ES1242979U - REGULABLE BOX FORMER MACHINE FROM FLAT PLATES OF LAMINARY MATERIAL (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine (100) box forming machine adjustable from sheets of sheet material, comprising: a chassis (1); a male (10) movably guided along the vertical by a male actuator (2) supported in use to the chassis (1), comprising a central core (12) attached to the male drive (2), and four terminal angles (11), each with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, distributed around the central core (12) with its vertical portions corresponding to the corners of the box to be formed; a mold (20) facing said male (10) vertically and supporting the chassis (1) in use, said mold (20) comprising: - a vertical molding tunnel (22) of rectangular cross-section, provided with a plate inlet mouth and a box outlet mouth formed facing the vertical, around which corner assemblies (21) are positioned, where the male (10) is insertable to push down a flat plate initially located between said male (10) and said mold (20), and thus bend and join parts of said plate with others to form a box; - four corner assemblies (21), facing two to two, that delimit the molding tunnel (22), and located in correspondence with four corners of the box to be formed; - a first mold regulating device (24, 25) that regulates the separation between pairs of corner assemblies (21) according to a first horizontal direction Y; - a second mold regulating device (27, 28) that regulates the separation between pairs of corner assemblies (21) according to a second horizontal direction X perpendicular to the first horizontal direction Y; and wherein each corner set (21) comprises: - a first and second bending plates (34, 51) with respective vertical portions that form a square and delimit the corner of the molding tunnel (22) and with respective curved and/or inclined upper portions; and - a column bender (60) with a column actuator (63) configured to rotate a rotation shaft (64) vertically or with an inclination with respect to the vertical, said rotation shaft (64) being configured to move a member of thrust (65) between an initial position adjacent to the molding tunnel (22) and an end position inside the corner of the molding tunnel (22); four third benders (70), one for each of the corners of the box to be formed, directly or indirectly supported on the chassis (1) and located between the male (10) and the molding tunnel (22), where each third bender (70): - it is provided with a movable bending member (71) with a front portion (71a) and a rear portion (71b) mounted so that it can pivot about an axis of rotation (72) between a stretched position and a raised position with the in order to fold said corner flap, - it is located in respective positions between the first and second bender (34, 51) adjacent to a respective corner of the rectangular cross-section of the molding tunnel (22), and - the bending member (71) in its extended position is positioned in a vertical position level or elevated with respect to the upper curved and/or inclined portions of the first and second bending plates (34, 51); said third benders (70) being configured to initiate the folding of the corner flaps of the iron with the iron located between the male (10) and the molding tunnel (22) before the folding of its side panels so that said flaps remain inside; and characterized because the front portion (71a) of each bending member (71) in its tended position appears inside the molding tunnel (22) in a more advanced position relative to the vertical portion of the second bending plates (51); the bending member (71) is configured to pivot the front portion (71a) and the rear portion (71b), around its respective axis of rotation (72) located between said front and rear portion (71b), from said position extended to said position raised by the push of the male (10) and the plate initially flat against the top of each front portion (71a) during the introduction of the male (10) into the molding tunnel (22); each third bender (70) comprises an elastic element (73) with one end directly or indirectly supported on the chassis (1) and another end connected to said bending member (71), wherein said elastic element (73) is configured to, in the presence of the pushing force of the male (10) and the plate on the bending member (71), offer an opposing force to ensure a smooth turn of the bending member (71) around the axis of rotation (72) and a controlled bending of the corner flap of the plate, and wherein said elastic element (73) is configured to, in the absence of the pushing force of the male (10) and the plate, keep the bending member (71) in its lying position; and because Each bending member (71) is configured to rotate around its respective axis of rotation (72) independent of the activation time of the male actuator (2) that initiates the downward movement of the male (10) and independently of the activation time of the column actuators (63) that initiate the movement of the thrust members (65) from their initial positions to their final positions. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

ADJUSTABLE BOX FORMING MACHINE FROM PLATES

LAMINAR MATERIAL FLATS

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to a box forming machine made from flat sheets of sheet material.

Throughout this description, the term "sheet material" is used to designate corrugated cardboard sheet, corrugated plastic sheet, compact cardboard sheet, compact plastic sheet, and the like, having weakened lines practiced to facilitate their formation. boxed by bending of these weakened lines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

Throughout this description, a "column" type plate and box corresponds to a sheet of sheet material that comprises a rectangular base delimited by four weakened lines, a side panel attached to each weakened line, and four corner flaps that arise from both. ends of two opposite side panels. In the plate, each corner flap comprises a series of weakened second lines that delimit consecutive flap portions. The box obtained with this plate has the side panels perpendicular or slightly inclined to the base, and the four corner flaps form four respective prismatic-triangular reinforcing columns inside each corner of the box, where one side panel is squared from another side panel.

Documents ES2678670B1, ES2385796B1 and ES1179010U disclose box forming machines of the column type or format, and plates and boxes of this type.

In document ES2385796B1 said machine is of the type that includes a male that descends vertically and pushes a plate down into a tunnel of a mold delimited by four corner assemblies, mounted facing each other two, and adjustable in one direction. length and width corresponding to the rectangular bottom of the box to be formed. The male is equipped with four L-shaped profiles whose separation is also adjustable in the length and width of the box to be formed. Each corner set has a square shape and its upper portion is inclined to facilitate folding the side walls of the plate through its weakened lines until they are perpendicular to the bottom of the box. Each corner set comprises a column bender with an actuator that moves a tree vertical, which moves a trigger-shaped push member between a position adjacent to the molding tunnel and a position inward of the corner of the molding tunnel for the formation of each corner flap in said triangular prismatic column.

However, ES2385796B1 does not disclose how the corner flaps are bent before the side walls are folded so that the triangular prismatic columns remain inside the box, nor is it even suggested a solution to regulate the machine in the face of changing measures of the reinforcement flap and the proximal, intermediate and distal portions that compose it, said changing measurements being associated with the change in the measurements of the bottom or the height of the box. It is this, the reinforcement columns change measure according to the dimensions of the height or the base of the box since the box houses a greater volume of product.

