EP0281484B1 - Method for adjusting the dimension of a plunger and die set for stamping blanks; plunger and die set - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR88/00132 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 7, 1988 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 7, 1988 PCT Filed Mar. 7, 1988 PCT Pub. No. WO88/06519 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 7, 1988.A programmable, dynamically adjustable die stamping apparatus for die-stamping of cardboard blanks used in production of packaging trays, and a process for operating such apparatus. The apparatus includes a dimensionally adjustable die having a plurality of separate movable parts each coupled to threaded adjustment rods and drive motors; a programmable control is coupled to the drive equipment and can selectively adjust and lock the die parts to conform the die to any one of a plurality of cardboard blank formats. Plural air-operated lockable jacks coupled to movable members of a stamp are also provided, and the jacks operate to automatically adjust the stamp to conform to the selected dimensions of the die. The apparatus can accept plural magazines of cardboard blanks and a plurality of different blanks supplied successively; under program control, the apparatus can automatically change the dimensions of the die and stamp to conform to the desired dimensions of the finished tray.

Description

The invention relates to a method of dimensional adjustment of a die-stamping assembly, intended for the production of packaging trays, a matrixing assembly for the implementation of this method and a method and a die-stamping machine comprising such a together.

There is already known a die-stamping process by means of a punch-die assembly in which successively the die-cutting is extracted from die-feed means such as a magazine; transferring the die cut thus extracted between the punch and the die spaced from each other; a reciprocal relative approximation of the punch and of the matrix is carried out until they are brought one against the other on either side of the cut to stamp it; if necessary, a positive joining of complementary or juxtaposed parts of the cut is made, in particular by gluing; a reciprocal relative spacing of the punch and of the die is carried out; and the cut and stamped cut is extracted and removed.

A die-cutting device applicable in particular to a packaging machine such as a tray-stacker is also known and comprises a punch and a die cooperating with each other; means for the approximation and the reciprocal relative spacing of the punch and of the die as a whole between two extreme positions, namely an inactive position where they are separated from one another and a stamping position proper where they are associated with each other; and means for extracting and evacuating the stamped cuts.

One can, for example, refer to document FR 2 248 932.

This method and this die-stamping device are more specifically intended for a packaging machine comprising means for supplying blanks, means for extracting a blank to be stamped from these supply means; means for transferring this cut to the stamping device, means extraction of the stamped cutout from the stamping device and evacuation to another station, in particular for filling with contents to be packaged.

Such stamping methods and device well known to date are generally designed to operate with a single format (format and / or dimension) of cuts generally made of cardboard, comprising fold lines and complementary or juxtaposed parts intended to be secured in particular. by gluing (legs, flaps, etc ...). In fact, the most well-known packaging machines associated with such matrixing devices are generally themselves with a single cutting format. Consequently, the change of cutting format is either impossible, or is carried out by completely and purely and simply changing the punch and the die, or is carried out manually which is long, tedious, imprecise, costly, etc.

Document US 3,218,940 describes a machine for shaping a carton which comprises such a die-stamping device, manually adjustable, to be suitable for cardboard cuts of different formats. To this end, the punch and the die of the stamping device are each made in several separate parts, movable but lockable with respect to each other in both longitudinal and transverse directions, the means for guiding and driving these parts ensuring these displacements and blockages. However, these displacements and blockages are manual and, moreover, separate and distinct for the punch and the die, which does not allow, in practice, numerous adjustments, rapid, easy and reproducible.

Other devices are also known from documents US 2,641,973, US 2,798,416, DE 292,080, US 3,046,849, US 1,386,292, US 4,033,242 and US 3,357,700.

We also know, in the general field of packaging, the possibility of adjusting the components of a machine, according to the conditions of use, in particular the dimensions of the treated packages (documents FR 2 029 300 and EP 0142 007). But such adjustments are not suitable for the case of die-cutting.

The first object of the invention is therefore to solve the problems posed by the adjustment of a matrixing assembly, each matrixing member of which is in several adjustable and lockable parts. More specifically, the object of the invention is to provide automatic, rapid, precise and reproducible adjustment. The second main object of the invention is to implement such an adjustment in the case of packaging.

To this end, the invention firstly proposes a method of dimensional adjustment of a stamping assembly comprising two stamping members: punch and die, each in several distinct parts of relative positions adjustable and lockable by lateral configuration displacements, the two matrixing members being movable relative to each other, as a whole, by axial interlocking-dislodging movements, the two matrixing members being located on the one hand, each separately, either at blocked state, either in the unlocked state and, on the other hand, together, either in the nested state, or in the dislocated state, with a view to dimensionally adapting the stamping assembly to a die cut format and bring it into a waiting situation from which the die-forging of the cut is made possible by the subsequent cooperation of the two die-forging bodies, this waiting situation being such that the two orga the stamping nes are dislocated, blocked and with lateral stamping spacings between their reciprocal constituent parts adapted to the thickness of the die-cut to be stamped, in which the two stamping members are first brought to the unlocked state, we realize then the transverse displacements of appropriate configuration, finally bringing the two matrixing members in the locked state (known from US-A-3218940 for example), characterized in that the following steps are carried out: first of all in a step of wedging the two matrixing members from their dislocated state to their nested and unlocked state, with their reciprocal constituent parts in contact, by configuration displacements and interlocking-disengagement, and in a configuration of pre-determined reference; then, in a first adjustment step, one acts positively and directly on only one of the two matrixing members _ the driving adjusting member _ to ensure its configuration displacement, the driving adjusting member acting in turn directly on the other matrixing member _ the driven adjusting member _ to ensure its configuration displacement, in synchronism, until a first matrixing member is dimensionally adjusted; and then the first matrixing member is brought to the blocked state; in a second adjustment step, the only second stamping member is acted positively and directly to ensure its configuration displacement in the direction of the lateral spacing with respect to the first stamping member, until the lateral stamping spacings are reached, the second matrixing member then being dimensionally adjusted; the second matrixing member is brought to the blocked state; and a nesting-dislodging movement is provided for the two matrixing members to bring them to the waiting situation.

The invention then proposes a set of die-forging cutouts, comprising two die-stamping members: punch and die, each in several distinct parts of relative positions adjustable and lockable by lateral configuration displacements thanks to lateral drive means and blocking, the two matrixing members being movable relative to each other, as a whole, by axial interlocking movements by means of axial drive and blocking means, the two matrixing members being , on the one hand, each separately, either in the locked state, or in the unlocked state and, on the other hand, together, either in the nested state or in the unblocked state, in order to adapt dimensionally the matrixing assembly, which may be in particular in a waiting situation in which the matrixing members are disengaged, blocked and with lateral matrixing spacings between their constituent parts. ves reciprocal and in a stamping position in which the stamping members are fitted and cooperate for the effective stamping of a cut placed between them, (known from US-A-3218940 for example) characterized in that the lateral means of drive and blocking of the two forging members are partially common to the two forging members and comprise, on the one hand, positive bidirectional drive means with possible blocking in any position, associated with and acting directly on one of the two matrixing members _ the driving member _ and, on the other hand, unidirectional elastic means with possible locking in any position associated with and acting directly on the other matrixing member _ the driven member _ so that when the means elastic unidirectional are unlocked, firstly, these means act on the driven member to urge it in contact with the driving member, the two matrixing members being nested, and, secondly, the bidirectional drive means indirectly drive the 'organ driven through the driving adjustment member.

The invention finally proposes, on the one hand, a die-stamping process and, on the other hand, a stamping machine implementing this adjustment process and this stamping assembly, intended more specifically for packaging.

