EP0466599A1 - Method and apparatus for packing containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine for packing pots (2) in two rows, in a pack (1) forming a jacket consisting of: a bottom panel (3) having raised portions (8) for the positioning of the pots (2); side panels (4a, 4b); and top panels (6a, 6b) joined rigidly together; comprising: a) means (17) for supplying blanks F for packs, and blank-moving means (25); b) a device (28) for folding and erecting the raised portions and for positioning; c) means (19) for feeding two series of pots; d) means (30) for folding the side panels (4a, 4b); e) means (31) for folding and for joining the top panels (6a, 6b), characterised in that the device (28) comprises: - a station (32) for folding through about a quarter of a revolution, in a first direction; - a station (33) for the gluing of tabs; - a station (34) for folding through about a quarter of a revolution, in the first direction; - a station (35) for folding through about a quarter of a revolution, in a second direction; - a station (36) for reciprocal pressing; and - a station (37) for folding through about a quarter of a revolution, in the second direction. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method and a packaging machine.

It is more particularly applicable to the production of packages each comprising pots arranged in two rows side by side and a packaging forming a jacket surrounding these pots and comprising a base panel having reinforcement and positioning projections of the pots, panels side and upper panels overlapping and rigidly associated with each other.

The document EP-A-0 149 351 relates to a method and a machine for producing packets of a neighboring type. Such a machine comprises: a device for continuously feeding a series of flat packaging blanks; a device for folding and straightening reinforcement tabs formed in the base panel of each of the blanks; devices for simultaneously advancing two linear series of jars to be packaged, each jar being brought above the corresponding blank; a device for bringing each pot into the corresponding opening made in the base panel; a device for folding the reinforcement tabs on the pots; a device for vertically folding the side walls as well as horizontally a first portion of the top wall; an adhesive application device on the legs and this first upper wall portion; a device for folding a second portion of upper wall over the first; and a device for pressing the two portions on top of each other. According to this document, the reinforcement tabs are separated from each other and obtained thanks to the openings drilled in the base panel of the packaging blank, these openings serving, in turn, to receive the pots and to keep placed in relation to each other. As a result of this structure it is possible to fold and straighten the reinforcement tabs by means of a device of the type comprising a rotary element and fingers projecting radially, the rotary element being placed below the plan of travel of the blanks and fingers crossing the openings of the base panel.

Also known from document US-A-3,234,706 is a machine for packaging cans which implements a cardboard blank originally flat and open; this cut being provided with transverse parallel fold lines; and this cutout being closed on itself around several cans and rigidly associated with itself.

According to document US-A-3 166 879 there is described a wrap-around machine for canned bunches in which also a cutout is folded.

Document US-A-2 974 454 also describes a method and an apparatus for packaging cans.

However, these documents all relate to a technology different from that which is concerned here by the invention.

The object of the invention is to produce a packaging of the general type mentioned in the preamble, having reinforcing and positioning projections in the form of a continuous longitudinal beam adjoining the base panel, in its middle part and passing in line with tabs. transverse cut in the base panel opposite each other, superimposed and secured two by two.

Another object of the invention is to obtain such packages from blanks only cut, flat, the beams not yet being formed, on a single line or machine on which both beams, positioning the pots and closing the packaging on itself.

Another object of the invention is to achieve high rates with good reliability and at satisfactory economic conditions and without, on the contrary, affecting the quality of the packaging produced and the operational safety.

• (i) un panneau de base ayant des saillies de rigidification et de positionnement des pots ;
• (ii) des panneaux latéraux attenants ;
• (iii) des panneaux supérieurs attenants, à recouvrement et associés rigidement ensemble ;
• cette machine comprenant :
• a) des moyens d'alimentation de flans d'emballage dépliés à plat et des moyens mobiles de transfert horizontal de flans successifs ;
     et associés d'amont en aval le long des moyens de transfert :
• b) un dispositif de pliage et d'érection des saillies de rigidification et de positionnement ;
• c) des moyens d'amenée de deux séries de pots fonctionnant en synchronisme avec les moyens de transfert depuis une alimentation en pots jusqu'à une localisation proche des moyens de transfert pour amener les pots à être sur les panneaux de base adjacents et de part et d'autre des saillies de rigidication et de positionnement ;
• d) des moyens de pliage des panneaux latéraux jusqu'à une position générale érigée et contre les pots ;
• e) des moyens de pliage et de solidarisation réciproque des panneaux supérieurs,

dans laquelle le dispositif de pliage et d'érection des saillies de rigidification et de positionnement comprend, places le long des moyens de transfert :

• un premier poste initial de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans un premier sens pour amener une première partie latérale et la partie médiane du panneau de base dans une position générale érigée et dégager ainsi des secondes languettes prolongeant la seconde partie latérale du panneau de base ;
• un poste d'encollage de languettes ;
• un deuxième poste de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans le premier sens pour amener une seconde zone latérale de la partie médiane jusqu'à une position générale horizontale sur la seconde partie latérale ;
• un troisième poste de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans un second sens pour amener la première partie latérale, la zone centrale et la première zone latérale de la partie médiane jusqu'à une position générale horizontale, les premières languettes venant au contact des secondes languettes ;
• un poste de pressage réciproque des premières et secondes languettes ;
• un quatrième poste terminal de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans le second sens pour amener les deux zones latérales de la partie médiane jusqu'à une position générale verticale.