On the other hand, document ES2381268B1 does provide a solution for folding the corner flaps prior to folding the side panels that form the side walls of the box. Said bending of corner flaps is performed once the plates are located between the core and the mold prior to the insertion of the plate in the tunnel of said mold.

In document ES2381268B1 it does face this problem, disclosing a box-forming machine that comprises a male driven to press a flat plate into a mold equipped with four corner sets corresponding to the corners of the box, where each corner set it comprises a bending device with a bending member moved by a pneumatic cylinder. Said bending device is located in a suitable position to act against a corner flap of the plate and fold it perpendicularly to a side wall of the box immediately before the plate between the male and the mold is inserted into the mold by the male. . The bender member is mounted such that it can pivot about a pivot axis supported on a support assembly, and said actuator is mounted on said bracket assembly and operatively connected to rotate the bender member about said pivot axis between a lying position and a raised position to fold said corner portion. In one of its applications, since the bending member pivots about an axis of rotation parallel to the bending line to be bent, control is had over which of the three bending lines that delimit the corner flaps in corner portions is made bending, and does not result in bending by other unwanted bending lines, although the weakened, creasing, and creasing-creasing lines of the sheet die cut are not well marked to achieve a reduction in costs during the manufacture of said plate. Such unwanted corner flap bends occur with a wide variety of sheet grades when inert (static) benders are employed during machine operation such as those described in ES2678670B1 and ES1060859U.

However, in ES2381268B1 there are several drawbacks related to the regulation of the corner flap folding devices.

First, the adjustment tasks of this forming machine, in order to adapt it to different sheet sizes, require a relative skill from the end user since they must configure the actuators of the corner flap bending devices that form an integral part of the mold so that they are activated just before the male starts inserting the iron into the mold. To do this, the operator regulates the activation times of these bender devices, and the male, along with the rest of active benders associated with actuators, in an iterative process of the trial and error type that can be complex, tedious and consume a lot of time, depending on the skill of the end user, who may not even be able to regulate such a machine.

Second, its regulation is limited to two of the three perpendicular directions of space, that is, it is only adjustable in the vertical direction and in a horizontal direction. This lack of regulations implies that sometimes the machine is in productive stop for long periods if the dimensions of the boxes change since replacement parts are required. Therefore, in either of the two mentioned disadvantages, the productive downtimes associated with the forming machine due to regulation tasks are inadmissible.

The technical problem to be solved is obtaining a box-forming machine with simple and improved regulation to different column-type plate sizes, especially during the bending operation of the corner flaps when the sheet is located between the core and the mold. and prior to its introduction into the mold, it reduces the production downtime associated with said plate regulation to increase machine productivity.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the drawbacks set forth in the previous section, as well as other derived drawbacks, the present invention presents an adjustable box-forming machine made from sheets of sheet material.

Said machine comprises a chassis, a core, a mold and four third benders.

Said male is movably guided according to the vertical by means of a male actuator supported in use to the chassis. Said core comprises a central core connected to the core drive, and four terminal angles, each with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, distributed around the central core with its vertical portions in correspondence with the corners of the box to be formed.

Said machine also comprises a mold vertically facing said male and supported in use by the chassis. Said mold comprises a vertical molding tunnel with a rectangular cross section, provided with a plate inlet mouth and a box exit mouth formed facing vertically. Corner assemblies are positioned around the molding tunnel. The male is insertable in said molding tunnel to push down a flat plate initially located between said male and said mold, and thus bend and join parts of said plate with others to form a box. Likewise, said mold comprises four corner assemblies, facing two by two, that delimit the molding tunnel, and located in correspondence with four corners of the box to be formed.

Likewise, said mold comprises a first mold regulation device that regulates the separation between pairs of corner assemblies according to a first horizontal direction Y.

Also, said mold comprises a second mold regulation device that regulates the separation between pairs of corner assemblies according to a second horizontal direction X perpendicular to the first horizontal direction Y.

In the mold, each corner assembly comprises a first and second bending plates with respective vertical portions that form a square and delimit the corner of the molding tunnel and with respective curved and / or inclined upper portions.

Also, in the mold, each corner assembly comprises a column bender with a column actuator configured to rotate a pivot shaft vertically or with an inclination with respect to the vertical, said pivot shaft being configured to move a thrust member between an initial position adjacent to the molding tunnel and a final position inside the corner of the molding tunnel.

Said machine comprises four third benders, one for each of the corners of the box to be formed, supported directly or indirectly on the chassis and located between the core and the molding tunnel.

Each third bender is provided with a movable bender member with a front portion and a rear portion mounted such that it can pivot about an axis of rotation between a lying position and a raised position in order to fold said corner flap.

Also, each third bender is located at respective positions between the first and second benders adjacent to a respective corner of the rectangular cross section of the molding tunnel.

Likewise, in each third bender, the bender member in its lying position is positioned in a vertical level or elevated position with respect to the curved and / or inclined upper portions of the first and second bender plates.

These third benders are configured to start folding the corner flaps of the plate with the plate located between the core and the molding tunnel before the folding of its side panels so that said flaps are inside.

In such a machine, the front portion of each bending member in its lying position protrudes into the molding tunnel at a position further forward than the vertical portion of the second bending plates.

Likewise, in said machine, the bending member is configured to pivot the front portion and the rear portion, about its respective axis of rotation located between said front and rear portion, from said lying position to said position raised by the push of the male and the plate initially flat against the top of each front portion during the introduction of the core into the molding tunnel.

Likewise, in said machine, each third bender comprises an elastic element with one end supported directly or indirectly on the chassis and another end connected to said folding member, where said elastic element is configured to, in the presence of the pushing force of the core and the plate on the bending member, offer an opposing force to ensure a smooth rotation of the bending member around the axis of rotation and a controlled bending of the corner flap of the plate, and where said elastic element is configured to, in the absence of the pushing force of the core and the iron, keep the bending member in its lying position.

In said machine, each bending member is configured to rotate about its respective axis of rotation independent of the activation time of the male actuator that initiates the downward movement of the male and independently of the activation time of the column actuators that initiate movement. of the pushing members from their initial positions to their final positions.