One of the technical provisions ensuring the automaticity, the speed, the precision and the reproducibility of the adjustment of the matrixing assembly is the implementation of mechanized adjustment means, which can therefore be controlled, acting directly on only one of the two matrixing members for moving it _ said driving member _ which in turn ensures the displacement of the other matrixing member _ said driven member _. To this end, elastic means act on the driven member to urge on contact with the driving member. And the adjustment is made when the two matrixing members are nested one inside the other. Preferably, the driving member is the matrix which can thus envelop the punch subjected elastically in the direction of expansion to compressed air jacks. Driving threaded rods ensure the lateral displacements of the configuration of the matrix and allow the position of the latter to be identified. To allow reproducibility, there is preferably provided an initial step of setting the two matrixing members to a zero point corresponding to an extreme format, in particular a minimal format.

• La figure 1 est une vue schématique en élévation d'une machine de matriçage selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue schématique de dessus, partielle, de la machine de matriçage selon l'invention, le poinçon n'étant pas représenté.
• La figure 3 est une vue schématique de dessus, à plus grande échelle de la machine de matriçage selon l'invention, l'ensemble de matriçage étant représenté avec une découpe en cours de matriçage.
• La figure 4 est un schéma illustrant les étapes de matriçage de la découpe.
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe schématique par un plan vertical transversal illustrant l'ensemble de matriçage.
• La figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective du poinçon de l'ensemble de matriçage.
• La figure 7 et la figure 8 sont deux vues schématiques partielles en coupe selon les lignes VII-VII et VIII-VIII de la figure 6 illustrant des détails du dispositif des détails du poinçon de la machine de matriçage.
• La figure 9 est une vue schématique des moyens d'alimentation des coupes et des moyens de butée longitudinale de la machine de matriçage selon l'invention.
• Les figures 10 A, 10 B, 10 C et 10 D, sont quatre vues schématiques de dessus illustrant des étapes successives de réglage de l'ensemble de matriçage selon l'invention.

The other preferred characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of a stamping machine according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a schematic top view, partial, of the stamping machine according to the invention, the punch not being shown.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic view from above, on a larger scale of the stamping machine according to the invention, the stamping assembly being shown with a cutout during stamping.
• Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the stages of die-cutting.
• Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view through a vertical transverse plane illustrating the matrix assembly.
• Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the punch of the stamping assembly.
• Figure 7 and Figure 8 are two partial schematic sectional views along lines VII-VII and VIII-VIII of Figure 6 illustrating details of the device details of the punch of the stamping machine.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the means for feeding the cuts and of the longitudinal stop means of the stamping machine according to the invention.
• Figures 10 A, 10 B, 10 C and 10 D, are four schematic views from above illustrating successive stages of adjustment of the matrixing assembly according to the invention.

The invention relates to a method of dimensional adjustment of a matrixing assembly 1 of cutouts D intended in particular for the production of packaging trays. It also relates to the matrixing assembly 1 for the implementation of this adjustment method. Finally, it relates to a method and a stamping machine comprising such a stamping assembly 1.

The stamping assembly 1 comprises, in a manner known per se, two stamping members, namely a punch 2 and a die 3, each in several distinct parts of relative positions adjustable and lockable by lateral displacements of configuration thanks to lateral means drive and blocking 4. The two matrixing members 2, 3 are movable relative to each other, in their together by axial displacements of drive and blocking by means of axial drive and blocking means 5. The two matrixing members 2, 3 are located on the one hand, each separately, either in the blocked state, or in the unlocked state and, on the other hand, together, either in the nested state, or in the dislocated state. Such a matrixing assembly 1 can be dimensionally adapted to a given format of die-cutting to be stamped and can be in particular in a waiting situation in which the matrixing members 2, 3 are disengaged, blocked and with lateral matrixing spacings between their reciprocal constituent parts and in a stamping position in which the stamping members 2, 3 are fitted from the waiting situation and cooperate for the effective stamping of a cut placed between them.

A method of dimensional adjustment of such a matrix assembly 1 is such that, in a manner known per se, the two matrix members 2, 3 are first brought to the unlocked state, then the lateral displacements of configuration are carried out appropriate, finally bringing the two matrixing members 2, 3 in the locked state.

Such a die-forging assembly 1 can be incorporated into a die-stamping machine, intended in particular for producing packaging trays, comprising, in addition to the die-stamping assembly 1, means for feeding the cuts 6, means forming a stop longitudinal 7, associated with the supply means 6 and capable of blocking the cutout D to be stamped in the suitable position for its stamping by the stamping assembly 1; and, extraction and evacuation means 8 of a stamped cutout D.

The cutouts D used are not in themselves the subject of the invention. They are in particular in the form of originally flat blanks, of cardboard or equivalent, comprising (FIG. 4) fold lines 9 and complementary or juxtaposed parts intended to be joined together in particular by gluing to maintain volume. Thanks to the stamping, such cutouts D are set in volume, keep the volume which is given to them and can then receive contents to be packaged. In a conventional embodiment, the cutout D originally has a generally rectangular, planar shape, comprising a central bottom 10, and on each of its sides forming fold line 9 a flap intended to be placed perpendicular to the bottom 10 and upwards once the cut has been placed in volume. These flaps are therefore two longitudinal flaps 11 and two transverse flaps 12. Two opposite flaps, for example the transverse flaps 12, are extended at each of their extreme edges forming a fold line 9 by a short tongue 13 intended to be glued, once the cutout D shaped, on the adjoining longitudinal flap 11 on its internal face, with lines of glue 14.

Such a cut D can be multiformat, the bottom 10 having a rectangular shape or more or less square or flattened in elevation and absolute and relative dimensions (relative to each other) more or less variable.

The invention however applies to other general forms of cuts: triangular, polygonal, cylindrical, etc. These cuts can, moreover, be intended for other uses than a tray.

As follows from the description, the same matrixing assembly 1 can be applied, after adjustment, to different cutouts D either of the same general shape but of different dimensions, or even of different shapes. Preferably, the invention is applied to cutouts D having the same general shape (for example rectangular) and only the dimensions of which change.

The invention is more particularly described in the case of cutouts D having a generally rectangular or square shape, that is to say included in an envelope of generally parallelepiped shape once set in volume, the dimensions which are modified being the length and the width of the bottom 10 and the height of the cut D once stamped, that is to say the width of the flaps 11, 12.

Such cutouts D are well known to those skilled in the art in the technical field of packaging and, for this reason, need not be described further. Likewise, the general structures of a stamping assembly and of a stamping machine comprising such a stamping assembly as just described, are well known to those skilled in the art in the technical field considered and , for this reason need not be described further. The description therefore mainly relates to the essential means of the invention aimed at ensuring automatic, rapid, precise and renewable adjustment of the stamping assembly 1 so as to be able to flexibly and automatically stamp cuts of different formats.

A stamping method and machine carrying a stamping assembly 1, according to the invention, are generally such that the stamps to be stamped are brought to the unit, linearly, one after the other, the stamps D being placed horizontally, up to '' in a forging position in which a die to be stamped remains stationary to be stamped by the stamping assembly 1, the punch 2 cooperating with the die 3. More precisely, the blank D to be stamped is brought just above the die 3 while the punch 2 is spread vertically vertically above the die 3, the axis 15 of the stamping assembly 1 being vertical. Then, the die 3 remaining fixed, as a whole, the punch 2 is slid vertically and down along the axis 15 to come into contact with the blank D to be stamped and conform it by cooperating with the die 3. Then , once this stamping has been carried out, the punch 2 is dissociated from the die 3 and the stamped cutout can be released from the stamping assembly 1 in order to be evacuated, thanks to the extraction and evacuation means 8.

Such a matrixing is generally carried out for series of several homogeneous cuts D, that is to say of the same format. In this case, there is no need, between each cutting, to carry out the dimensional adjustment of the matrixing assembly 1. When, after the matrixing of such a series of cuts of a certain format, it is desired to change the format of die cuts to be stamped, the dimensional adjustment of the stamping assembly 1 is then carried out as described. However, the dimensional adjustment of the stamping assembly 1 being automatic, rapid, precise and reproducible, it is possible to conceive of a completely flexible stamping, the cutouts D for stamping arriving at the unit according to formats different from each other.