These aims are achieved by a machine for packaging pots arranged in two rows, in a packaging forming a jacket comprising, interconnected by longitudinal fold lines:

• (i) a base panel having projections for stiffening and positioning the pots;
• (ii) adjoining side panels;
• (iii) adjoining upper panels, overlapping and rigidly associated together;
• this machine comprising:
• a) means for feeding packaging blanks unfolded flat and mobile means for horizontal transfer of successive blanks;
  and partners from upstream to downstream along the means of transfer:
• b) a device for folding and erecting the stiffening and positioning projections;
• c) means for supplying two series of pots operating in synchronism with the transfer means from a supply of pots to a location close to the transfer means to bring the pots to be on the adjacent base panels and on the other hand and on the other, stiffening and positioning projections;
• d) means for folding the side panels to a general erected position and against the pots;
• e) means for folding and reciprocally securing the upper panels,

in which the device for folding and erecting the stiffening and positioning projections comprises, places along the transfer means:

• a first initial folding station of about a quarter of a turn and in a first direction to bring a first lateral part and the middle part of the base panel into a generally erected position and thus release second tabs extending the second lateral part of the panel basic ;
• a tab gluing station;
• a second folding station of approximately a quarter turn and in the first direction to bring a second lateral zone of the middle part to a generally horizontal position on the second side part;
• a third folding station of approximately a quarter turn and in a second direction to bring the first lateral part, the central zone and the first lateral zone of the middle part to a generally horizontal position, the first tabs coming into contact second tabs;
• a reciprocal pressing station for the first and second tabs;
• a fourth terminal folding station of about a quarter of a turn and in the second direction to bring the two lateral zones of the middle part to a general vertical position.

• des moyens d'alimentation de flans d'emballage dépliés à plat et des moyens mobiles de transfert horizontal de flans successifs ;
     et, associés le long des moyens de transfert :
• un premier poste initial de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans un premier sens pour amener une première partie latérale et une partie médiane d'un panneau de base d'un flan dans une position générale érigée, et dégager ainsi des secondes languettes, prolongeant une seconde partie latérale du panneau de base ;
• un poste d'encollage de languettes ;
• un deuxième poste de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans le premier sens pour amener une seconde zone latérale de la partie médiane jusqu'à une position générale horizontale sur la seconde partie latérale ;
• un troisième poste de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans un second sens pour amener la première partie latérale, la zone centrale et la première zone latérale de la partie médiane jusqu'à une position générale horizontale, les premières languettes venant au contact des secondes languettes ;
• un poste final de pressage réciproque des premières et secondes languettes.

According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a device for producing a beam on a packaging blank, characterized in that it comprises:

• means for feeding packaging blanks unfolded flat and mobile means for horizontal transfer of successive blanks;
  and, associated along the transfer means:
• a first initial folding station of approximately a quarter turn and in a first direction to bring a first lateral part and a central part of a base panel of a blank in a generally erected position, and thus release second tabs , extending a second side portion of the base panel;
• a tab gluing station;
• a second folding station of approximately a quarter turn and in the first direction to bring a second lateral zone of the middle part to a generally horizontal position on the second side part;
• a third folding station of approximately a quarter turn and in a second direction to bring the first lateral part, the central zone and the first lateral zone of the middle part to a generally horizontal position, the first tabs coming into contact second tabs;
• a final reciprocal pressing station for the first and second tabs.

• a) des moyens mobiles de transfert horizontal de flans successifs pourvus de la poutre pliée ;
     et associés d'amont en aval le long des moyens de transfert :
• b) un dispositif d'érection de la poutre ;
• c) des moyens d'amenée de deux séries de pots fonctionnant en synchronisme avec les moyens de transfert depuis une alimentation en pots jusqu'à une localisation proche des moyens de transfert pour amener les pots à être sur les panneaux de base adjacents et de part et d'autre de la poutre ;
• d) des moyens de pliage des panneaux latéraux jusqu'à une position générale érigée et contre les pots ;
• e) des moyens de pliage et de solidarisation réciproque des panneaux supérieurs.