Thus, a box-forming machine with simple and improved regulation is obtained for different column-type plate measurements, especially during the bending operation of the corner flaps when the plate is located between the core and the mold and prior to its introduction. in the mold, which reduces the productive downtime associated with said regulation of the plate to increase the productivity of the machine.

Advantageously, since the bending members rotate by the pushing force of the core and by the recovery force of the elastic element, this rotation does not depend on any activation time of the bending members, such as for example the activation time caused by a electrical signal or pneumatic supply (compressed air). Therefore, the regulation tasks of said third benders are simplified, thereby reducing the productive downtime associated with said regulation of the plate and increasing the productivity of the machine.

Thus, in the event of a change in the size of the box, for example in the height of the box to be formed, the machine operator will not have to regulate any operating time of the third benders despite the change in the vertical distance traveled by the male until impacting with the iron to adapt to the new dimensions of the box, since the rotation around the axes of rotation of the bending members to fold the corner flaps depends merely on the moment in which the male and the iron push said bending members.

Preferably, in each third bender of the machine, the bender member and the axis of rotation in its lying position is positioned in an elevated vertical position relative to the vertical portions of the first and second bender plates. This configuration ensures that the corner flaps fold through the third benders before the side walls through the first and second folding plates so that these corner flaps are inside the box and thus be able to form the prismatic-triangular reinforcement columns in the inside each corner of the box. The vertical portions of the first and second bending plates in the lying position allow the changing measurement boxes to exit down through the exit opening of the molding tunnel, thus helping to obtain an adjustable machine with simple regulation, reduced production stops, and increased productivity.

Preferably, the front portion of each third bender is cantilevered. This cantilevered configuration provides the third bender with an operational space below the bender member to be able to rotate between the raised and lying position.

Preferably, each third bender further comprises a support attached directly or indirectly to the chassis, on which the folding member, the axis of rotation and the elastic element are supported, so that the folding member is configured to pivot with respect to said support. Thus, once again, the regulation tasks are simplified since relocating the supports relocates the elements that it supports at the same time.

According to a first option, in the machine, the elastic element is a coil spring or an elastic rubber with one end that includes an anchoring portion connected directly or indirectly to the chassis, and another end with another anchoring portion connected to said folding member.

Complementary to this first option, the anchoring portion is connected in use to a point fixed to the support, which in turn is supported on the chassis. Thus, once again, the regulation tasks are simplified since relocating the supports relocates the elements that it supports at the same time.

According to a second option, each third bender further comprises a cylinder having a body connected to the support by an anchoring portion embodied in a first joint. Said cylinder also has a stem capable of moving between positions outside and inside the cylinder, said stem being connected to the bending member by the other anchoring portion embodied in a second joint. In this option, said elastic element is materialized in a spring that is integrated in said cylinder coupled to the extendable rod, so that the bending member is configured to be moved from its lying position to its raised position by the push of the male and the member bender, and is configured to be moved from its raised position to its lying position by the action of said spring. In this second option it is noted that it is not necessary that said cylinder is activated by an electrical signal or a pneumatic supply to move said folding members.

Preferably, on the machine, said mold further comprises two horizontal guide bridges, supported on the chassis, and mutually facing each other where two of said corner assemblies are supported on each one. Furthermore, said first mold regulating device regulates the position between the two corner assemblies mounted on each guide bridge along them, and said second mold regulating device regulates the position between the two guide bridges in a perpendicular direction. to them.

In addition, each of the four supports of the respective third benders fulfills at least one of the following characteristics: it is supported on a guide bridge, it is supported on a main support of the corner assembly which in turn is supported on a bridge guide, or is supported on one of the two horizontal linear guides configured to transport a plate individually from a home position to said initial position between said core and said mold.

Thus, for example, two supports can be supported on a guide bridge and the other two can be supported, one on each horizontal linear guide.

Optionally, in the machine, each third bender comprises a vertical adjustment device that regulates the position of the support according to the vertical direction with respect to a structural point of the chassis.

In one option, on the machine, each third bender comprises a horizontal adjustment device that regulates the position of the support in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the side of the molding tunnel with respect to a structural point of the chassis.

According to another option, in the machine, a pair of supports of the respective third benders are fixed in each of said two horizontal linear guides.

Complementary to the previous paragraph, each support is fixed to said horizontal linear guides by means of a respective longitudinal adjustment device that regulates the position of each support along them.

Preferably, in the machine each third bender further comprises a bender insert attached to the bender member, with a front portion which in the lying position protrudes into the mold tunnel at a position further forward than the vertical portion of the second bender plates . In the machine, said front portion in the lying position protrudes into the molding tunnel in a more advanced position with respect to the front portion.

Likewise, according to this option, each third bender comprises a linear regulation device that allows the forward position of the front portion with respect to the front portion to be regulated in the lying position of the bender member in a linear direction perpendicular to one side of the molding tunnel.

Preferably, each third bender comprises a stop fixed on the support which, in the absence of the pushing force of the core and the plate, cooperates with the elastic element to maintain the folding member in its lying position.

Preferably, the male further comprises a first male regulation device that regulates the position of said terminal angles with respect to the central core according to said horizontal direction X aligned with the horizontal portions, and a second male regulation device that regulates the position of said terminal angles with respect to the central core according to said horizontal direction Y perpendicular to said horizontal portions.

The claims have been drafted so that, whether the machine is running or stopped for any reason, all the characteristics are met. Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, additives, components or steps. Also, the word "comprises" includes the case "consists of". For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge in part from the description and in part from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. The numerical signs relative to the drawings and placed in parentheses in a claim, are only to attempt to increase the understanding of the claim, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claim. Furthermore, the present invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Fig. 1 is a side view of the machine, an adjustable box forming machine made from sheets of sheet material which is the same for the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a box of the column format, obtainable with the machine of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the core and the mold of the machine of Fig. 1, and where the plate has been placed in its initial position, prior to its introduction into the molding tunnel;

Fig. 4 is associated with the plan view of Fig. 3, and where the plate of said Fig. 3 has been omitted, and the male has a partial section made;

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the four corner assemblies that form an integral part of the machine mold.