Generally, the punch 2 is in the form of a rigid piece (but deformable) comprising a plurality of projecting angles juxtaposed horizontally. And, the matrix 3 also constitutes a rigid but deformable part comprising the same plurality of re-entrant angles. The salient angles of the punch 2 cooperate with the reentrant angles of the die 3, that is to say that the salient angles are placed inside the reentrant angles being separated laterally from a lateral swaging spacing dependent on the thickness of the cut D to be stamped.

The punch 2 and the die 3 are each in several distinct parts, these parts constituting in particular, each, all or part of a respectively salient or reentrant angle. These constituent parts of the punch 2 or of the die 3 are of adjustable relative position, for the punch 2 and the die 3 respectively, so as to allow, as indicated, the dimensional adjustment of the stamping assembly 1. The blocking of the parts constituting the punch 2 or the die 3, in any desired relative adjustment position makes it possible to give the punch 2 and the die 3 the rigidity necessary for its operation.

By convention, the relative displacements of the constituent parts of the punch 2 or of the die 3, respectively, are called lateral configuration displacements. Indeed, these displacements are carried out in the lateral directions of the punch 2 or of the matrix 3 (that is to say in the direction of the contraction or in the direction of the expansion with respect to the axis 15) and they aim to modify the configuration of the punch 2 or of the matrix 3 to give it an appropriate dimension.

The punch 2 and the die 3 are movable relative to each other as a whole, in a given configuration, along the axis 15 by axial interlocking-disengagement movements. Preferably, the die 3 remains fixed and only the punch 2 is movable to slide along the axis 15.

In the text, the expression "matrixing member" is used to designate either the punch 2 or the matrix 3.

As follows from the above, the constituent parts of each stamping member 2, 3 may be in a certain relative position corresponding to a certain configuration of the stamping member then forming a rigid assembly suitable for stamping. This state in which the constituent parts of each matrixing member 2, 3 are blocked in their relative displacement is called blocked state. Conversely, to allow the configuration of a matrixing member 2, 3 to be changed by lateral configuration displacements, such movements are authorized by unlocking these constituent parts of each matrixing member. This corresponds to the unlocked state. The stamping takes place in the locked state and the unlocked state is only a temporary state allowing the dimensional adjustment of the stamping members 2, 3. The two stamping members 2, 3 being structurally distinct, one of them can be in the blocked (or unlocked) state while the other is in the blocked or unlocked state.

Furthermore, the matrixing members 2, 3 can be, taken as a whole, in several positions relative to each other. In one of these relative positions, the punch 2 is housed in the die 3, that is to say that the punch 2 and the die 3 are then substantially in the same place along the axis 15. In this case, the matrixing assembly 1 is said to be in the nested state. This nested state corresponds to an extreme lower position of the punch 2. Conversely, when the punch 2 is spread along the axis 15 of the die 3, therefore being released outside of the die 3, the stamping assembly 1 is said to be in the dislocated state. As necessary, each matrixing member 2,3 is in the locked state or in the unlocked state, depending on whether the matrixing assembly 1 is in the nested state or in the dislocated state.

As follows from the invention, the dimensional adjustment of the stamping assembly is carried out while the punch 2 is in the die 3, that is to say in the nested state. Consequently, the unlocked state only intervenes in the nested state. And, in certain stages of the method and while the matrixing assembly 1 is in the nested state, one or / and the other of the matrixing members 2, 3 are in the blocked state. In the nested state, the matrixing members 2, 3 can have several possible relative configurations. In one of these possible relative configurations, there are between the punch 2 and the die 3 the desired lateral swaging spacings. In this case, the stamping assembly 1 is said to be in the stamping position. As is apparent from the description, other situations are possible in the nested state, in particular that where the punch 2 and the die 3 are in contact with one another, in the absence therefore of any lateral spacing between them.

Furthermore, the matrixing assembly 1 can be in a waiting situation in which the two matrixing members 2, 3 are dislocated, blocked and with the lateral matrixing spacings between their reciprocal constituent parts therefore adapted to the thickness of the die cut. This waiting situation (FIG. 1) is that in which the punch 2 came out of the die 3 while being axially spaced therefrom, the dimensional adjustment of the punch 2 and of the die 3 being carried out and allowing subsequent stamping for an appropriate size cutout. This waiting situation is generally that in which the punch 2 is at its extreme upper position.

In the text, the direction of supply of the cutouts D to be stamped is described as longitudinal. This direction is generally horizontal. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is called transverse. The longitudinal and transverse directions therefore define a horizontal plane and, in the case considered, the two directions in which the dimensional adjustment of the swaging assembly must be carried out.

In the adjustment method according to the invention, the following steps are carried out: First, in a wedging step, the two matrixing members are brought from their disengaged state to their nested and unlocked state with their parts reciprocal constitutive in contact, by displacements of configuration and interlocking-dislocation and in a predetermined reference configuration (FIG. 10B).

Then, in a first adjustment step (FIG. 10C), one acts positively and directly on only one of the two matrixing members 2, 3 _ qualified as a driving adjustment member _ to ensure its displacement of configuration, this driving member adjusting device acting in turn directly on the other matrixing member _ qualified as a driven adjusting member _ to ensure its configuration displacement, in synchronism, until a first matrixing member 2, 3 is dimensionally adjusted .

Then, the first matrixing member 2, 3 is brought to the state blocked. In a second adjustment step (FIG. 10D), one acts positively and directly on the only second matrixing member 2, 3 to ensure its configuration displacement in the direction of the lateral spacing relative to the first matrixing member 2, 3 until the lateral matrixing spacings are reached, the second matrixing member 2, 3 then being adjusted dimensionally. The second matrixing member is brought to the blocked state. And there is a displacement of interlocking-disengagement of the matrixing members 2, 3 to bring them to the waiting situation.

Consequently, the adjustment method comprises a setting step making it possible to reach a "zero point" corresponding to a relative position marked with the constituent parts of the punch 2 and of the die 3, position marked from which the lateral displacements are carried out. and can be controlled. In a first adjustment step, the dimensional adjustment of a first locking member is ensured. And, for this purpose, one acts positively with a view to displacing it on only one of the two matrixing members 2, 3. In a subsequent step of second adjustment, the dimensional adjustment of the second matrixing member is ensured for the finishing 'spreading laterally from the first stamping member, previously dimensioned, to make the necessary lateral stamping spacings between them.

These calibration steps, first adjustment and second adjustment are carried out while the matrixing assembly 1 is in the nested state. The method therefore comprises a subsequent step aimed at passing the matrixing assembly 1 from its nested state to its dislocated state in particular up to the waiting situation.

As follows from the above, in the first adjustment step, one of the matrixing members 2, 3 is used as the driving member, that is to say displaced positively while the other matrixing member is driven member, that is to say that its configuration or the relative positions of the parts which constitute it are determined by the configuration of the driving member only, without acting positively and directly on the member led. It then follows simultaneous displacements of configuration of the two matrixing members 1, 2. This same type of drive means by driving member and driven member is preferably implemented in the setting step. To this end, and to bring the two matrixing members to the reference configuration, the following steps are carried out starting from a waiting situation corresponding to a different cutout format: a nesting-dislodging movement of the two matrixing members to bring them to the nested state since it is in this state that the adjustment is made. The two matrixing members are brought to the unlocked state. One then acts positively and directly on only one of the two matrixing members _ then called the leading wedging member _ to ensure its displacement of configuration, this leading wedging member first coming into contact with the other stamping _ qualified as a driven wedging member _ then acting in turn directly on the driven wedging member to ensure its displacement of configuration in synchronism to the reference configuration (FIGS. 10A and 10B).

