5 of the side wall 4 of the box 2 from a horizontal position. Bend to the vertical position

  Each contact member 10 extends in a predetermined direction according to the outline of the box 2.

  In the illustrated embodiment, two types of contact members 10 are provided.

  The first type of contact member 10 is a contact member 10A, and an extension of this contact member 10A generally allows (different sized boxes 2 to be covered without having to change the contact member 10A. The width of the segment 8, that is, the width of the oversized segment 8A.

  The contact member 10B of the second type is a contact member 10B, and the extension of the contact member 10B has the width of the undersized segment 8B, that is, the side of the base 7 of the blank 6 to which the segment 8B is connected. Equal to the length of (in any case not greater).

  It should be noted that the number of contact members 10 located at the folding station depends on the number of sides of the box 2 to be covered and the shape of the cover blank 6.

  In this respect, it should be noted that the drawings show by way of example two different embodiments of the device 1 (ie two different applications of the invention). The first embodiment relates to a box including eight sides (FIGS. 1 to 22). The second embodiment relates to a box including six sides (FIGS. 23 to 35).

  In the first embodiment (8-sided box), the apparatus 1 is configured with six contact members 10 (two contact members 10A of the first type and four contact members 10B of the second type) at the bending station. ).

  In the second embodiment (six-sided box), the device 1 again has six contact members 10 (two contact members 10A of the first type and four contacts of the second type) at the folding station. Members 10B), which are oriented in different directions.

  It should be noted that in the first embodiment (8 side box) the cover blank 6 has two standard size segments 8C.

  In the second embodiment (6-sided box), the cover blank 6 does not have any standard size segment 8C.

  Unless otherwise specified, the following description refers to both embodiments without distinction.

  Generally speaking, with respect to the contact members 10 at the folding station, the number of first type contact members 10A is equal to the number of oversized segments 8A. The number of second type contact members 10B is equal to the number of undersized segments 8B.

  At the folding station, the device 1 has at least two folding members 11. These members are movable relative to the box 2 placed at the folding station.

  In the illustrated example, these bending members 11 are brushes. Alternatively, these folding members can include paddles, blades or idle rollers.

  Accordingly, reference to the brush 11 instead of the folding member 11 in this description should not be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention due to the fact that the folding member is not an essential feature of the present invention.

  In particular, according to the invention, the device 1 has twice as many brushes 11 as there are oversized segments 8A on the cover blank 6.

  In practice, at the folding station, a plurality of oversized segments 8A (or at least one oversized segment 8), i.e. as a result of the vertical movement of the box 2 through the folding station, In a vertical position in contact with one face 5 of the side wall 4 so as to completely cover at least one other face 5 (adjacent to the previous one) and partly completely over the further face 5 , Folded in the lateral direction. Thus, this partial cover constitutes a fold.

  On its side, the oversized segment 8A has two opposite ends that must be folded or folded. Therefore, the movable brush 11 is twice as many as the oversized segment 8A.

  According to the invention, the oversized segment 8A is folded sideways by the continuous movement of the brush 11, but at least one of the brushes has oversized the segment 8A on two different sides 5 of the box side wall 4. Bend (form edges together, thus forming an angle between them).

  The apparatus 1 has a moving means of the brush 11 for folding the oversized segment 8A (or another segment 8) in the lateral direction. This moving means contacts the side wall 4 of the box and moves it completely.

  From this point of view, according to the present invention, at least one moving means of the brush 11 is configured to move the brush 11 along a predetermined path including at least one change in direction.

  Preferably, the predetermined path includes a first extending portion having a predetermined length and a second extending portion forming a predetermined angle with respect to the first extending portion.

  In the following, for convenience of description and in accordance with the illustrated example, all the movement means of the brush 11 are of the same type (i.e. a predetermined path including at least one direction change, preferably a predetermined length). The brush 11 is provided to move along a predetermined path having a first extending portion and a second extending portion having a predetermined angle with respect to the first extending portion. ).