Figs. 6 and 7 are top perspective views of a corner assembly with the bending member in the lying and raised position, respectively.

Figs. 8 and 9 are side views of Figs. 6 and 7 where some elements have been omitted for clarity of the third benders.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 show the folding sequence of the corner flaps of the plate prior to their introduction into the molding tunnel by the machine of the present invention.

Fig. 13 shows a column bender that forms an integral part of the corner assembly of Fig. 14.

Fig. 14 shows a corner assembly of the mold of Figs. 3 and 4.

Figs. 15-18 are top perspective views of the four corner assemblies and one sheet that follow the bending sequence of the corner flaps of the sheet prior to insertion into the molding tunnel

Figs. 19 and 20 are top perspective views of a corner assembly of the machine of the present invention according to a second embodiment, where some elements have been omitted for clarity, with the bending member in the lying and raised position, respectively.

Fig. 21 is a cutaway top perspective view of the core, mold and third benders of the machine of the present invention according to a third embodiment, where the plate has been placed in its initial position, prior to its introduction in the tunnel of molding, and where a detail V is indicated.

Fig. 22 is the detail view V of Fig. 21.

DETAILED EXHIBITION OF MODES OF REALIZATION / EXAMPLES

Figs. 1, and 3 to 18 show an adjustable box forming machine (100) from sheets of sheet material, which comprises a chassis (1), a core (19), a mold (20) and four third benders (70 ).

Figs. 1, 3 and 4 show that said male (10) is movably guided according to the vertical by means of a male actuator (2) supported in use by the chassis (1). The male actuator (2) is embodied in a motor or servomotor (3), which moves a crank (4), which in turn is articulated on a connecting rod (5) that moves the male (10) guidedly.

Said core (10) comprises a central core (12) attached to the core drive (2), and four terminal angles (11), each with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, distributed around the central core (12) with their vertical portions in correspondence with the corners of the box to be formed.

Following in Figs. 3 and 4, said male (10) further comprises a first male regulation device (15, 16) that regulates the position of said terminal angles (11) with respect to the central core (12) according to a horizontal direction X aligned with the portions horizontal. In Fig. 4 it is observed that said male regulation device (15, 16) comprises an elongated hole (16) made in each horizontal portion and a screw (15) that fixes the horizontal portion in solidarity to the central core (12) in a desired position.

Figs. 3 and 4 show that the male (10) comprises a second male regulation device (13, 14) that regulates the position of said terminal angles (11) with respect to the central core (12) according to said horizontal direction AND perpendicular to said portions horizontal. Said second male regulation device (13, 14) comprises, on each side of the central core (12), a first and second bridge portions (13, 14) whose length is adjustable in said horizontal direction AND thanks to another elongated hole (17) made in each bridge portion (13, 14) and respective screws (16) that allow one portion (13) of the bridge to be released with respect to the other portion (14), relocate said portion (13) relative to the other (14) to obtain the desired separation between terminal angles (11), and fix said bridge portions (13, 14) in a desired position along these other elongated holes (17).

Thus, the male (10) is adjustable for the formation of plates (P) with different measures of width and length of the bottom (PF) of the box (B) and, therefore, to different measures of corner flaps (S) .

Figs. 1, 3 and 4 show that the machine (100) also comprises a mold (20) vertically facing said male (10) and supported in use by the chassis (1). Said mold (20) comprises a vertical molding tunnel (22) of rectangular cross section with four sides shown in broken line in Fig. 4. The molding tunnel (22) provided with a plate inlet mouth (P) and a box exit mouth (B) formed facing each other according to the vertical, around which corner assemblies (21) are positioned. The male (10) is insertable in said molding tunnel (22) to push down a flat plate (P) initially located between said male (10) and said mold (20) as shown in Fig. 3, and thus, folding and joining parts of said plate (P) with others to form a box (B) as shown in Fig. 2. Likewise, said mold (20) comprises four corner assemblies (21), facing two by two. , which delimit the molding tunnel (22), and located in correspondence with four corners of the box (B) to be formed.

In Figs. 3 and 4, said mold (20) comprises a first mold regulation device (24, 25) that regulates the separation between pairs of corner assemblies (21) according to a first horizontal direction Y, and a second mold regulation device (27, 28) that regulates the separation between pairs of corner sets (21) according to a second horizontal direction X perpendicular to the first horizontal direction Y.

It is further observed that said mold (20) further comprises two horizontal guide bridges (23), supported on the chassis (1) and mutually facing each other, where two of said corner assemblies (21) are supported on each one. Furthermore, said first mold regulation device (24, 25) regulates the position between the two corner assemblies (21) mounted on each guide bridge (23) along them, and said second mold regulation device ( 27, 28) regulates the position between the two guide bridges (23) according to a horizontal direction perpendicular to said guide bridges (23).

Following in Figs. 3 and 4, it is observed that said first device for regulating mold (24, 25) comprises, in each guide bridge (23) materialized in an elongated bar, two nuts (25) rotatably coupled to the same spindle (24) and fixed to a main support (29, 30, 30a) of a corner set (21) each. Likewise, said first mold regulation device (24, 25) comprises said spindle (24) parallel to its guide bridge (23) and to a Y direction shown in the figures. Each main support (29, 30, 30a) is provided with a flange-shaped portion to slide along the guide bridge (23) upon rotation of its spindle (24). Each of the two spindles (24) has one half with a thread in one direction and the other half with an opposite thread direction to open or close the two corner assemblies (21) symmetrically.

Also Figs. 3 and 4 show that said second mold regulation device (27, 28) comprises two spindles (27) aligned with an X direction, perpendicular to the spindles (24), and rotatably supported on two carriage nuts (28) each. Each spindle (27) comprises elongated bars (26) where its two carriage nuts (28) slide. Each of the two spindles (27) has one half with a thread in one direction and the other half with an opposite thread direction. Also, said second mold regulation device (27, 28) comprises a transmission element (31) embodied in a chain that joins an end pinion (32) coupled to a spindle (27) with another pinion (32) coupled to the another spindle (27) so that by turning a single spindle (27) the guide bridges (23) open or close equal distances symmetrically.