In a preferred embodiment corresponding to the illustrated case, the timing setting member is the same as the setting adjusting member; the driven setting member is the same as the driven adjusting member; the first matrixing member is the same as the driven adjusting member; the second matrixing member is the same as the driving adjustment member; the reference configuration is that of a format of extreme, minimum dimension, of one and the other of the two matrixing members; the respective displacements of configuration of the setting step on the one hand and of adjustment steps on the other hand are in opposite directions; the configuration displacements of the setting step are displacements in the direction of the contraction; the configuration movements of the adjustment steps are in the direction of expansion; the matrix is the driving adjusting member; the punch is the driven adjusting member.

However, the invention could be applied, in other variants such as, in particular, the wedging drive member being the driven adjustment member; the first stamping member is the driving adjustment member; the reference configuration is that of the maximum format or any other; the matrix is the driven adjusting member and the punch the driving member.

The preferred embodiment described is such that to ensure the configuration displacement of a driven matrixing member by means of a driving matrixing member, itself in displacement of configuration and the matrixing members being nested, either the member driven is elastically biased in contact with the driving member in the same direction as that in which it is solicited as a result of the displacement of the driving member (case of the first adjustment step), or the driven member is left free (case of the setting step). Thus, and to take only the example of the adjustment step, in the preferred preferred embodiment, the punch 2 is elastically urged in the direction of expansion, the punch 2 coming into contact with the die 3 and acts on the matrix 3 in the direction of expansion in order to bring the punch 2, by expansion, to the desired state.

To dimensionally adjust the first stamping member, the configuration movement of the first or second stamping member is made during the first setting step over strokes equal to the differences between the desired final dimensions of the first stamping member and the initial dimensions of the reference configuration. This characteristic is such that it allows automatic adjustment and reproducibility, the reference configuration being identified and the necessary displacement strokes being known depending on the format to be produced.

To adjust the second matrixing member dimensionally, it is then ensured, during the second adjustment step, the displacement of the second matrixing member over strokes equal to the lateral matrixing spacings. This characteristic also allows the automaticity and the reproducibility of the adjustment, the lateral stamping spacings being known as a function of the thickness of the cut to be stamped.

According to another preferred characteristic of the adjustment method according to the invention, the initial dimensions of the reference configuration, the desired final dimensions of the first stamping member and the lateral stamping spacings (or the thickness of the cutout to be stored) are stored in memory. matrix) and one acts on a driving member in order to ensure its configuration displacement by identifying only the movement stroke of this driving member which allows the automation of the process.

A matrixing method according to the invention therefore implements the adjustment method which has just been described.

A matrixing assembly 1 is such that the lateral drive and blocking means 4 of the two matrixing members 2, 3 are partially common to the two matrixing members and comprise, on the one hand, positive bidirectional drive means with locking possible in any position 16 associated with and acting directly on one of the two matrixing members, namely the driving adjustment member and, on the other hand, unidirectional elastic means with locking possible in any position associated with and acting directly on the other matrixing member, namely the driven member. In this way, when the unidirectional elastic means 17 are released, they act on the driven adjusting member to urge it into contact with the driving member, the two stamping members 2, 3 then being fitted. In addition, the bidirectional means 16 can drive the driven adjusting member through the driving adjusting member.

The bidirectional drive means with possible blocking 16 are identified by the movement of movement of the adjusting adjustment member and this in order to be able to control this displacement, allow the obtaining of a desired dimension and ensure the reproducibility of the adjustment.

In a possible embodiment, the bidirectional drive means with possible blocking 16 comprise at least one threaded rod 18 whose pivoting in one direction or the other is ensured by at least one motor 19, a tapped hole 20 of the driving adjustment member cooperating with the threaded rod 18.

Also, in one possible embodiment, the unidirectional elastic means with possible blocking 17 comprise at least one compressed air cylinder acting on the driven adjusting member and a compressed air supply associated with the cylinder and capable of being cut with, in particular placing outdoors. These unidirectional elastic means with possible blocking 17 also include a positive blocking member 22 acting on the driven member. This positive blocking member is a blocking head driven by a jack 23 acting on the rod 21a of the compressed air cylinder 21. The compressed air cylinder 21 is a single-acting cylinder in particular acting in the direction of expansion of the driven member.

In one possible embodiment, the driven member comprises at least one sheath 24 forming a rigid block, longitudinally incorporating at least one compressed air cylinder 21 which thus makes it possible to guide at least one constituent part of the driven member. And, the actuator 23 for driving the blocking member 22 is fixed transversely on the sheath 24 in line with the compressed air actuator 21, orifices 25 for supplying compressed air or venting to the cylinders 21 and 23 also being provided in the sleeve 24.

When the jack 21 is in the open air, the movement of the driven member is free.

In the preferred embodiment envisaged, the driving member is the die 3 and the driven member is the punch 2. We will now describe in more detail a preferred embodiment. The adjusting drive member has four separate parts 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d carried by four separate support blocks 27. The bidirectional drive means with blocking 16 comprise firstly a first pair of threaded rods 18a, parallel to each other, each with two threads in opposite directions to the two end parts, cooperating with suitable tapped holes 20 of the support blocks 27, this first pair of threaded rods 18a being carried by bearing blocks 28. The first pair of threaded rods 18a extends by example transversely by being spread outwards from the parts 26a to 26d. Two bearing blocks 28 may be provided, each comprising a beam 29 and bearings 30, the beam 29 extending in transverse direction. The two bearing blocks 28 are also placed transversely, laterally and towards the outside of the matrixing assembly 1.

The bidirectional drive means with blocking 16 secondly comprise a second pair of threaded rods 18b, parallel to each other, each having two end threads in opposite directions, cooperating with suitable tapped holes 31 of the bearing blocks 28.

The positive bidirectional drive means with blocking 16 comprise, thirdly, support bearings 32 of the second pair of threaded rods 18b carried by a frame 33 of the machine. The second pair of threaded rods 18b extends longitudinally away from the axis 15.

The bidirectional drive means 16 comprise, fourthly, two motors 19a, 19b, carried by the frame 33, acting on the threaded rods 18a, 18b, respectively by means of two connecting means 34a, 34b connecting the two motors 19a, 19b with threaded rods 18a, 18b. The motor 19a can, for example, be carried by the frame 33 in the upper extreme position and drive by chains or equivalent 35 sprockets or pulleys or equivalent 36 carried by upper beams 37 of the frame 33. The sprockets or equivalent 36 can be connected by telescopic cardan shafts 38 to angle transmission boxes 39 themselves located at the end of the two rods of the first pair of threaded rods 18a.

The motor 19b may be a brake gear motor carried by the frame 33 driving a chain 40 or equivalent, notably arranged transversely, in direct engagement with the two threaded rods of the second pair of threaded rods 18b.

The positive half-directional drive means 16 also include, fifthly, motor control means 19a, 19b including means for locating and memorizing the number of turns or portions of turns performed by the threaded rods of the two pairs 18a, 18b so as to be able to identify the relative position of the constituent parts of the matrix 3.

As follows from the above, the two pairs of threaded rods 18a, 18b are arranged on the one hand longitudinally (in this case for the second pair of threaded rods 18b) and on the other hand transversely (for the first pair 18a). These threaded rods are placed towards the outside of the constituent parts of the matrix 3. Finally, these threaded rods provide between them a large clearance space in which the constituent parts of the matrix 3 are placed at the desired locations, these locations being variables depending on the dimensional setting of matrix 3.

We will now describe in more detail the driven member, in the preferred embodiment envisaged. The driven member then comprises four distinct parts 41a to 41d constituting two pairs supported by two outer sleeves 24a, by means of the rods 21a of first compressed air jacks 21. These two outer sleeves 24a are carried by a central sleeve 24b by through the rods 21a of second compressed air cylinders 21.