  Preferably, the moving means includes a head 12 and a slide 13 connected to each other so as to be restricted to slide along a predetermined path with respect to the head 12.

  Preferably (as in the example shown), the slide 13 is restricted from sliding relative to the head 12 by a system having a cam 14 and a roller 15.

  According to the present invention, the contour of the cam 14 corresponds to a predetermined path in order to limit the slide 13 to move along the path.

  The brush 11 is connected to the slide 13.

  In particular, the slide 13 is movable in a first direction and a second direction (not parallel to each other) with respect to the head 12 in a horizontal plane (perpendicular to the direction of movement of the mold 9 and thus the box 2). is there.

  The moving means of each brush 11 has an actuator connected to the slide 13 and is designed to move the slide 13 with respect to the head 12 from the process start position to the process end position and vice versa. .

  For example, the actuator has a pneumatic piston connected to the slide 13.

  The moving means of the brush 11 has a block 16 slidably connected to a guide 17 oriented in the first direction. In the illustrated example, the guide 17 consists of a set of rods (tubular in the illustrated example shape) along which the block 16 is restricted from extending.

  The slide 13 is joined to the block 16 so that the block can slide in a second direction relative to the slide.

  For example, the block 16 forms a track oriented in the second direction. The slide 13 is slidably joined to the track.

  In the preferred embodiment shown, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

  In other terms, the track formed by the block 16 (extending along the slide 13) is perpendicular to the guide 17 along which the block 16 extends.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the head 12 moves the head 12 while the relative position between the head 12 and the block 16 (ie, the slide 13) holds the block 16 at a predetermined position. It can be moved relative to the frame of the device 1 so that it can be adjusted.

  From this viewpoint, the head 12 is slidably joined to the guide 17.

  The head 12 further includes a plurality of locking members 18 (partially shown in the drawing) to hold the head 12 against the guide 17.

  These locking members 18 (e.g. having screws) constitute locking means for fixing the head 12 to the frame at different positions relative to the folding station.

  In this regard, it should be noted that the head 12 is integral with the perforated protrusion 19. The perforated protrusion 19 is integral with the frame of the device 1 and is inserted into a bar 20 perpendicular to the guide 17.

  Also, the perforated protrusion 19 is an adjustment for adjusting the position of the head 12 along the direction defined by the guide 17 in order to move the brush 11 towards or away from the wall of the box 2. A screw 21 is provided. The purpose of this is to compensate for mechanical resistance (eg due to the irregular thickness of the paper on which the cover sheet is made) and to control the pressure of the brush 11 on the paper (ie on the side wall of the box). It is to be.

  In this way, each of the entire moving means (that is, the cam 14 connected to the head 12, the slide 13 and roller 15 connected to the block 16, and the brush 11 connected to the slide 13) move along the bar 20. (Also, the guide 17 moves along the bar 20 by moving means).

  It should also be noted that the moving means includes a limiter 22 that operates the actuator to limit the latter stroke. Thus, the limiter 22 operates on the slide 13 to limit the latter stroke relative to the head 12 to a predetermined value (depending on the size of the box to be covered).

  Due to the fact that the position of the head 12 can be adjusted relative to the position of the brush 11 (prior to processing, i.e. before covering the box), a cover device can be applied to the boxes 2 of different sizes.

  In particular, this adjustment makes it possible to switch from one box size to another box size that differs in the length of this side, but formed by the face 5 of the side wall 4 of the box 2 including the adjacent face 5. The angle does not change.

  In practice, the adjustment allows the position of the roller 15 relative to the cam 14 when the process begins to change.

  In this respect, the limiter 22 allows the slide 13 to be interrupted at the end of the stroke when the roller 15 is in the cam 14.

  Thus, according to the present invention, the contour of the cam determines the path of the brush 11.

  From this point of view, these adjustments change the length of the path of the brushes 11 (obviously, the path of each brush 11 is adjusted independently of the other brushes 11).

  This applies to all the brushes 11 and the respective moving means.