Thus, the mold (20) is adjustable for the formation of plates (P) with different measures of width and length of the bottom (PF) of the box (B) and, therefore, different measures of corner flaps (S).

Figs. 4 to 12 show that in the mold (20), each corner assembly (21) is supported on a main support (29, 30, 30a) and comprises a first and second folding plates (34, 51) with respective vertical portions that they form a square and delimit the corner of the molding tunnel (22) and with their respective curved and / or inclined upper portions.

Figs. 4 to 14, and Fig. 13 in detail, show that each corner assembly (21) comprises a column bender (60) with a column actuator (63) configured to rotate a vertical rotation shaft (64), being said turning shaft (64) configured to move a pushing member (65), between an initial position of Fig. 4 adjacent to the molding tunnel (22), and a final position (not shown) inside the corner of the molding tunnel (22) where they cooperate with the terminal angles (11) for folding the portions (S1, S2, S3) of the corner flap (S) to form the prismatic-triangular reinforcing column (R) shown in Fig. 2. The column bender (60) The main support (29, 30, 30a) is joined together by a column support (61) provided with a vertical positioning device (62) embodied in an elongated hole. The body of the actuator (63) is hingedly supported on the column support (61) by means of a link (66), while the piston is linked at another link (67) to a lever (68) that is attached to the twist (64).

In Figs. 4 to 14 the machine (100) comprises four third benders (70), one for each of the corners of the box (B) to be formed, supported indirectly on the chassis (1) and located between the male (10) and the molding tunnel (22).

Figs. 4 to 18 show that each third bender (70) is located at respective positions between the first and second benders (34, 51) adjacent to a respective corner of the rectangular cross section of the molding tunnel (22).

Each of the four third benders (70) is provided with a movable bender member (71) with a front portion (71a) and a rear portion (71b) mounted so that it can pivot about a pivot axis (72) between the lying position of Figs. 3, 7, 10 and 15 the raised position of Figs. 9, 12, and 18, in order to fold said corner flap (S) with respect to its side wall (PL) around a fold line (L1) parallel to the axis of rotation (72) of the folding member (71) , as shown in Figs. 10 to 12 and 15 to 18.

Figs. 3 and 4 show that each of the four third benders (70) is located at respective positions between the first and second benders (34, 51) adjacent to a respective corner of the rectangular cross section of the molding tunnel (22).

Continuing in Figs. 6, 7 and 14, in each third bender (70), the bender member (71) in its lying position is positioned in an elevated vertical position with respect to the curved and / or inclined upper portions of the first and second bender plates (34 , 51).

Thus, these third benders (70) are configured to initiate bending of the corner flaps (S) of the plate (P) with the plate (P) located between the core (10) and the molding tunnel (22) before that the folding of its side panels (PL) so that said flaps (S) are inside, as shown in Figs. 15 to 18.

Figs. 4 and 10 show that, in said machine (100), the front portion (71a) of each bending member (71) in its lying position protrudes into the molding tunnel (22) in a more advanced position with respect to the portion vertical of the second bending plates (51). In Fig. 10 it is shown that the end of the front portion (71a) protrudes towards the interior of the molding tunnel (22) a distance (D) with respect to the vertical portion of the second bending plate (51).

In said machine (100), the folding member (71) is configured to pivot the front portion (71a) and the rear portion (71b), about its respective axis of rotation (72) located between said front and rear portion (71b). ), from said lying position of Figs. 3, 7, 10 and 15 to said raised position in Figs. 9, 12, and 18, by pushing the male (10) and the plate (P) initially flat against the top of each front portion (71a) during the introduction of the male (10) in the molding tunnel (22) .

Figs. 1 and 5 to 18 show that in said machine (100), each third bender (70) comprises an elastic element (73) with one end indirectly supported on the chassis (1) and another end connected to said bender member (71).

Figs. 9, 11, 12, 17 and 18 show that said elastic element (73) is configured to, in the presence of the pushing force of the core (10) and the plate (P) on the bending member (71), offer a opposing force to ensure smooth rotation of the folding member (71) about the axis of rotation (72) and controlled folding of the corner flap (S) of the plate (P).

Figs. 3 to 8, 10 and 14 to 16 show that said elastic element (73) is configured to, in the absence of the pushing force of the core (10) and the plate (P), keep the bending member (71) in its lying position.

In said machine (100), each bending member (71) is configured to rotate around its respective axis of rotation (72) independent of the activation time of the male actuator (2) that initiates the downward movement of the male (10) and regardless of the activation time of the column actuators (63) that initiate the movement of the push members (65) from their initial positions to their final positions to bend each flap portion (S1, S2, S3) against an angle terminal (11) at each corner of the molding tunnel (22).

Advantageously, since the folding members (71) rotate by the pushing force of the core (10) and by the recovery force of the elastic element (73), this rotation does not depend on any activation time of the folding members (71) such such as the activation time caused by an electrical signal or a pneumatic supply (compressed air). Therefore, the regulation tasks of said third benders (70) are simplified, thereby reducing the productive stop times associated with said regulation of the plate (P) and increasing the productivity of the machine (100).

Thus, in the event of a change in the size of the box (B), for example in the height measurement of the box (B) to be formed, the machine operator (100) will not have to regulate any operating time of the third benders (70) despite the change in the vertical distance traveled by the male (10) until impacting with the plate (10) to adapt to the new measures of the box (B), since the rotation around the axes of rotation (72 ) of the folding members (71) to fold the corner flaps (S) merely depends on the moment in which the male (10) and the plate (P) push said folding members (71).

Figs. 8 and 14 show that each third bender (70) of the machine (100), the bender member (71) and the axis of rotation (72) in their lying position are positioned in an elevated vertical position with respect to the vertical portions of the first and second bending plates (34, 51).

Figs. 5, 6 and 8 show that the front portion (71a, 75) of each third bender (70) is cantilevered.