The unidirectional elastic means with blocking 17 firstly comprise at least four first compressed air jacks 21 arranged in parallel, one for each part of the driven member and two in opposite directions on each outer sheath 24a.

Secondly, the unidirectional elastic means with blocking 17 comprise at least two second compressed air jacks 21 arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first jacks, one for each outer sheath 24a and the two opposite on the central sheath 24b.

Thirdly, there are provided four first blocking cylinders 23 carried by the outer sleeves 24a and acting on the first compressed air cylinders 21 carried by these outer sleeves 24a.

The means 17 also comprise, fourthly, two second blocking cylinders 23 carried by the central sleeve 24b and acting on the second compressed air cylinders 21 carried by this central sleeve 24b.

The means 17 comprise, in the fifth place, the compressed air supply or ventilation openings 25 on the two outer sleeves and the central sleeve 24a, 24b for supplying the jacks 21, 23, in communication, consequently , with on the one hand the first and second compressed air cylinders 21 and, on the other hand, with the first and second locking cylinders 23, on one side, these orifices 25 being in communication, on the other side, with cut-off compressed air supplies.

Compressed air supplies can be shut off with shutdown the open air of the jack chambers 21, 23 so that the jack rods are then free.

Preferably, each first or second compressed air cylinder 21 is double, the two cylinders making it up being in close proximity to one another and there is associated with them a single blocking cylinder 23 acting on the two cylinder rods 21a.

This arrangement allows the actuator rods 21a to maintain the sliding of the outer sleeves 24a and of the constituent parts 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d of the driven member. These constituent parts 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d are, in the case where the driven member is the punch, plates extending over a certain axial length along the axis 15 and over a certain length in the lateral direction. The sleeves 24a, 24b are constituted by blocks of generally parallelepipedal shape for example, also extending along the axis 15. In this embodiment, the double jacks constituting each first or second compressed air jack 21 are superimposed in the same vertical plane. In addition, the outer vertical edges 42 of the constituent parts 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d are projecting or preferably coplanar with the outer faces 43 of the adjacent outer sleeves 24a, these outer faces 43 thus being able to participate in the stamping operation.

In a possible embodiment (FIG. 8) the blocking head 22 is tapered at its outer end of attack directed towards the rods 21a and swollen at its rear end, directed towards the jack 23 while being furnished at least externally, of a flexible and / or non-slip material.

The matrix 3 itself can be the subject of various embodiments of detail.

Preferably, each of the parts 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d comprises a folding plate 44 of the flap of the cutout D, fixedly carried by the support block 27 and, on the other hand, a presser 45 slidably mounted on the support block 27 by means of a jack 46. The folding sheet 44 and the presser 45 are arranged in two planes perpendicular to each other so as to constitute a re-entrant angle of the matrix 3. For example, the folding sheets 44 are arranged in plans vertical and transverse while the pressers 45 are arranged in longitudinal planes. In this situation, the folding plates 44 are adapted to the folding of the transverse flaps 12 while the pressers 45 are adapted to the folding of the longitudinal flaps 11.

The sliding stroke of the pressers 45 is small. The pressers 45 are therefore movable between two extreme positions. An inactive, retracted position, where they are furthest from each other and an active, protruding position, where they are closest to each other. The inactive position, retracted, is that occurring at the start of stamping and authorizes the presence of a cutout D during stamping, the flaps 11 and the tongues 13 are not yet secured by gluing. Under these conditions, in this retracted position, the pressers 45 are in a slightly larger configuration than the final configuration of the blank to be stamped. The active position of the pressers corresponds exactly to that of the stamping at the exact dimensions of the cut to be stamped. The flaps 11 are then pressed against the tongues 13.

The matrix 3 may also include plates 47 for pre-folding the tongues 13, placed longitudinally as well as curved sheets 48 for folding the flaps, also placed longitudinally, the plates 47 and the sheets 48 being located in the upper upper part of the matrix 3, on the side of the introduction of the punch 2, while the folding sheets 44 and the pressers 45 are located in the lower part, the folding sheets 44 however extending to the upper part of the die 3.

The mastering sequence is known per se. The cutout D to be stamped being flat and horizontal, first of all we first perform a pre-folding of the tongues 13, arranged longitudinally, using the plates 47. Then, we perform the folding of the longitudinal flaps 11 thanks to the sheets 48 and, simultaneously , the transverse flaps 12 are folded thanks to the sheets 44. The pressers 45 are hitherto in the inactive state. Then, they are brought to the active state so that the longitudinal flaps 11 are applied to the tongues 13, the previously deposited lines of glue 14 ensuring the assembly of the assembly.

A stamping machine, the general structure of which has already been described, includes such a stamping assembly 1.

According to a characteristic of this machine, the means forming a longitudinal stop 7 can be moved longitudinally and can be locked in any position by means of drive and blocking means 49, these drive and blocking means 49 being controlled, depending on the format of die cut, so that it is wedged on the axis 15 of the die assembly 1. The drive and locking means 49 comprise for example a brake gear motor 50 carried by the frame 33, driving an endless chain or equivalent 51 engaged on a pinion 52 fixed on a threaded rod 53 mounted on a fixed nut 54 and carrying, moreover, the actual stop.

The cut-out supply means 6 comprise two endless, continuously running, lateral and longitudinal bands 55, stretched between end drums 56 carried by two lateral and longitudinal support beams 57, themselves carried by the frame 33 transversely adjustable but lockable in any position by drive means 58 controlled as a function of the transverse format of the blank to be stamped. The endless belts 55 also extend downstream (relative to the direction of supply of the cutouts D) vertically in line with the die-forging assembly 1, transversely outside of it, in a plane slightly above the die 2. The endless bands 55 allow the relative sliding on themselves, of the cutout D in the forging position, cutout which is blocked by the means forming a stop 7 while being urged towards them by the endless bands 55 in motion.

A gear motor 59, placed in particular in the lower position of the frame 33 drives a main shaft, in particular transverse 60, which drives, by appropriate connecting means 55a such as endless chains or belts the drums 56 therefore the endless belts 55.

The drive means 58 comprise transverse threaded rods, comprising threads of opposite directions 61 carried by bearings 62 of the frame, driven in one direction or the other, to from a geared motor 63, also carried by the frame 33, via chain or equivalent 64.

The cut supply means 6 also include at least one stop 65 for positive drive of the cutouts D. Optionally, there are provided several tabs regularly spaced in the longitudinal direction. Also, preferably, there is provided a pair or more pairs of tabs 65 spaced transversely. These tabs 65 are placed between the endless belts 55, upstream. They are driven in synchronism with the endless belts 55 by drive means 66 connected to the geared motor 59 as well as to the shaft 60 by a transmission 67 for part common to the connection means 55a. The tabs 65 allow the cutouts D to be driven by pushing them by their upstream (or rear) transverse edge. The tabs 65 have the effect of preventing the inadvertent sliding of a die cut to be stamped on the endless belts 55. Such a situation could arise in the case of a light cut. Such a situation is all the more likely to occur since, according to the invention, the endless bands 55 must allow, in the area of the matrixing assembly 1, a sliding of the cut, the endless bands 55 then scrolling that the blank to be stamped remains stationary.

More specifically, a cleat 65 slides downstream as far as the middle part of the endless bands 55 and a support roller 68 ensuring a positive drive of the die to be stamped, driven in synchronism with the endless band placed opposite by drive and / or transmission and / or connection means, associated with means 55a and 67. The roller 68 has the effect of taking charge of the positive drive of a cut when the cleat 65 has disappeared in its extreme downstream position. It follows that the movement of the blank D in synchronism with the endless belts 55 is ensured which allows the location of the precise position of the blank D in motion. Near the roller 68 are placed means for detecting the cut to be stamped passing in line with the roller 68 such as a photoelectric cell. There are also provided, still close by, gluing means 69 for the lateral and longitudinal flaps 11 of the blank to be stamped. These gluing means 69, of a type which may be known per se taken in isolation, are controlled from an encoder 70 depending on the drive of the strips. endless 55 or support roller 68. The encoder 70 takes the form of a roller associated in particular with one of the end drums of the endless belts 55. This arrangement has the effect that according to a particularly longitudinal format of a die-cut to which corresponds a certain sizing program, the sizing means 69 are implemented precisely as a function of the position itself controlled of the cut on the endless belts 55. The gluing program consists in determining the lengths of the lines of glue 14 and their position on the longitudinal flaps 11.