This device can be incorporated in an installation for packaging pots arranged in two rows in a packaging forming a jacket having a beam for stiffening and positioning the pots, further comprising a device for packaging the pots with the blanks beforehand. prepared, including himself:

• a) mobile means for horizontal transfer of successive blanks provided with the folded beam;
  and partners from upstream to downstream along the means of transfer:
• b) a device for erecting the beam;
• c) means for supplying two series of pots operating in synchronism with the transfer means from a supply of pots to a location close to the transfer means for bringing the pots to be on the adjacent base panels and on either side of the beam;
• d) means for folding the side panels to a general erected position and against the pots;
• e) means for folding and reciprocal securing of the upper panels.

• on effectue d'abord, un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans un premier sens d'une partie latérale et d'une partie médiane d'un panneau de base du flan et on dégage des secondes languettes prolongeant une seconde partie latérale du panneau de base ;
• on encolle ensuite des languettes ;
• on effectue un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans le même premier sens pour amener une seconde zone latérale de la partie médiane sur la seconde partie latérale ;
• on effectue un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans un second sens opposé au premier pour amener les premières languettes au contact des secondes languettes ;
• on presse réciproquement, les premières et les secondes languettes pour assurer leur solidarisation ;
• on effectue un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans le second sens pour ériger les deux zones latérales par rapport aux deux parties latérales.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a beam projecting from a packaging blank in which:

• first of all, a relative folding of at least a quarter turn and in a first direction of a side part and a middle part of a base panel of the blank and second tabs are released extending a second side portion of the base panel;
• then glue tabs;
• performing a relative folding of at least a quarter of a turn and in the same first direction to bring a second lateral zone of the middle part to the second lateral part;
• performing a relative folding of at least a quarter of a turn and in a second direction opposite to the first to bring the first tabs into contact with the second tabs;
• the first and second tabs are pressed reciprocally to ensure their joining;
• performing a relative folding of at least a quarter of a turn and in the second direction to erect the two lateral zones with respect to the two lateral parts.

Other characteristics and advantages will result from the following description of a form of possible production with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view, from above, of a machine for packaging pots in a packaging forming a jacket with stiffening projections and positioning pots beam-shaped.

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the machine of Figure 1, the blanks and pots being shown in several successive situations.

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a device for making a beam on a packaging blank as well as its operation and the process used, blanks being shown in several successive situations.

• Les figures 7A et 7B sont deux vues, en plan, partielles, du flan mis en oeuvre respectivement déplié à plat et sans poutre constituée (figure 7A) et avec poutre constituée ( figure 7B).

Figures 4, 5, and 6 are three perspective views, partial, on a larger scale, of the device of Figure 3 respectively illustrating more particularly the initial, intermediate and terminal phases of operation of this device.

• FIGS. 7A and 7B are two views, in plan, partial, of the blank used, respectively, unfolded flat and without constituted beam (FIG. 7A) and with constituted beam (FIG. 7B).

• (i) un panneau de base 3 ;
• (ii) des (deux dans le cas des figures) panneaux latéraux 4a, 4b reliés au panneau de base 3 de part et d'autre de celui-ci par des lignes de pliage longitudinales 5a, 5b ;
• (iii) des (deux dans le cas des figures) panneaux supérieurs 6a, 6b, reliés aux panneaux latéraux 4a, 4b, par d'autres lignes de pliage longitudinales 7a, 7b.

The invention relates to the production of a packaging 1 for jars 2 such as thermoformed jars with lids for milk products. The pots 2, once packed, are arranged in two rows R1, R2 and the packaging 1 surrounds them and forms a tubular jacket extending in a longitudinal direction. In order to facilitate the description, the following constituent parts are defined for packaging 1:

• (i) a base panel 3;
• (ii) (two in the case of the figures) side panels 4a, 4b connected to the base panel 3 on either side thereof by longitudinal fold lines 5a, 5b;
• (iii) (two in the case of the figures) upper panels 6a, 6b, connected to the side panels 4a, 4b, by other longitudinal fold lines 7a, 7b.

The base panel 3 has stiffening projections and positioning of the pots 1 in the form of a median longitudinal beam 8.

The upper panels 6a, 6b overlap each other and are rigidly associated together, by gluing in the example described. One 6a can be narrow to form an internal bonding tab and the other, 6b, wide to constitute the outer panel of the package 1.