Figs. 1, 4 and 6 to 9 show that each third bender (70) further comprises a support (88) embodied in a support piece (80) indirectly attached to the chassis (1), on which the bender member (71), the shaft of rotation (72) and the elastic element (73) are supported, so that the bending member (71) is configured to pivot with respect to said support (88).

According to a first embodiment shown on the machine (100) of Figs. 1, and 3 to 18, the elastic element (73) is a tension coil spring with one end that includes an anchoring portion (73a) materialized in a hook indirectly connected to the chassis (1), and another end with another portion of anchor (73b) materialized in another hook connected to said folding member (71). The anchoring portion (73a) is connected in use to a point fixed to the support (88) which in turn is supported on the chassis (1).

According to a second embodiment shown on the machine (100) Figs. 1, 19 and 20, each third bender (70) further comprises a cylinder (55) having a body (56) connected to the support (88) by an anchoring portion (73a) embodied in a first joint, and a stem (57) capable of moving between positions outside (Fig. 20) and inside (Fig. 19) of the cylinder (55), said stem (57) being connected to the bending member (71) by the other anchoring portion (73b) materialized in a second joint.

In this second embodiment, said elastic element (73) is embodied in a spring that is integrated in said cylinder (55) coupled to the extensible stem (57), so that the bending member (71) is configured to be moved from its position stretched (Fig. 19) to its raised position (Fig. 20) by the push of the male (10) and the bending member (71), and is configured to be moved from its raised position to its stretched position by the action of said spring, which is typically a compression spring.

In this second embodiment it is noted that it is not necessary that said cylinder (55) be activated electrically or with pressurized air to move said folding members (71). In this embodiment, said cylinder (55) is a single-acting cylinder.

In the first and second embodiments, each of the four supports (88) of the respective third benders (70) is supported on a horizontal branch (35) attached to a main support (29, 30, 30a) of the corner assembly ( 21), which in turn is supported on a guide bridge (23). Said guide bridges (23) are in turn supported on the chassis (1), whereby the four supports (88) and their support parts (80) are indirectly supported on the chassis (1).

According to a third embodiment shown on the machine (100) of Figs. 1, 21 and 22, a pair of said supports (88) are supported in each of the two horizontal linear guides (40), configured to transport a plate (P) individually from a home position to said initial position between said male ( 10) and said mold (20). Each horizontal linear guide (40) essentially has a "L" shaped cross section, with a vertical branch (40a) and a horizontal branch (40b). The plate (P) rests on said horizontal branch (40b).

In the first embodiment of Figs. 1 and 3 to 18, each third bender (70) comprises a vertical adjustment device (86, 87) that regulates the position of the support (88) according to the vertical direction with respect to a structural point of the chassis (1).

Figs. 3 to 5 and 10 to 12 show that said vertical adjustment device (86, 87) comprises a slot (86) aligned with the vertical one made in a support part (80) that forms part of the support (88), and a screw ( 87) that allows positioning in a desired position along the vertical the support piece (80) with respect to the support main (29, 30, 30a). Said main support is embodied in a main support part (29) attached to a flange provided with a clamp (30) and a cover (30a), which is a structural point of the chassis (1).

Continuing in the first embodiment, Figs. 3 to 5 and 10 to 12 show that each third bender (70) comprises a horizontal regulation device (81, 82, 83) that regulates the position of the support (88) according to a horizontal direction perpendicular to one side of the molding tunnel ( 22) and parallel to the guide bridges (23), with respect to a structural point of the chassis (1), in this case, the main support (29, 30, 30a).

Figs. 3 to 5 and 10 to 12 show that said horizontal regulation device (81, 82, 83) comprises a cover (81) and a back cover (82) where the support part (80) is fixed. Fixing and releasing screws (83) the support part (80) slides and positions in a desired position along a bar (35) attached to the main support (29, 30, 30a) and aligned with a horizontal direction perpendicular to the side of the molding tunnel (22) and parallel to the guide bridges (23).

Figs. 3 to 5 and 10 to 12 show that each third bender (70) has a second horizontal adjustment device (84, 85) that comprises a horizontal groove (84) made in the back cover (82) and an adjusting screw (85) passing through said horizontal slot (84) in a desired position along it by adjusting the position of the support part (80) with respect to the main support (29, 30, 30a) in a direction perpendicular to the guide bridges (23 ).

Returning to the third embodiment of Figs. 1, 21 and 22, each support (88) is fixed to said horizontal linear guides (40) by means of a respective longitudinal adjustment device (96, 97) that regulates the position of each support (88) along said linear guides horizontal (40).

Said longitudinal regulation device (96, 97) comprises a recess (96) for coupling a support portion (91) that forms an integral part of the support (88) to the vertical branch (40a) of the horizontal linear guides (40) and fixing screws (97) that fix said support portion (91) to the vertical branch (40a). Thus, the support (88) of each one of the double benders (70) is cantilevered in said horizontal linear guides (40).

Continuing in this third embodiment, Figs. 1, 21 and 22 show that each third bender (70) comprises a vertical adjustment device (94, 95) that regulates the position of the support (88) according to the vertical direction with respect to a structural point of the chassis (1).

Figs. 1, 21 and 22 show that said vertical regulation device (94, 95) comprises two elongated holes (94) aligned with the vertical and made in an auxiliary support part (90) that is part of the support (88), and respective screw adjustment (95) that allows positioning in a desired position along the vertical the support piece (80) with respect to the horizontal linear guides (40), which are respective structural points of the chassis (1).

Figs. 1, 21 and 22 show that, in the machine (100), each third bender (70) comprises a horizontal adjustment device (92, 93) that regulates the position of the support (88) according to a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the side of the molding tunnel (22) with respect to a structural point of the chassis (1).

Figs. 1, 21 and 22 show that said horizontal regulation device (92, 93) comprises two second elongated holes (92) aligned with the horizontal direction X and made in a second auxiliary support part (89) that is part of the support (88) . The auxiliary support part (89) is fixed in use to the auxiliary support part (90), which in turn is fixed to the support portion (91). Said auxiliary support part (89) is attached to the support (80) of the third benders (70). Said horizontal regulation device (92, 93) comprises locking and release screws (93) that allow the position of the support (88) to be regulated according to a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the side of the molding tunnel (22) with respect to the linear guides horizontal (40), which are structural points of the chassis (1).