  In the example shown, the device 1 has four brushes 11 and four respective moving means.

  However, it should be noted that according to the present invention, there may be any number of brushes 11 and respective moving means depending on the shape of the box 2.

  In order to apply the cover device 1 to the box 2 having different angles formed by the side walls 4 and the surface 5, the cam 14 can be replaced with a cam having a different profile.

  To facilitate replacement, the cam 14 is placed in an accessible location in accordance with the present invention and secured to the block 16 so that it can be easily removed and installed.

  In the example shown, this cam 14 defines a first extension and a second extension at a predetermined angle relative to each other (in the horizontal plane).

  In particular, in the illustrated example, the cam 14 is linear and defines a first extending portion and a second extending portion that form a predetermined angle with each other.

  In the first example shown, the angle is 135 degrees (the bottom wall 3 of the box 2 is a regular octagon). In the second example shown, the angle is 120 degrees (the bottom wall 3 of the box 2 is a regular hexagon).

  It should be noted that according to other aspects of the invention, the contour of the cam 14 can be at least partially curved.

  In particular, one or both extensions defined by the cam 14 can be curved.

  This effectively makes it possible to cover a box with a rounded surface (and therefore not necessarily flat).

  It should be noted that the angle made by the first and second extension defined by the cam 14 is preferably greater than 90 degrees.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the cam 14 may define more than two extensions that are not linear with each other, i.e., at a predetermined angle with respect to each other.

  This effectively makes it possible to use a cover blank 6 with oversized segments 8A made to completely cover the number of faces 5 of the side walls 4 of the box 2.

  In practice, each of the angles formed by the continuous extension of the cam 14 corresponds to a deviation in the movement of the brush 11, so that the brush 11 is contoured on the side wall 4 of the box forming any angle. Also follow.

  The device according to the invention is configured to cover a box 2 having any number of shapes with any number of sides and a cover blank 6 having any shape.

  This ensures maximum flexibility and minimizes the overlap of the cover blank 6 portion of the side wall 4 of the box 2. The invention also makes it possible to reduce the surface area of the side walls 4 of the box 2 to be minimized. Here there is an overlap of two parts (ie two layers) of the cover blank 6 (due to the need to fold at the corners of the box 2).

  According to another aspect of the invention, the device 1 has a second folding station located below the folding station. The folding station is interposed vertically between the (first) folding station described above and this second folding station.

  When a cover blank 6 having a certain shape is used, a second folding station is necessary.

  For example, the illustrated first example (8-sided box) requires a second folding station, but in the illustrated second example (6-sided box) this is not necessary. In fact, in the second example, the side wall 4 of the box 2 is already completely covered by the folding station.

  Preferably, therefore, the device 1 has a second folding station.

  From this point of view, the mold 9 is operatively connected to the inner surface of the box 2 so as to move the box 2 vertically from the folding station to a second folding station below the folding station. .

  The device 1 further moves the segment from a horizontal position to a corresponding surface on the side wall of the box so as to interact with each segment 8 (especially the existing standard size segment 8C) during movement relative to the box 2. 5 has at least one other contact member 10C placed in the second folding station so that it can be folded into a vertical position in contact with 5.

  This surface 5 (where the segment 8C is folded at the second folding station) is the top of the folding station where the other blank portion 8 of the cover blank 6 (especially of the oversized segment 8A) is folded. Since it is given in advance to this surface 5 during the process, it is partially covered.

  In this regard, it should be noted that FIGS. 11 and 12 show a second folding station in the example for an 8-sided box.

  Note that the cover blank 6 is formed such that the upper edge 23 formed of the folded cover blank 6 extends beyond the upper edge of the box 2 when the side wall 4 of the box 2 is completely covered. It should be.

  This upper edge formed by the cover blank 6 is folded inside the box 2 by folding means 24 shown in FIG.

  Further aspects of the invention are described below.

  It should be noted that the device 1 is provided to cover a box 2 having any number of sides, in particular a box containing more than four sides.