According to another characteristic, the cutting feed means 6 comprise at least one store 71 of cutouts stacked at right and above the endless belts 55, upstream, with lower extraction opening 72, with loading opening superior 73. The magazine 71 is suitable for receiving cutouts of different formats. The magazine 71 is associated with means 74 for extracting the blank present in the extraction opening 72, such as suction cups 75 with controlled operation and displacement, in particular carried by an arm 76 mounted to pivot about a transverse axis. 77 pivotally driven from the gear motor 59 and the shaft 60 by a transmission 78.

In a possible embodiment, there is provided a single store 71 inclined from upstream to downstream and from bottom to top, limited by a fixed upstream cross member 79 or any equivalent member and two longitudinal and lateral longitudinal members 80 or equivalent carried by the support beams 57 of the endless belts 55. The cross member 79 and the side members 80 are of a length capable of allowing the storage of cutouts according to the maximum format and the minimum format as well as any intermediate format.

In another embodiment, several magazines of different formats are provided and means making it possible to use only the magazine corresponding to the desired format.

As already follows from the above, the die 3 is, as a whole, of general fixed position, slightly below the horizontal plane of the endless bands 55, while the punch 2 is mounted to slide vertically along the axis 15 above the matrix 3 being driven by the axial drive and blocking means 5. Such axial drive and blocking means 5 may comprise one or more vertical guides 81 on which are sliders 82 forming consoles and supporting a door beam punch 83, horizontal and transverse to which is rigidly fixed a punch holder 84, vertical and axial with axis 15, terminated at its lower part by the central sheath 24b. The slider 82 is driven vertically upwards or downwards, according to an appropriate kinematics, in particular from the geared motor 59 or the shaft 60 by means of an appropriate transmission 85.

The extraction and evacuation means 8 firstly comprise temporary blocking members 86 of a die cut cut in the matrix active at the time of stamping, namely during pressing by the pressers 45 as well as when sliding the punch 2 vertically upward to disengage it from the die 3 after stamping, so that the stamped cutout remains temporarily in the die 3 in a fixed, predetermined and constant position without being driven by the punch 2 in motion. These temporary blocking members 86 are, for example, suction cups carried by the pressers 45, associated with an appropriate vacuum supply.

Furthermore, the extraction and evacuation means 8 comprise, secondly, gripping members 87, mobile, placed below the die 3, capable of coming to grip and transport a die cut from below, on the bottom 10, when the temporary blocking members 86 have become inactive, in order to transfer the stamped cutout to a conveyor 88.

The gripping members 87 are for example suction cups associated with a vacuum supply carried by support means 89 ensure their movement in particular axially along the axis 15, connected by a transmission 90 to the gear motor 59 or to the 'shaft 60 or any other suitable motor. The conveyor 88 is for example a conveyor placed transversely below the matrix 3.

We will now describe the adjustment process which generally uses a programmable controller for controlling the adjustments of the various components and components of the machine, including the die-forging assembly 1, as a function of the dimensional characteristics of the cuts to be made. Thus, depending on a cut to be made, the appropriate magazine 71 must be adapted or selected, and likewise, the transverse spacing of the strips 55 must be adapted. The spacing of the endless belts 55 is achieved by the drive means 58. A cutout is extracted from the magazine 71 through the lower extraction opening 72 thanks to the suction cups 75 driven by the arm 76. The cutout to be stamped is deposited on endless belts 55 whose transverse spacing has therefore been previously adjusted. The endless bands 55 combined with the stopper 65 drive the die-cutting to the roller 68. The roller 68 clamps the die-cutting on the endless belt 55 so as to ensure its positive synchronous movement with the endless bands 55 and, as explained, the location of the cut. Thanks to the program and the data of the programmable controller, the gluing of the longitudinal flaps 11 is carried out by the gluing means 69 when the cut-out to be stamped is scrolled. In parallel, the longitudinal stop 7 has been adjusted and the punch 2 is in the waiting situation. The blank to be punched therefore arrives between the die 3 and the punch 2 in the exact stamping position determined by the longitudinal stop 7. It is then possible, thanks to the gear motor 59, to move the punch 2 vertically downward in the die 3 this which ensures the mastering of the cut. The suction cups 86 are implemented, with the pressers 45. The punch 2 can be released while, simultaneously, the suction cups 87 can come to grip the die cut and bring it on the conveyor 88. In the case where a dimensional adjustment of the stamping assembly is necessary, the following operations are carried out, in the absence of any cutout between the punch 2 and the die 3: There is a nesting / dislodging movement of the punch 2 and of the die 3 to bring them in the nested state. The punch 2 and the die 3 are brought to the unlocked state. One then acts on the jacks 46 to move the pressers 45 into the active position, this position being the only one to be taken into account to define the matrixing dimensions of the matrix 3. One then acts positively and directly on the matrix 3 in the direction of its contraction to ensure its configuration displacement up to the minimum reference dimension corresponding to the minimum dimension format, the punch being of free movement, the jacks 21 not preventing its movement in the sense of its contraction. From this minimum reference dimension of the matrix thus reached, one then acts positively and directly on the matrix 3, in the direction of its expansion and simultaneously one resiliently urges the punch 2 in the direction of its expansion in contact with the matrix 3 to the appropriate dimension of the punch 2. The punch 2 is then brought to the locked state in its appropriate dimension. We continue to act on the matrix 3 in the direction of its expansion to separate it laterally from the punch from the desired lateral matrixing spacings and this up to the appropriate dimension of the matrix 3. We then bring the matrix 3 to the state blocked in its appropriate dimension and, it ensures a displacement of interlocking-disengagement of the punch 2 and the die 3 to bring them into a waiting situation. In this waiting situation, it is possible to envisage forging a suitable cut. Previously, the pressers 45 are returned to the inactive position by the jacks 46.

Claims (40)

1. Method for the dimensional adjustment of a shaping assembly comprising two shaping members: a punch and a die, each in several distinct parts of relative positions which can be adjusted and locked by lateral configuring displacements, the two shaping members being capable of being moved relative to each other, as a whole, by axial fitting-together/separating displacements, the two shaping members being situated, on the one hand, each member separately, either in the locked state or in the unlocked state and, on the other hand, together, either in the fitted-together state or in the separated state, with a view to adapting the shaping assembly dimensionally to a format of a blank to be shaped, and to bringing it into a standby situation from which the shaping of the blank is made possible by the subsequent interaction of the two shaping members, this standby situation being such that the two shaping members are separated, locked and with lateral shaping clearances between their reciprocal constituent parts, which clearances are adapted to the thickness of the blank to be shaped, in which firstly the two shaping members are brought into the unlocked state, the appropriate lateral configuring displacements are then made, and lastly the two shaping members are brought into the locked state, characterised in that the following steps are carried out: firstly, in a keying step, the two shaping members are brought from their separated state into their fitted- together and unlocked state, with their reciprocal constituent parts in contact, by configuring and fitting- together/separating displacements, and in a predetermined reference configuration; then, in a first-adjustment step, only one of the two shaping members _ the driving adjusting member _ is acted upon positively and directly in order to ensure its configuring displacement, the driving adjusting member acting in turn directly on the other shaping member _ the driven adjusting member _ in order to ensure its configuring displacement, in synchronism, until a first shaping member is adjusted dimensionally; and, next, the first shaping member is brought into the locked state; in a second-adjustment step, only the second shaping member is acted upon positively and directly in order to ensure its configuring displacement in the direction of the lateral clearance with respect to the first shaping member, until the shaping lateral clearances are achieved, the second shaping member then being adjusted dimensionally; the second shaping member is brought into the locked state; and a fitting-together/separating displacement of the two shaping members is effected in order to bring them into the standby situation.