Returning to the first embodiment, Figs. 1, and 3 to 12 show that in the machine (100), each third bender (70) further comprises a bender insert (75) attached to the bender member (71). Said bender insert (75) has a front portion (75a) that in the lying position protrudes towards the interior of the molding tunnel (22) in a more advanced position (Fig. 10) with respect to the vertical portion of the second bender plates ( 51), and wherein said front portion (75a), which in the lying position, appears towards the interior of the molding tunnel (22) in a more advanced position (Fig. 10) with respect to the front portion (71a).

Figs. 1, 6 and 8 show that, in the machine (100), each third bender (70) comprises a linear adjustment device (76, 77) that allows the forward position of the front portion (75a) to be regulated with respect to the front portion (71a) in the lying position of the bending member (71) in a linear direction perpendicular to one side of the molding tunnel (22). Said linear regulation device (76, 77) comprises a plurality of holes (76) made in the bender insert (75), where regulating screws (77) are inserted that fix the insert. bender (75) at a desired position to the bender member (71). Depending on which holes (76) said adjusting screws (77) are inserted, a more or less forward position of the bender insert (75) with respect to the bender member (71) will be obtained in the lying position as seen in Fig. 8 .

In the first, second and third embodiments of the machine (100), each third bender (70) comprises a stop (78) fixed on the support (88) which, in the absence of the pushing force of the male (10) and the plate (P) cooperates with the elastic element (73) to keep the folding member (71) in its lying position in Figs. 6, 8, 19 and 22.

In Figs. 3 and 15 to 18, a column type plate (P) corresponding to a plate (P) of corrugated cardboard sheet material is observed, comprising a rectangular bottom (PF) delimited by four weakened lines, a side panel (PL) attached to each weakened line, and four corner flaps (S) emerging from both ends of two opposing side panels (PL). In the plate (P), each corner flap (S) comprises three weakened second lines (L1, L2, L3) that delimit three consecutive flap portions, a proximal (S1), an intermediate (S2) and a distal (S3) ).

Fig. 2 shows the box (B) obtained with this plate (P) which has the side panels (PL) essentially perpendicular to the bottom (PF), and where the corner flaps (S) form four reinforcing columns (R ) prismatic-triangular inside each corner of the box (B), where a side panel (PL) is squared with respect to another side panel (PL). In each of the reinforcing columns (R), its proximal portion (S1) is coplanar to a lateral panel (PL), its inclined intermediate portion (S2) joins the proximal (S1) and distal portion (S3), and its distal portion (S3) is glued coplanarly to another side panel (PL) squared with the aforementioned side panel (PL).

Fig. 15 shows a position where the plate (P) is being transported towards the mold (20) provided with the four corner assemblies (21). Later, in Figs. 3 and 16 it is shown that the plate (P) is positioned in an initial position between said core (10) and the mold (20) prior to its introduction into the molding tunnel (22) of the mold (20). In Figs. 12 and 17 the male (10) begins to insert vertically into the mold (20) to push down the plate (P) and thus fold the corner flaps (S) of the plate (P) along the weakened lines (L1) that separate the proximal portion (S1) from the side wall (PL) by lifting the flap (S) with respect to the line of cut (C).

In Figs. 12 and 17 the corner flaps (S) are essentially perpendicular to the side wall (PL) before the side walls (PL) of the plate (P) are bent by the first and second folding plates (34, 51). The third bender plates (33) assist the first bender plates (51) for bending two facing side walls (PL).

Following Fig. 18, the column actuator (63) is configured to ultimately move the push member (65) to bend the flap portions (S1, S2, S3) against a terminal angle (11) at each corner of the tunnel molding (22).

Claims (16)