• (i) une première et une seconde parties latérales 9a, 9b attenantes aux lignes de pliage 5a, 5b, respectivement ;
• (ii) une partie médiane 10 située entre les deux parties latérales 9a, 9b, et articulée à celles-ci autour de lignes de pliage longitudinales 11a, 11b, comprenant elle-même :
• Á)une zone centrale 12 continue longitudinalement ;
• β) une première et une secondes zones latérales 13a, 13b articulées respectivement d'une part autour des lignes 11a, 11b et d'autre part à la zone centrale 12 autour des lignes de pliage longitudinales 14a, 14b. Chaque zone latérale 13a, 13b, est en plusieurs portions séparées par des découpes 15. Les découpes et les portions de zones latérales sont, pour les deux zones laterales 13a, 13b, situées au regard, respectivement, par paires.
• Γ) Une même pluralité de premières et secondes languettes (ou pattes) 16a, 16b, en regard, par paires, provenant des découpes 15, prolongent les parties latérales 9a, 9b au delà des lignes 11a, 11b et vers la zone centrale 12.

On the base panel 3, when the package 1 is unfolded flat, the beam 8 is not formed (FIG. 7A), the following parts:

• (i) first and second lateral parts 9a, 9b adjoining the fold lines 5a, 5b, respectively;
• (ii) a middle part 10 situated between the two lateral parts 9a, 9b, and articulated thereto around longitudinal fold lines 11a, 11b, itself comprising:
• Á) a central zone 12 continues longitudinally;
• β) first and second lateral zones 13a, 13b articulated respectively on the one hand around the lines 11a, 11b and on the other hand at the central zone 12 around the longitudinal fold lines 14a, 14b. Each lateral zone 13a, 13b, is in several portions separated by cutouts 15. The cutouts and the portions of zones lateral, for the two lateral zones 13a, 13b, located at the sight, respectively, in pairs.
• Γ) The same plurality of first and second tongues (or legs) 16a, 16b, facing each other, in pairs, coming from the cutouts 15, extend the lateral parts 9a, 9b beyond the lines 11a, 11b and towards the central zone 12.

When the beam 8 is formed (FIG. 7b), the lateral parts 9a, 9b are coplanar with the tongues 16a, 16b superimposed and secured together; the lateral zones 13a, 13b project from the plane of the lateral parts 9a, 9b (for example at approximately 90 °); the central area 12 is spaced transversely from this plane and located opposite the tongues 16a, 16b.

In the packaging 1, the pots 2 rest by their bottoms on the side parts 9a, 9b full. Their side walls are, inwards, guided by the free edges of the cutouts 15 in the central zone 12. On their covers are pressed the upper panels 6a, 6b. The side panels 4a, 4b are pressed on their side walls, towards the outside.

A machine in accordance with the invention (FIG. 1) makes it possible to package pots 2 in a package 1 as described on the one hand from a stock of blanks F unfolded flat, beams 8 not formed, stacked in a store, forming part of supply means 17 in blanks and on the other hand of supply 18 in pots.

Such a machine comprises a frame 19 extending on the ground along a general horizontal longitudinal direction 20. The machine comprises towards an upstream end 21 the supply means 17 and the supply 18 and, towards the downstream end opposite 22 an outlet conveyor 23 for packages 24 made up of groups of pots 2 surrounded by packages 1. On the frame 19 and along the longitudinal direction 20 extend transfer means 25.

The transfer means 25 are preferably continuous operation but can also operate in steps. In operation and for their active parts, they are driven in a general sliding movement along the longitudinal direction 20 and in a certain direction (from left to right in the figures, according to arrow X). This direction X makes it possible to define the "upstream" and "downstream" positions and the "before" and "after" situations to which we refer.

• un dispositif 28 de pliage et d'érection des saillies de rigidification et de positionnement de pots en ou forme de poutre 8;
• des moyens 29 d'amenée des pots jusqu'à une localisation proche des moyens de transfert 25 pour amener les pots 2 à se trouver sur les panneaux de base 3 tout en étant adjacents et de part et d'autre de la poutre 8 ;
• des moyens 30 de pliage des panneaux latéraux 4a, 4b jusqu'à une position générale érigée et contre les pots 2 ;
• des moyens 31 de pliage et de solidarisation réciproque des panneaux supérieurs 6a, 6b.

The transfer means 25 are associated, upstream, with the blank magazine and with a device 26 for extracting and depositing the blanks, individually, on the transfer means 25 in a generally horizontal situation with the lines folding 5a, 5b, 7a, 7b, 11a, 11b, 14a, 14b, parallel to the longitudinal direction 20 and the tongues 16a, 16b directed horizontally and perpendicularly, parallel to a general direction 27 called transverse of which edges are also parallel free of blanks F. Downstream, the transfer means 25 are associated with the conveyor 23. Between them and from upstream to downstream are associated with the transfer means 25:

• a device 28 for folding and erecting the stiffening projections and positioning pots in or in the form of a beam 8;
• means 29 for bringing the pots to a location close to the transfer means 25 for causing the pots 2 to be on the base panels 3 while being adjacent to and on either side of the beam 8;
• means 30 for folding the side panels 4a, 4b to a generally erected position and against the pots 2;
• means 31 for folding and reciprocally securing the upper panels 6a, 6b.

