ES1312088U - MANUFACTURE OF CARDBOARD CONTAINERS WITH CLAMPS FORMED BY SECTIONS OF THE SIDE WALLS OF SUCH CONTAINERS FOR THE INSERTION OF VERTICAL STRUTS - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine for forming cardboard containers (10), comprising: a folded container loader (20) including two side frames (23) between which flat-folded containers (10) with a plurality of side panels parallel to another plurality of side panels, for forming the side walls (1, 2) of the container (10) can be introduced; a deployment mechanism (30) with a forming device (31), and a deployment actuator (32) connected to at least one suction cup (33) configured to move the individually folded containers (10) against the forming device (31) to deploy the container (10); an operational space (39), sized to accommodate an deployed container (10) with two first vertical side walls (1) opposite each other facing each other and two second vertical side walls (2) opposite each other, joined one after the other by vertical folds and forming four corner areas of the container (10); one or more bottom surfaces (41, 42, 52) positioned inferiorly adjacent to the operational space (39); an upper ram (91) vertically movable by a ram actuator (86), between an upper position, where the upper ram (91) is positioned superiorly adjacent to the operational space (39), and a lower position, where the upper ram (91) is configured to press, against the one or more bottom surfaces (41, 42, 52), lower bottom flaps (3, 4) of the container (10) arranged horizontally and connected by horizontal folds to the side walls (1, 2); characterized in that it also comprises a clamp-forming mechanism (60) comprising four folding devices (61) positioned so as to delimit the operational space (39) around the perimeter, each folding device (61) comprising a folding member (62), positioned in a corner area of the operational space (39) below the upper ram (91) in the upper position and above the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), and wherein the four folding members (62) are movable by folding actuators (65) between retracted positions, where the folding members (62) are adjacent or outside the operational space (39), and folding positions, where the folding members (62) are at least partially introduced into the operational space (39) configured to fold in each of the corner areas, towards the interior of the container (10), two sectors (5, 6) of two adjacent side walls (1, 2), articulatedly connected by a portion of one of the vertical folds (8) and delimited by two parallel horizontal cuts (7), to form four clamps (11), each of which includes the two sectors (5, 6) folded around three vertical fold portions (9, 8, 9) to position a vertical strut (15) passing through an inner gap (12) of the clamp (11) in the corner area of the container (10). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

MANUFACTURE OF CARDBOARD CONTAINERS WITH CLAMPS FORMED BY SECTIONS OF THE SIDE WALLS OF SUCH CONTAINERS FOR

THE INSERTION OF VERTICAL STRUTS

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The technical field of the present invention is devices for forming boxes made of semi-rigid sheet material, for example, cardboard.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is a machine for forming cardboard containers with clamps formed by sectors of the side walls of such containers, from such containers in a flat folded state, for the insertion of vertical struts.

Cardboard means any type of semi-rigid fibrous-based material with a tendency to maintain its shape under external stress, for example, cardboard of the carton type, compact cardboard, laminated cardboard, stretched cardboard, as well as corrugated/corrugated cardboard, mixed cardboard (combination of layers of paper and plastic), cardboard with an internal and/or external plastic sheet attached, among other options.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

The production of cardboard containers with clamps formed from portions/sectors of the container's own side walls for receiving vertical struts, from the initially folded state of the container, is carried out completely manually.

Containers with such clamps are disclosed in documents US3054505A, ES2169629A1 and ES1057509U.

Documents US4170929A, ES1010585U, ES2660059A1 (see web link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpKXogRnFoM&t=6s), FR3085881B1 (see web link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHbLPn2FpXw) and EP3795345A1 disclose respective machines for forming cardboard containers, for forming a cardboard container from a flat folded state to a folded state of the container with four side walls facing each other in pairs, and four lower flaps extending the side walls forming a bottom of the container by joining said lower flaps together.

However, none of the documents and web links cited above addresses the problem of automation, on a machine, of such cardboard containers with clamps formed by folding integral portions of the side walls of the container itself, ready for the subsequent insertion of the vertical struts.