1.- Adjustable box forming machine (100) from sheets of laminar material, comprising: a chassis (1); a male (10) movably guided according to the vertical by means of a male actuator (2) supported in use to the chassis (1), which comprises a central core (12) attached to the male actuator (2), and four terminal angles (11 ), each with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, distributed around the central core (12) with its vertical portions in correspondence with the corners of the box to be formed; a mold (20) vertically facing said male (10) and supported in use by the chassis (1), said mold (20) comprising: • a vertical molding tunnel (22) with a rectangular cross section, equipped with a plate inlet mouth and a box exit mouth formed facing each other according to the vertical, around which corner assemblies (21) are positioned, where the male (10) is insertable to push down a flat plate initially located between said male (10) and said mold (20), and thus bend and join parts of said plate with others to form a box; • four corner assemblies (21), facing two by two, that delimit the molding tunnel (22), and located in correspondence with four corners of the box to be formed; • a first mold regulation device (24, 25) that regulates the separation between pairs of corner assemblies (21) according to a first horizontal direction Y; • a second mold regulation device (27, 28) that regulates the separation between pairs of corner assemblies (21) according to a second horizontal direction X perpendicular to the first horizontal direction Y; Y wherein each corner assembly (21) comprises: • a first and second bending plates (34, 51) with respective vertical portions that form a square and delimit the corner of the molding tunnel (22) and with respective curved and / or inclined upper portions; Y • a column bender (60) with a column actuator (63) configured to rotate a rotation shaft (64) vertically or with an inclination with respect to the vertical, said rotation shaft (64) being configured to move a member of push (65) between a starting position adjacent to the molding tunnel (22) and a final position inside the corner of the molding tunnel (22); four third benders (70), one for each of the corners of the box to be formed, supported directly or indirectly on the chassis (1) and located between the male (10) and the molding tunnel (22), where each third bender (70): • is provided with a movable bender member (71) with a front portion (71a) and a rear portion (71b) mounted so that it can pivot about a pivot axis (72) between a lying position and a raised position with the in order to fold said corner flap, • is located in respective positions between the first and second benders (34, 51) adjacent to a respective corner of the rectangular cross section of the molding tunnel (22), and • the folding member (71) in its lying position is positioned in a vertical level or elevated position with respect to the curved and / or inclined upper portions of the first and second folding plates (34, 51); said third benders (70) being configured to start folding the corner flaps of the plate with the plate located between the male (10) and the molding tunnel (22) before the folding of its side panels so that said flaps are inside; Y characterized because the front portion (71a) of each bending member (71) in its lying position protrudes into the molding tunnel (22) at an advanced position with respect to the vertical portion of the second bending plates (51); the folding member (71) is configured to pivot the front portion (71a) and the rear portion (71b), about their respective axis of rotation (72) located between said front and rear portion (71b), from said lying position to said position raised by the push of the core (10) and the initially flat plate against the top of each front portion (71a) during the introduction of the core (10) in the molding tunnel (22); Each third bender (70) comprises an elastic element (73) with one end supported directly or indirectly on the chassis (1) and another end connected to said bender member (71), wherein said elastic element (73) is configured to, in the presence of the pushing force of the male (10) and the plate on the bending member (71), offer an opposing force to ensure a smooth turn of the bending member (71) around the axis of rotation (72) and a controlled bending of the corner flap of the plate, and wherein said elastic element (73) is configured for, in the absence of the male's pushing force ( 10) and the iron, keeping the folding member (71) in its lying position; and because each bending member (71) is configured to rotate about its respective axis of rotation (72) independent of the activation time of the male actuator (2) that initiates the downward movement of the male (10) and independently of the activation time of the column actuators (63) that initiate the movement of the push members (65) from their initial positions to their final positions. 2. - Machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein in each third bender (70), the bender member (71) and the axis of rotation (72) in its lying position is positioned in an elevated vertical position with respect to the vertical portions of the first and second bending plates (34, 51). 3. - Machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein the front portion (71a, 75) of each third bender (70) is cantilevered. 4. - Machine (100) according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein each third bender (70) further comprises a support (88) attached directly or indirectly to the chassis (1), on which the bender member (71) , the axis of rotation (72) and the elastic element (73) are supported, so that the folding member (71) is configured to pivot with respect to said support (88). 5. - Machine (100) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the elastic element (73) is a coil spring or an elastic rubber with an end that includes an anchoring portion (73a) connected directly or indirectly to the chassis (1), and another end with another anchoring portion (73b) connected to said folding member (71). 6. - Machine (100) according to claim 5, wherein the anchoring portion (73a) is connected in use to a point fixed to the support (88) which in turn is supported on the chassis (1). 7. - Machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein each third bender (70) further comprises a cylinder (55) having: a body (56) connected to the support (88) by an anchoring portion (73a) embodied in a first joint, and a stem (57) capable of moving between positions outside and inside the cylinder (55), connected to the bending member (71) by the other anchoring portion (73b) embodied in a second joint; wherein said elastic element (73) is embodied in a spring that is integrated in said cylinder (55) coupled to the extendable stem (57), such that the bending member (71) is configured to be moved from its lying position to its raised position by the push of the male (10) and the bending member (71), and is configured to be moved from its raised position to its position stretched by the action of said spring. 8. - Machine (100) according to claims 4 to 7, wherein said mold (20) further comprises two horizontal guide bridges (23), supported on the chassis (1), mutually facing each other, where two of said assemblies are supported corner (21) each; said first mold regulating device (24, 25) regulates the position between the two corner assemblies (21) mounted on each guide bridge (23) along them; and said second mold regulation device (27, 28) regulates the position between the two guide bridges (23) according to a direction perpendicular to them. 9. - Machine (100) according to claim 8, wherein in use each of the four supports (88) of the respective third benders (70) meets at least one of the following characteristics: • it is supported on a guide bridge (23), • it is supported on a main support (29, 30, 30a) of the corner assembly (21) which in turn is supported on a guide bridge (23), or • it is supported on one of the two horizontal linear guides (40) configured to transport a plate individually from a home position to said initial position between said core (10) and said mold (20). 10. - Machine (100) according to any of claims 4 to 9, wherein each third bender (70) comprises a vertical adjustment device (86, 87, 94, 95) that regulates the position of the support (88) according to vertical direction with respect to a structural point of the chassis (1). 11. - Machine (100) according to any of claims 4 to 10, wherein each third bender (70) comprises a horizontal adjustment device (81, 82, 83, 92, 93) that regulates the position of the support (88) according to a horizontal direction perpendicular to the side of the molding tunnel (22) with respect to a structural point of the chassis (1). 12. - Machine (100) according to any of claims 4 to 11, wherein a pair of supports (88) of the respective third benders (70) are fixed in each of said two horizontal linear guides (40). 13. - Machine (100) according to claim 12, wherein each support (88) is fixed to said horizontal linear guides (40) by means of a respective longitudinal adjustment device (96, 97) that regulates the position of each support (88 ) throughout them. 14. - Machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each third bender (70) further comprises a bender insert (75) fixed to the bender member (71), with a front portion (75a) that in the lying position protrudes towards the interior of the molding tunnel (22) in a more advanced position with respect to the vertical portion of the second bending plates (51), and wherein said front portion (75a) in the lying position protrudes towards the interior of the molding tunnel (22) in a more advanced position with respect to the front portion (71a); Y a linear regulation device (76, 77) that allows the forward position of the front portion (75a) to be regulated with respect to the front portion (71a) in the lying position of the folding member (71) according to a linear direction perpendicular to one side of the molding tunnel (22). 15. - Machine (100) according to any of claims 4 to 13, wherein each third bender (70) comprises a stop (78) fixed on the support (88) which, in the absence of the male's pushing force ( 10) and the plate cooperate with the elastic element (73) to keep the folding member (71) in its lying position. 16. - Machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the male (10) further comprises: a first male regulation device (15, 16) that regulates the position of said terminal angles (11) with respect to the central core (12) according to said horizontal direction X aligned with the horizontal portions; Y a second male regulation device (13, 14) that regulates the position of said terminal angles (11) with respect to the central core (12) according to said horizontal direction AND perpendicular to said horizontal portions.