The blank magazine can receive these unitarily placed in a vertical plane with the vertical fold lines, the stack extending horizontally. The extraction device 26 may include movable arms and suction cups. The means 29 for feeding pots may comprise two symmetrical sets on either side of the transfer means 25, each having several drive wheels with notches, capable of coming into correspondence with the transfer means 25 for depositing on a blank F driven by these and lying opposite a suitable group of pots 2.

• un premier poste 32 initial de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans un premier sens pour amener la première partie latérale 9a et la partie médiane 10 dans une position génerale érigée et dégager ainsi les secondes languettes 16b ;
• un poste 33 d'encollage de languettes ;
• un deuxième poste 34 de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans le premier sens pour amener la seconde zone latérale 13b jusqu'à une position générale horizontale sur la seconde partie latérale 9b. Le deuxième poste 34 est placé en aval du premier poste 32 ;
• un troisième poste 35 de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans un second sens pour amener la première partie latérale 9a, la zone centrale 12 et la première zone latérale 13a jusqu'à une position générale horizontale, les premières languettes 16a venant au contact des secondes languettes 16b ;
• un poste 36 de pressage réciproque des premières et secondes languettes 16a, 16b situé essentiellement vers l'aval 35b du troisième poste 35 ;
• un quatrième poste 37 terminal de pliage d'environ un quart de tour et dans le second sens pour amener les deux zones latérales 13a, 13b jusqu'à une position générale verticale.

The device 28 for folding and erecting the beam 8 comprises (FIGS. 3 to 6) placed from upstream to downstream along the transfer means 25:

• a first initial station 32 for folding about a quarter of a turn and in a first direction to bring the first lateral part 9a and the middle part 10 into a general erected position and thus release the second tabs 16b;
• a station 33 for gluing tabs;
• a second folding station 34 of about a quarter turn and in the first direction to bring the second lateral zone 13b to a generally horizontal position on the second lateral part 9b. The second station 34 is placed downstream of the first station 32;
• a third folding station 35 of about a quarter turn and in a second direction to bring the first lateral part 9a, the central zone 12 and the first lateral zone 13a to a generally horizontal position, the first tabs 16a coming to the contact of the second tabs 16b;
• a station 36 for reciprocal pressing of the first and second tongues 16a, 16b situated essentially downstream 35b from the third station 35;
• a fourth station 37 folding terminal of about a quarter turn and in the second direction to bring the two lateral zones 13a, 13b to a general vertical position.

It should be understood that the concept of "quarter-turn" folding is not limiting. It makes it possible to understand that compared to an initial position where two parts of the blank are substantially coplanar, they form, after said folding about a quarter of a turn, an angle such that one of the parts projects relative to the plane of the other. However, the final angle between the two parts can be substantially smaller or greater than 90 °, for example being between 45 ° and 135 ° approximately.

The machine further comprises means 38 for pressing the pots 2 on the blanks F to ensure that their relative positions are maintained, extending between the means 29 for feeding the pots and the means 31 for folding and securing.

The concept of "post" as it is envisaged here relates to a set of functional means aiming to carry out the functions of folding, gluing, pressing respectively targeted, these different means being able to be nested more or less in each other and s' extend more or less along the longitudinal direction 20.

In particular in the machine shown in the figures, the second and third folding stations 34, 35 are partially nested, the respective folding operations being partly concomitant, the upstream end 34a of the second folding station 34 being located at most 'upstream 35a of the third folding station and the end downstream 34b of the second folding station 34 being located at the most downstream 35b of the third folding station 35. From upstream to downstream there is, consequently, the second folding station 34; then together the second and third stations 34, 35; and, finally, the only third station 35. The gluing station 33 is located downstream from the downstream end 34b of the second folding station 34 and on the third folding station 35 but distant from its downstream end 35b , in particular in its middle part 35c.

According to other alternative embodiments, not shown, the stations are not nested or are even spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction 20. Optionally, the gluing station 33 is located between the first and second folding stations 32, 34 .