2. Adjustment method according to Claim 1, characterised in that, in order to bring the two shaping members into the reference configuration, the following steps are carried out, starting from a standby situation corresponding to a different blank format: a fittingtogether/separating displacement of the two shaping members is effected in order to bring them into the fitted-together state; the two shaping members are brought into the unlocked state; then, only one of the two shaping members _ the driving keying member _ is acted upon positively and directly in order to ensure its configuring displacement, the driving keying member firstly coming into contact with the other shaping member _ the driven keying member _ and then acting, in turn, directly on the driven keying member in order to effect its configuring displacement, in synchronism, until the reference configuration is achieved.

3. Adjustment method according to Claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the driving keying member is identical to the driving adjusting member; the driven keying member is identical to the driven adjusting member.

4. Adjustment method according to Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first shaping member is identical to the driven adjusting member; the second shaping member is identical to the driving adjusting member.

5. Adjustment method according to Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the reference configuration is that of a format of extreme dimension, in particular minimum dimension, of both of the two shaping members.

6. Adjustment method according to Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the respective configuring displacements of the keying step, on the one hand, and of the adjusting steps, on the other hand, are in opposite directions.

7. Adjustment method according to Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the configuring displacements of the keying step are displacements in the direction of contraction; the configuring displacements of the adjusting steps are in the direction of expansion.

8. Adjustment method according to Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the die is the driving adjusting member and the punch is the driven adjusting member.

9. Adjustment method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that, in order to effect the configuring displacement of a driven shaping member by means of a driving shaping member, itself undergoing a configuring displacement, the shaping members being fitted together, the driven member is stressed elastically into contact with the following [lacuna] member in the same direction as that in which it is stressed as a result of the displacement of the driving member.

10. Adjustment method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that, in order to adjust the first shaping member dimensionally, during the first- adjustment step, the configuring displacement of the first or second shaping member is effected over travels equal to the differences between the final desired dimensions of the first shaping member and the initial dimensions of the reference configuration.

11. Adjustment method according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that, in order to adjust the second shaping member dimensionally, during the second- adjustment step, the displacement of the second shaping member is effected over travels equal to the shaping lateral clearances.

12. Adjustment method according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the initial dimensions of the reference configuration, the final desired dimensions of the first shaping member, and the lateral shaping clearances, or the thickness of the blank to be shaped, are memorised.

13. Adjustment method according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a driving member is acted upon with a view to effecting its configuring displacement, and only the displacement travel of this driving member is indexed.

14. Adjustment method according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that, starting from a standby situation corresponding to a different blank format, the following steps are carried out: a fitting-together/ separating displacement of the punch and of the die is effected in order to bring them into the fitted-together state; the punch and the die are brought into the unlocked state; then, the die is acted upon positively and directly in the direction of its contraction in order to ensure its configuring displacement until the minimum reference dimension corresponding to the format of minium dimension is achieved, and the displacement of the punch by the die in the direction of its contraction is not prevented; once this minimum reference dimension of the die has been achieved, then the die is acted upon positively and directly in the direction of its expansion and the punch is stressed elastically in the direction of its expansion into contact with the die until the appropriate dimension of the punch is achieved; then the punch is brought into the locked state, in its appropriate dimension; the action on the die is continued in the direction of its expansion in order to move it away laterally from the punch by the desired lateral shaping clearances, until the appropriate dimension of the die is achieved; then the die is brought into the locked state, in its appropriate dimension; a fitting-together/separating displacement of the punch and of the die is effected in order to bring them into the standby situation.

15. Method for shaping blanks intended, in particular, for the production of packaging trays, in which a shaping assembly comprising two shaping members: a punch and a die is employed, and in which the shaping members are initially in the separated state; the shaping assembly is adjusted dimensionally, when necessary, in order to adapt it dimensionally to a format of a blank to be shaped and to bring it into the standby situation; a blank to be shaped is introduced between the two shaping members in the standby situation; a fitting- together/separating displacement of the two shaping members is effected in order to move them from the standby situation into the shaping position in which the two shaping members interact with each other on either side of a blank undergoing shaping; a fitting- together/separating displacement of the two shaping members is effected in order to move them from the shaping position into the standby situation; and, in this standby situation, the shaped blank is extracted and carried away from between the two shaping members, characterised in that the shaping assembly is adjusted dimensionally using the adjusting method according to Claims 1 to 14, so as to be able to shape, in a flexible and automatic manner, blanks of different formats.

16. Blank-shaping assembly comprising two shaping members: a punch (2) and a die (3), each in several distinct parts of relative positions which can be adjusted and locked by lateral configuring displacements via lateral driving and locking means (4), the two shaping members being capable of being moved relative to each other as a whole, by axial driving and locking displacements, via axial driving and locking means (5), the two shaping members being situated, on the one hand, each member separately, either in the locked state or in the unlocked state and, on the other hand, together, either in the fitted-together state or in the separated state, with a view to adapting dimensionally the shaping assembly which can be situated, in particular, in a standby situation in which the shaping members are separated, locked and with lateral shaping clearances between their reciprocal constituent parts, and in a shaping position in which the shaping members are fitted together and interact for the effective shaping of a blank placed between them, characterised in that the lateral driving and locking means (4) of the two shaping members are partially common to the two shaping members and comprise, on the one hand, bidirectional positive driving means with possible locking (16) in any position, which means are associated with and act directly on one of the two shaping members _ the driving adjusting member _ and, on the other hand, unidirectional elastic means with possible locking (17) in any position, which means are associated with and act directly on the other shaping member _ the driven member _ so that, when the unidirectional elastic means are unlocked, firstly these means act on the driven adjusting member in order to stress it into contact with the driving member, the two shaping members being fitted together, and secondly, the bidirectional driving means drive the driven adjusting member indirectly via the driving adjusting member.

17. Shaping assembly according to Claim 16, characterised in that the bidirectional driving means with possible locking (16) are for indexing the displacement travel of the driving adjusting member.

18. Shaping assembly according to Claims 16, 17, characterised in that the bidirectional driving means with possible locking (16) comprise at least one threaded rod (18), the pivoting of which in one or other direction is ensured by at least one motor (19), a tapped hole (20) of the driving adjusting member interacting with the threaded rod.

19. Shaping assembly according to Claims 16 to 18, characterised in that the driving adjusting member comprises four distinct parts (26a-d) carried by four distinct support blocks (27); the bidirectional driving means with locking comprise firstly a first pair of parallel threaded rods (18a), each with two screw threads of opposite directions, interacting with appropriate tapped holes (20) of the support blocks (27), this first pair of threaded rods being carried by bearing blocks (28), secondly a second pair of parallel threaded rods (18b), each with two screw threads of opposite directions, interacting with appropriate tapped holes (31) of the bearing blocks (28), thirdly support bearings (32) for the second pair of threaded rods, which support bearings are carried by a frame (33), fourthly two motors (19a, 19b) and two transmission means connecting the two motors to the two pairs of threaded rods respectively, and fifthly means for controlling the two motors including means for indexing and for memorising the number of revolutions, or fraction of revolutions, effected by the threaded rods.

20. Shaping assembly according to Claim 19, characterised in that the two pairs (18a, 18b) of threaded rods are firstly arranged, on the one hand, longitudinally and, on the other hand, transversely, secondly are placed towards the outside of the constituent parts of the die (3), and thirdly each comprise a free clearance space in which are placed, at the desired locations, the constituent parts of the die, by virtue of their dimensional adjustment.