  Thus, the present invention can also be used to cover an odd number of sides (i.e. having a bottom wall 3 containing an odd number of sides).

  This is in particular easy to use according to the invention, and the cover blank 6 in combination with the movement means of the brush 11 according to the invention is such that at least one of the folding station brushes 11 is not linear, i.e. at least one. It is possible to be moved along a path forming one angle.

  The present invention also provides a process for covering the box 2 especially when the box 2 includes more than four sides (ie, the bottom wall 3 includes more than four sides).

  The process according to the invention uses a cover blank 6 of the type described above, ie a cover blank 6 having at least one oversized segment 8A.

This process
Placing the box 2 in a folding station with the base 3 in contact with the base 7 of the blank 6 on a cover blank 6 which is placed on a horizontal surface and previously provided with adhesive;
Providing at least one contact member 10 at a folding station;
During movement relative to the box 2, the contact member 10 and the corresponding segment 8 of the cover blank 6 are interacted to bring the segment 8 into contact with the corresponding surface 5 of the side wall 4 of the box 2 from a horizontal position. Moving the box 2 from the folding station to a folding station below the folding station so as to be folded into a vertical position;
Moving the brush 11 relative to the box 2 placed in the folding station so that the vertical segment 8 is folded sideways and is in full contact with the side wall 4 of the box 2.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the plurality of brushes 11 is moved along a predetermined path including at least one direction change. In particular, the predetermined path includes a first extending portion having a predetermined length, and a second extending portion forming a predetermined angle with the first extending portion.

  It should be noted that the length of the first extension is equal to the width of the surface 5 where the segment 8A is covered (at the folding station) adjacent to the surface 5 provided at the folding station. It is.

  When the process begins, the length of the first extension is determined by the shape of the cam 14 and the position of the roller 15 relative to the cam 14.

  This position can be achieved by keeping the brush 11 in a fixed position and moving the cam 14 (and thus holding the roller 15 in place with respect to the slide 13 integral with the brush 11) (or cam Can be adjusted while setting up the device (by moving block 16 at 14).

Also from this perspective, the process
Preparing a head 12 and a slide 13 (brush 11 connected to this slide 13) connected to each other by a cam 14 / roller 15 system (or any other equivalent coupling mechanism or system). The cam 14 has a profile corresponding to a predetermined path so as to limit the slide 13 to move along the path;
Moving the slide 13 with respect to the head 12 so as to move the brush 11 along a predetermined path.

  In order to apply the cover process to a box 2 containing sides of different lengths, the present invention moves the head 12 relative to the frame of the device 1 and places the head itself in place (relative to the cam 14). Intended for a preliminary process to lock.

  Accordingly, in operation, the cover according to the invention is performed as described below.

  In the first covering step, the box 2 is placed on the top of the base with the cover blank 6 in a horizontal plane and the bottom wall 3 in contact with the base 7 of the blank 6 and placed in the folding station. (FIGS. 14 and 27 for the first and second examples, respectively).

  In the second cover step, the box is moved vertically from the top through the folding station (in the first example shown, from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 3).

  Thus, the oversized segment 8A and the undersized segment 8B are folded in contact with the box 2 (see the first and second examples, FIGS. 15 and 28, respectively).

  The box is then held in place at the folding station, and at the same time, a plurality of brushes 11 are moved to give the side wall 4 of the box a portion of the oversized segment 8A that is still spaced. The

  In particular, in the third cover step, the oversized segment 8A completely covers the surface 5 of the side wall 4 of the box 2 adjacent to the surface 5 during the second step. During this process, the brush 11 is moved along the length of each extension equal to the width of the surface 5 to be covered (ie the three boxes to which the two aforementioned surfaces 5 are connected are the sides of the bottom wall). Equal to the length of).

  The length of these stretched portions is adjusted during the preliminary process of setting up the apparatus. Here, the position of each cam 14 is adjusted with respect to the position of each roller 15, and the limiter 22 is adjusted as described above.