• Un tronçon préliminaire 39 à proximité du dispositif d'extraction 26, recevant les flans F provenant du magasin de flans. Ce tronçon préliminaire comporte, par exemple, une ou plusieurs courroies (ou équivalent) sans fin à taquets poussoirs espacés aptes à d'une part recevoir et supporter les flans et, d'autre part, les pousser par leur bord libre transversal amont.
• Un premier tronçon 40 placé vers l'amont et à la suite du tronçon préliminaire 39, le long duquel sont placés les postes 32, 33, 34, 35 et 36. Ce premier tronçon 40 comprend des organes de pression aptes à assurer le maintien positif et l'entraînement des flans F, à ne pas empêcher l'accès à la partie médiane 10 des flans, à ne pas empêcher les pliages intervenant dans les premier, deuxième et troisième postes 32, 34, 35. Par exemple le premier tronçon 40 comprend une ou plusieurs paires de bandes sans fin avec friction appliquées fermement sur les deux faces opposées, dessus et dessous, du second panneau latéral 4b et/ou du second panneau supérieur 6b. A cet effet, de telles bandes sans fin sont décalées latéralement par rapport à la direction longitudinale médiane où se trouve la partie médiane 10 et du côté opposé où se trouve le dispositif 28 de pliage et d'érection.
• Un second tronçon 41, placé vers l'aval, venant en reprise du premier tronçon 40 vers l'aval, le long duquel sont placés les postes 36 et 37. Un tel second tronçon peut être du même type général que le tronçon préliminaire. Les courroies à taquets poussoirs étant au voisinage mais écartées de la partie médiane 10 des flans pour ne pas empêcher le déploiement de la poutre 8. Ce même second tronçon 41 est prolongé vers l'aval jusqu'au convoyeur 23 ou, en variante un tronçon terminal vient en reprise du second tronçon 41. Le long du prolongement du second tronçon 41 vers l'aval ou du tronçon terminal sont placés les moyens d'amenée 29, de pliage 30 et de pliage et solidarisation 31. Dans cette partie aval, le second tronçon 41 où le tronçon terminal a une structure apte à recevoir non seulement les flans F mais également les pots 2 portés par ceux-ci ainsi qu'à encaisser les forces appliquées par les moyens de pliage et solidarisation 30, 31, et les moyens de pressage 38.

The transfer means 25 comprise, in the case of the machine shown, several sections arranged to allow the passage and recovery between them of the blanks F, therefore generally located relative to each other so as to follow each other, with suitable junction, along the longitudinal direction 20. All the sections thus arranged, operate in synchronism and in a coordinated manner and constitute the transfer means 25. These sections are, from upstream to downstream:

• A preliminary section 39 near the extraction device 26, receiving the blanks F from the blank store. This preliminary section comprises, for example, one or more endless belts (or equivalent) with spaced-apart pusher cleats capable of on the one hand receiving and supporting the blanks and, on the other hand, pushing them by their free transverse upstream edge.
• A first section 40 placed upstream and following the preliminary section 39, along which the stations 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 are placed. This first section 40 includes pressure members capable of ensuring positive holding and driving of the blanks F, not to prevent access to the middle part 10 of the blanks, not to prevent the folds occurring in the first, second and third positions 32, 34, 35. For example, the first section 40 comprises one or more pairs of endless bands with friction applied firmly to the two opposite faces, above and below, of the second side panel 4b and / or of the second upper panel 6b. To this end, such endless bands are offset laterally with respect to the middle longitudinal direction where the middle part 10 is located and on the opposite side where the folding and erection device 28 is located.
• A second section 41, placed downstream, coming from the first section 40 downstream, along which the stations 36 and 37 are placed. Such a second section may be of the same general type as the preliminary section. The push-tab belts being in the vicinity but spaced from the middle part 10 of the blanks so as not to prevent the deployment of the beam 8. This same second section 41 is extended downstream to the conveyor 23 or, as a variant, a section terminal takes over from the second section 41. Along the extension of the second section 41 downstream or from the terminal section are placed the supply means 29, folding 30 and folding and securing 31. In this downstream part, the second section 41 where the end section has a structure capable of receiving not only the blanks F but also the pots 2 carried by them as well as absorbing the forces applied by the folding and securing means 30, 31, and the means pressing 38.

The stations 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 can be the subject of different variant embodiments. In the case of the machine shown in the figures, the first station 32 comprises a wheel with lugs of transverse horizontal axis, driven in rotation about its axis, placed below the plane of sliding of the blanks F defined by the transfer means 25, the lugs coming into engagement with the middle part 10. The gluing station 33 includes gluing means located above and in the vicinity of the transfer means 25, directed downwards, capable of gluing the upper faces of the second tongues 16b. These sizing means such as a gun are located after the second station 34, on the third station 35 and the first section 40, before the second section 41. The second station 34 comprises a fixed deflection rail placed just above and close to the plane of sliding of the blanks, extending in the longitudinal direction, in the extension of the lug wheel of the first station 32 while approaching the first section 40 of the transfer means 25 placed facing each other from upstream downstream, so as to interfere with the middle part 10. The third station 35 comprises a fixed ramp having a generally angled shape and which from upstream to downstream passes from a situation above and substantially perpendicular to the rail of deviation of the second station 34 to a situation close to the plane of sliding of the blanks F but separated laterally outwards so as to then cooperate with the first side panel 4a or the first upper panel 6a. The pressing station 36 comprises two horizontal endless bands, movable, stretched between two pairs of wheels with transverse axes, the two active sections of the bands being applied one on the other or close to each other to be able to imprison the pairs of tongues 16a, 16b therebetween for the time necessary for their reciprocal joining thanks to the glue previously deposited. The folding station 37 includes a Shaper in the form of a fixed ramp engaging on the beam 8 to ensure its deployment.