21. Shaping assembly according to Claims 16 to 20, characterised in that the unidirectional elastic means with possible locking (17) comprise at least one compressed-air actuator (21) acting on the driven adjusting member, and a compressed-air supply associated with the actuator and which can be cut, with connection to the open air.

22. Shaping assembly according to Claim 21, characterised in that the unidirectional elastic means with possible locking (17) also comprise a positive locking member (22) acting on the driven member.

23. Shaping assembly according to Claim 22, characterised in that the positive locking member is a locking head (22), driven by an actuator (23), acting on the rod of the compressed-air actuator.

24. Shaping assembly according to Claims 21 to 23, characterised in that the compressed-air actuator is a single-acting actuator, in particular acting in the direction of the expansion of the driven member.

25. Shaping assembly according to Claims 21 to 24, characterised in that it comprises, with respect to the driven member, at least one sleeve (24) forming a block, each incorporating, longitudinally, at least one compressed-air actuator (21), thus guiding at least one constituent part of the driven member, and to which is fastened transversely the locking actuator at right angles to the compressed-air actuator, orifices (25) for conveying compressed air to the actuators being made in the sleeve.

26. Shaping assembly according to Claims 16 to 25, characterised in that the driven member comprises four distinct parts (41a-d) constituting two pairs supported by two outer sleeves (24a), via the rods (21a) of first compressed-air actuators, the two outer sleeves being themselves supported by a central sleeve (24b), via the rods (21a) of second compressed-air actuators (21); the unidirectional elastic means with locking (17) comprise firstly at least four first compressed-air actuators arranged in parallel, one for each part of the punch, two opposite each other on each outer sleeve (24a); secondly at least two second compressed-air actuators arranged in parallel between them and perpendicularly to the first actuators, one for each outer sleeve and both opposite each other on the central sleeve; thirdly four first locking actuators (23) carried by the outer sleeves and acting on the first compressed-air actuators, fourthly two second locking actuators carried by the central sleeve and acting on the second compressed-air actuators; and fifthly orifices (25) for conveying compressed air, on the outer sleeves and central sleeve, in communication on one side with, on the one hand, the first and the second compressed-air actuators and, on the other hand, the first and second locking actuators, and on the other side with compressed-air supplies which can be cut.

27. Shaping assembly according to Claim 26, characterised in that each first or second compressed-air actuator (21) is a double actuator, the two actuators of which it is composed being in immediate proximity to each other, and a single locking actuator (23) is associated with them.

28. Shaping assembly according to Claim 27, characterised in that the locking head (22) is tapered at its leading outer end, swollen at its rear end and coated externally with a flexible and/or anti-slip material.

29. Shaping assembly according to Claims 16 to 28, characterised in that the driving member is the die (3) and the driven member is the punch (2).

30. Shaping assembly according to Claims 16 to 29, characterised in that the die comprises, for each of its, constituent parts, a pressing device (45) for the glue-coated flaps, mounted so as to slide in the contraction and expansion directions under the action of a driving member (46), and a plate for folding the flaps (44).

31. Blank-shaping machine, intended in particular for the production of packaging trays, comprising blank-supply means (6); a shaping assembly comprising two shaping members: a punch (2) and a die (3) which are coaxial, each in several distinct parts of relative positions which can be adjusted and locked by lateral configuring displacements via lateral driving and locking means, the two shaping members being capable of being moved relative to each other, as a whole, by axial fitting-together/separating displacements via axial driving and locking means, the two shaping members being situated, on the one hand, each member separately, either in the locked state or in the unlocked state and, on the other hand, together, either in the fitted-together state or in the separated state, with a view to adapting the shaping assembly dimensionally to a format of a blank to be shaped, it being possible for the shaping assembly to be situated, in particular, in a standby situation in which the shaping members are separated, locked and with lateral shaping clearances between their reciprocal constituent parts, and in a shaping position in which the shaping members are fitted together and interact for the effective shaping of a blank placed between them; means (7) forming a longitudinal stop, associated with the supply means and capable of locking the blank to be shaped in the appropriate position with a view to its shaping by the shaping assembly; and means (8) for extracting and carrying away a shaped blank (D), characterised in that the shaping assembly is, according to any one of Claims 16 to 30, such that the same machine permits the shaping of blanks of different formats.

32. Shaping machine according to Claim 31, characterised in that the axis of the shaping assembly is fixed, the means (7) forming a longitudinal stop being displaceable longitudinally and lockable in any position via driving and locking means (49), these driving and locking means being controlled as a function of the format of the blank to be shaped so that the latter is keyed on the axis of the shaping assembly (15).

33. Shaping machine according to Claims 31, 32, characterised in that the blank-supply means (6) comprise two continuously running, lateral and longitudinal endless bands (55) which is [sic] tensioned between end drums (56) carried by two lateral and longitudinal support beams (57) which are themselves carried by a frame (33) so as to be adjustable transversely but lockable in any position by driving means (58) controlled as a function of the transverse format of the blank to be shaped, the endless bands (55) also extending downstream vertically at right angles to the shaping assembly, transversely outside the latter, in a plane slightly above the die, the endless bands permitting the relative slipping on itself [sic] of the blank in the shaping position, locked on the means forming a stop (7), being stressed towards them by the moving endless bands.

34. Shaping machine according to Claim 33, characterised in that the blank-supply means also comprise at least one catch (65) for the positive driving of the blanks, which catch is placed between the endless bands (55), upstream, and is driven in synchronism with the endless bands by driving means so as to prevent, in the upstream direction and before the shaping assembly, the inadvertent slipping of a blank to be shaped on the endless bands.

35. Shaping machine according to Claims 33 to 34, characterised in that the driving catch slides in the upstream direction as far as the central part of the endless bands, and a pressing roller (68) for the positive driving of the blank to be shaped, which pressing roller is driven in synchronism with the endless band placed opposite by driving means, in proximity to which are placed means for detecting a blank to be shaped and means (69) for coating the lateral and longitudinal flaps (11) of the blank to be shaped with glue, which means (69) are controlled from an encoder (70) in dependence on the driving of the endless bands or of the pressing roller.

36. Shaping machine according to Claims 33 to 35, characterised in that the blank-supply means (6) comprise at least one magazine (71) of stacked blanks at right angles to and above the upstream endless bands, having a lower opening (72) for extraction, capable of receiving blanks of different formats, with which magazine are associated extraction means such as controlled-operation and -displacement suction cups (75).

37. Shaping machine according to Claims 33 to 36, characterised in that it comprises a single magazine (71) inclined from upstream to downstream and from top to bottom, limited by a fixed upstream cross piece (79) and two longitudinal and lateral side bars (80) carried by the support beams (57) for the endless bands (55), the cross piece and the side bars being of lengths capable of permitting the storage in the magazine of blanks of maximum format.

38. Shaping machine according to Claims 33 to 37, characterised in that the die (3) as a whole is of a fixed general position, slightly beneath the plane of the endless bands (55); the punch (2) is mounted so as to slide vertically above the die and is driven by the axial driving and locking means.

39. Shaping machine according to Claims 31 to 38, characterised in that the extraction and carrying-away means (8) comprise firstly members (86) for temporarily locking a shaped blank in the die, which members are active when the punch (2) is freed from the die at the end of the shaping, so that the shaped blank remains temporarily in the die without being driven by the punch when it is engaged; secondly movable gripping members (87) placed beneath the die and capable of gripping a shaped blank from beneath when the temporary-locking members are rendered inactive, and of transferring it on to a conveyor (88).

40. Shaping machine according to Claim 39, characterised in that the temporary-locking members (86) are suction cups carried by one or more pressing devices (45) of the die; the gripping members (87) are suction cups.

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