  At the end of the third step, there are still portions (ie lips) of the oversized segment 8A that are not attached to the side wall 4 of the box 2 (see the first and second examples, respectively, FIG. 16 and FIG. 29).

  In the fourth step, the movement of these brushes 11 is deflected with respect to the direction of their previous movement to follow the contour of the box 2 and bend the lip to the side wall 4. Thus, folding of each corner of the side wall 4 of the box 2 is completed (see first and second examples, FIGS. 17 and 30 respectively).

  It should be noted that the third and fourth steps according to the present invention are accomplished with a single continuous movement of the brush 11.

  At the end of the fourth step, the partially covered surface 5 remains covered during the fourth step.

  In the fifth covering step, the covering of the side wall 4 is completed by bending a predetermined segment 8 on a surface that is not completely covered yet.

  This step can be performed at the folding station (FIGS. 30 and 31 as in Example 2). Here, the end portion of the oversized segment 8A is folded over the other end portion of the other oversized segment 8A that has been folded.

  Alternatively, this step can be performed at the second folding station (as in Example 1, FIGS. 17 and 18). In this case, when the box 2 passes through the second folding station (moving vertically further downward), the unfolded segment 8C is replaced with the second folding station (FIG. 11 showing the first example). In addition, the segment 8C is bent from the horizontal position to the vertical position so as to interact with the contact member 10 of FIG.

  At the end of the fifth step, all segments 8 are completely applied to the side walls 4 of the box 2 and are thus completely covered. Only the upper edge 23 remains covered (see first and second examples, FIGS. 18 and 31 respectively).

  In the sixth cover step, the upper edge is folded into the interior of the box 2 at the finishing station in contact with the inner surface of the side wall 4 of the box 2 (see first and second examples, respectively, FIG. 19). And FIG. 32).

  Therefore, the present invention brings about the following effects.

  First, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for automatically and completely covering a box having any number of sides, a box of any shape, especially a box containing more than four sides.

  The present invention also allows the use of an improved cover blank 6, i.e., a blank that includes an oversized segment 8A, thus minimizing the number of outer edges of the box 2 that require folding.

  Furthermore, since the plurality of brushes 11 are all moved in different directions in a single continuous movement, the covering according to the present invention is particularly efficient and fast.

  Another advantage is the versatility of the present invention to provide a cover device and process that can cover any shape box and can be easily applied for simple switching.

  This is accomplished by an adjustment system that allows adjusting the position of the cam 14 relative to the roller 15 (during setup) and adjusting the limiter 22.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cover apparatus, 2 ... Box, 3 ... Bottom wall, 4 ... Side wall, 5 ... Surface, 6 ... Cover blank, 7 ... Base, 8 ... Segment, 9 ... Mold, 10 ... Contact member, 11 ... Movable brush, 12 ... head, 13 ... slide, 14 ... cam, 15 ... roller, 16 ... block, 17 ... guide, 18 ... locking member, 19 ... projection, 20 ... bar, 21 ... adjustment screw, 22 ... limiter, 23 ... upper edge , 24 ... bending means.

Claims (11)