The means 30 for folding the side panels comprise two vertical wheels with transverse axes placed on either side of the extension of the second section 41 or of the terminal section. The folding and securing means 31 comprise two horizontal wheels with vertical axes offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction 20, spaced upward relative to the transfer means 25. The pressing means 38 comprise one or more horizontal mobile endless bands stretched between two pairs of wheels with transverse axes, the active sections of which are spaced from the transfer means 25 by being placed above.

The invention also relates to a device for producing a beam 8 on a packaging blank F which comprises, as has already been described, the supply means for blanks 17 and the stations 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. At the output of such a device, devoid of the station 37 for deploying the beam 8, it is folded on the blank F.

• a) des moyens mobiles de transfert horizontal de tels flans successsifs tels que les moyens 25 ;
  et associés d'amont en aval le long des moyens de transfert ;
• b) un dispositif d'érection de la poutre tel que le poste 37 ;
• c) des moyens 19 d'amenée de deux séries de pots fonctionnant en synchronisme avec les moyens de transfert depuis une alimentation en pots telle que 18 jusqu'à une localisation proche des moyens de transfert 25 pour amener les pots à être sur les panneaux de base 3, adjacents et de part et d'autre de la poutre 8 ;
• d) des moyens de pliage des panneaux latéraux 4a, 4b jusqu'à une position générale érigée et contre les pots, tels que 30 ;
• e) des moyens de pliage et de solidarisation réciproque des panneaux supérieurs tels que 31.

Such a device can be incorporated in an installation for packaging pots 2 as already described, comprising, in addition to this device, a device for packaging pots 2 with the blanks thus prepared, associated with the latter by means of supplying blanks each having a flat folded middle beam, comprising:

• a) mobile means for horizontal transfer of such successive blanks such as the means 25;
  and partners from upstream to downstream along the transfer means;
• b) a device for erecting the beam such as station 37;
• c) means 19 for supplying two series of pots operating in synchronism with the transfer means from a supply of pots such as 18 to a location close to the transfer means 25 to bring the pots to be on the panels of base 3, adjacent and on either side of the beam 8;
• d) means for folding the side panels 4a, 4b to a general erected position and against the pots, such as 30;
• e) means for folding and reciprocally securing the upper panels such as 31.

• on effectue d'abord un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans un premier sens de la première partie latérale 9a et de la partie médiane 10 et on dégage les secondes languettes 16b ;
• on encolle ensuite les languettes 16b ;
• on effectue un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans le même premier sens pour amener la seconde zone latérale 13b sur la seconde partie latérale 9b ;
• on effectue un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans un second sens opposé au premier pour amener les premières languettes 16a au contact des secondes languettes 16b :
• on presse réciproquement, les premières et les secondes languettes 16a, 16b ;
• on effectue un pliage relatif d'environ au moins un quart de tour et dans le second sens pour ériger les deux zones latérales 13a, 13b par rapport aux deux parties latérales.

The invention also relates to the method for producing a beam 8 projecting from a packaging blank F in which:

• first of all a relative folding of at least a quarter of a turn and in a first direction of the first lateral part 9a and of the middle part 10 and the second tabs 16b are released;
• the tabs 16b are then glued;
• performing a relative folding of at least a quarter of a turn and in the same first direction to bring the second lateral zone 13b onto the second lateral part 9b;
• a relative folding of about at least a quarter turn and in a second direction opposite to the first is carried out in order to bring the first tongues 16a into contact with the second tongues 16b:
• the first and second tabs 16a, 16b are pressed reciprocally;
• performing a relative folding of at least a quarter of a turn and in the second direction to erect the two lateral zones 13a, 13b relative to the two lateral parts.

Claims (11)

Machine for packaging pots (2) in two rows, in a package (1) forming a jacket comprising, a base panel (3) having projections (8) for positioning the pots (2); side panels (4a, 4b); upper panels (6a, 6b) rigidly associated together; including: a) supply means (17) for packaging blanks F and transfer means (25) for blanks; b) a device (28) for folding and erecting the projections and positioning; c) means (19) for supplying two series of pots; d) means (30) for folding the side panels (4a, 4b); e) means (31) for folding and securing the upper panels (6a, 6b), characterized in that the device (28) comprises: - a station (32) for folding about a quarter of a turn and in a first direction; - A station (33) for gluing tabs; - A folding station (34) of about a quarter turn and in the first direction; - a station (35) for folding about a quarter of a turn and in a second direction; - a reciprocal pressing station (36); - A station (37) for folding about a quarter of a turn and in the second direction. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means (38) for pressing the pots (2) on the blanks F to ensure the maintenance of their relative positions, extending between the means (29) for feeding the pots and the means (31) for folding and securing the upper panels. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the station (33) for gluing tabs is located between the first and second folding stations (32, 34). Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the gluing station (33) is located downstream of the downstream end (34b) of the second folding station (34) and on the third folding station (35), distant from its downstream end (35b). Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the upstream end (34a) of the second folding station (34) is located at the most upstream (35a) of the third folding station (35) and the downstream end (34b) of the second folding station (34) is located at the most downstream (35b) of the third folding station (35). Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the second and third folding stations (34, 35) are at least partially nested, the respective folds carried out being at least partly concomitant. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the gluing station (33) comprises gluing means located above and in the vicinity of the transfer means (25), directed downwards, capable of gluing the upper faces second tabs (16b). Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer means comprise a section (40) placed upstream and a section (41) placed downstream; the section (40) comprising pressure members on the blanks capable of ensuring their relative positive maintenance and being offset laterally on the side opposite to that where the device (28) for folding and erecting the projections is located; the section (4) comprising push members of the blanks. Device for producing a beam (8) on a packaging blank F characterized in that it comprises: - supply means (17) of packaging blanks F unfolded flat and mobile means for horizontal transfer of successive blanks and, associated along the transfer means (25): - A first station (32) initial folding of about a quarter turn and in a first direction to bring a first side part (9a) and a middle part (10) of a base panel (3) of a blank F in a generally erected position, and thus release second tabs (16b), extending a second lateral part (9b) of the base panel (3); - A station (33) for gluing tabs; - a second station (34) for folding about a quarter of a turn and in the first direction to bring a second lateral zone (13b) of the central part (10) to a generally horizontal position on the second lateral part ( 9b); - a third station (35) for folding about a quarter of a turn and in a second direction to bring the first lateral part (9a), the central zone (12) and the first lateral zone (13a) to the middle part ( 10) to a generally horizontal position, the first tongues (16a) coming into contact with the second tongues (16b); - A final station (36) for reciprocal pressing of the first and second tabs (16a, 16b). Installation for packaging pots (2) arranged in two rows (R1, R2), in a package (1) forming a jacket comprising, interconnected by longitudinal fold lines (7a, 7b, 11a, 11b, 14a, 14b): (i) a base panel (3) having a beam (8) for stiffening and positioning the pots; (ii) adjoining side panels (4a, 4b); (iii) adjoining upper panels (6a, 6b), overlapping and rigidly associated together; this installation including: - A device for producing a beam (8) on a packaging blank F, according to claim 9; and a device for packaging the pots (2) with the blanks F prepared by means of said device for producing a beam, associated with the latter by means of supplying blanks each having a middle beam folded flat, comprising: a) mobile means (25) for horizontal transfer of successive blanks;
and partners from upstream to downstream along the transfer means (25): b) a device (37) for erecting the beam; c) means (19) for feeding two series of pots (2) operating in synchronism with the transfer means from a supply of pots (18) to a location close to the transfer means (25) for bringing the pots to be on the adjacent base panels (3) and on either side of the beam (8); d) means (30) for folding the side panels (4a, 4b) to a generally erected position and against the pots; e) means (31) for folding and reciprocally securing the upper panels (6a, 6b). Method for producing a beam (8) projecting from a packaging blank F in which: - First of all, a relative folding of about a quarter of a turn and in a first direction of a first lateral part (9a) and of a middle part (10) of a base panel (3) of the blank F and second tabs are released (16b) extending a second lateral part (9b) of the base panel (3); - then glue tabs; - Performing a relative folding of about a quarter of a turn and in the same first direction to bring a second lateral zone (13b) of the middle part (10) on the second lateral part (9b); - Performing a relative folding of about a quarter of a turn and in a second direction opposite to the first to bring the first tabs (16a) into contact with the second tabs (16b); - the first and second tabs (16a, 16b) are pressed reciprocally; - Performing a relative folding of about a quarter of a turn and in the second direction to erect the two lateral zones (13a, 13b), with respect to the two lateral parts (9a, 9b).

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