A box (2) having a bottom wall (3) including more than four sides and a side wall (4) having the same number of faces (5) as the sides is referred to as the bottom wall ( A base (7) formed in the same shape as 3), and a plurality of segments (8) connected to the base (7) and bendable so as to cover the side wall (4) of the box (2). An apparatus (1) for covering using a flat cover blank (6) having:
At least one of the plurality of segments (8A) completely covers at least two surfaces (5) of the side wall (4) of the box (2), and at least the other surface of the side wall (4) ( 5) is partially covered and this device is
On the cover blank (6), which is placed on a horizontal surface and previously provided with an adhesive, the box (in the folding station) with the bottom wall (3) in contact with the base (7) of the blank. 2) means for placing;
A mold that moves vertically and is operably connected to the inner surface of the box (2) so as to move the box (2) vertically from the folding station to a folding station below the folding station. (9) and
During movement relative to the box (2), it is placed in the folding station so as to interact with the segment (8) of the cover blank (6), and the segment is moved from the horizontal position to the box (2). At least one contact member (10) that is bent into a vertical position in contact with a corresponding surface (5) of the side wall (4);
At least two folding members (11) movable relative to the box (2) placed at the folding station;
Moving means connected to the bending member (11) so as to bend the at least one segment (8) in a lateral direction and make complete contact with the side wall (4) of the box (2). And
At least one of the moving means of the bending member (11) includes a first extending portion having a predetermined length and a second extending portion having a predetermined angle with respect to the first extending portion. Provided to move the bending member along a predetermined path having
The apparatus wherein the predetermined path has at least one direction change. The moving means is
A head (12) and a slide (13) connected to each other in a system comprising a cam (14) and a roller (15);
An actuator connected to the slide (13) to move the slide (13) relative to the head (12);
The cam (14) has a contour corresponding to the predetermined path to limit the slide (13) to move along the path;
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bending member (11) is connected to the slide (13). The moving means comprises a block (16) slidably connected to a guide (17) oriented in a first direction;
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the slide (13) is connected to the block (16) such that the slide (13) is slidable relative to the block in a second direction not parallel to the first direction.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The head (12) is movable relative to the frame of the device (1);
The device (1) comprises lock / release means (18) for restricting the head (12) relative to the frame at different positions relative to the folding station. Or one device.   6. A device according to claim 5, comprising a limiter (22) for limiting the stroke of the slide (13) to a predetermined value relative to the head (12).   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second extending portion is linear. The mold (9) is operatively moved to the box (2) to vertically move the box (2) from the folding station to a second folding station below the folding station. Connected,
The device (1) moves the segment from the horizontal position to the side wall (4) of the box (2) so as to interact with the corresponding segment (8C) during movement relative to the box (2). At least one other contact member (10C) placed in said second folding station so as to be folded into a vertical position in contact with a corresponding partially covered surface (5) of Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A box (2) having a bottom wall (3) including more than four sides and a side wall (4) having the same number of faces (5) as the sides is referred to as the bottom wall ( A base (7) formed in the same shape as 3), and a plurality of segments (8) connected to the base (7) and bendable so as to cover the side wall (4) of the box (2). A process for covering using a flat cover blank (6) having:
At least one of the plurality of segments (8A) completely covers at least two surfaces (5) of the side wall (4) of the box (2), and at least the other surface of the side wall (4) ( 5) partially covered
On the cover blank (6), which is placed on a horizontal surface and previously provided with an adhesive, the box (in the folding station) with the bottom wall (3) in contact with the base (7) of the blank. 2) placing,
Providing at least one contact member (10) at the folding station;
During movement relative to the box (2), the interaction between the at least one contact member (10) and the corresponding segment (8) of the cover blank (6) is provided to move the segment (8) to the horizontal position. From the folding station to a folding station below the folding station so as to be folded into a vertical position in contact with the corresponding surface (5) of the side wall (4) of the box (2). And moving the box (2) vertically;
With respect to the box (2) placed in the folding station so that the at least one segment (8A) is folded laterally and is in full contact with the side wall (4) of the box (2) Moving at least two bending members (11),
In this process, at least one of the bending members (11) includes a first extending portion having a predetermined length and a second extending portion having a predetermined angle with respect to the first extending portion. Is moved along a predetermined path having
The process wherein the predetermined path has at least one direction change. A step of preparing a head (12) and a slide (13) connected to each other by a system comprising a cam (14) and a roller (15), the cam (14) moving along the path In order to limit the slide (13), the step has a contour corresponding to the predetermined path, and the bending member (11) is connected to the slide (13);
The process of claim 9, comprising moving the slide (13) relative to the head (12) to move the bending member (11) along the predetermined path.   11. The process of claim 10, comprising the preliminary step of moving the head (12) relative to a frame to lock the head (12) in place with respect to the folding station.

Images