The technical problem to be solved is the reduction of manufacturing costs of initially flattened cardboard containers with clamps formed from portions/sectors of the container's own side walls for the reception of vertical struts.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

To solve the drawbacks mentioned in the previous section, the present invention presents a cardboard container forming machine, configured to form four clamps, located one in each of the four corner areas of the container, configured to position a vertical strut passing through an inner gap of the clamp in each corner area.

Throughout this specification, the term "upright strut" means column or post, i.e. an elongated element in the vertical direction, additional to the container, which has an extension preferably corresponding to the distance between the upper mouth of the container and the bottom thereof to reinforce the container against stresses, for example, compressive stresses.

The container forming machine comprises a folded container loader including two side structures between which flat folded containers can be introduced, with a plurality of side panels parallel to another plurality of side panels for forming the side walls of the container.

Likewise, the container forming machine comprises a deployment mechanism with a forming device, and a deployment actuator attached to at least one suction cup configured to move the individually folded containers against the forming device to deploy the container.

Throughout this specification, the term "actuator" refers to a device having two parts capable of relative movement controllable by control signals, for example, with a control device, such as a control device based on relays and contactors, a control device that includes an automatic controller or programmable logic controller (PLC), or a combination of these options.

The drive may include a pneumatic cylinder with two parts: a body and a rod with relative movements, and/or a rotary electric motor with two parts: a stator and a rotor of the motor fixed to a relative movement output shaft, and/or a rotary pneumatic actuator with two parts: a support and a rotating shaft, among many other options.

Furthermore, the container forming machine comprises an operational space, sized to accommodate an unfolded container with two first vertical side walls facing each other and two second vertical side walls facing each other, joined one after the other by vertical folds and forming four corner areas of the container.

Also, the container forming machine comprises one or more lower surfaces positioned inferiorly adjacent to the operational space.

Likewise, the container forming machine comprises an upper ram that is vertically movable by a ram actuator, between an upper position and a lower position.

In the upper position, the upper ram is positioned superiorly adjacent to the operational space.

In the lower position, the upper ram is configured to press, against the one or more lower surfaces, lower bottom flaps of the container arranged horizontally and connected by horizontal folds to the side walls.

The container forming machine also comprises a clamp forming mechanism comprising four folding devices positioned to delimit the perimeter of the operational space.

Each folding device comprises a folding member, positioned in a corner region of the operational space below the upper ram in the upper position and above the one or more lower surfaces.

Similarly, in the container forming machine, the four folding members are movable by folding actuators between respective retracted positions and respective folding positions.

In the retracted positions the folding members are adjacent or outside the operational space.

In the folded positions, the folding members are at least partially introduced into the operational space configured to fold, towards the interior of the container, in each of the corner areas, two sectors of two adjacent side walls, articulatedly connected by a portion of one of the vertical folds and delimited by two parallel horizontal cuts, to form the aforementioned four clamps. Each of the clamps includes the two sectors folded around three vertical fold portions to position a vertical strut passing through an internal gap of the clamp in the corner area of the container.

The present invention provides an automated solution for the manufacture of containers with clamps folded inwards in the corner areas, which arise from a pair of parallel horizontal cuts made in each of the four corner areas, which have been largely assembled manually to date.

The container with its clamps is thus manufactured automatically on a machine by feeding the flat-folded containers into the loader.

The present invention provides a solution that greatly saves production times and costs of forming containers with clamps.

This container forming machine with clamps provides a very significant reduction in production costs: it is a compact and highly productive unit since the clamp forming mechanism is strategically positioned in the machine, with the folding devices around the operational space, making it possible to take advantage of the container's downtime in the operational space due to the vertical movement of the upper ram with respect to one or more lower surfaces, further reducing production times.

Optionally, the strategic arrangement of the folding devices surrounding the operational space enables the inward folding of the clamp sectors with precision and reliability with the upper ram introduced into the internal volume of the container by positionally limiting the side walls of the container, for example immediately before, after and/or during the pressing of the lower bottom flaps by the upper ram and/or by the lower surfaces.

The struts may be inserted into the interior volume of the container manually, by machine, by a combination of these options, or in any other way, leaving the four vertical struts positioned in stable positions between the inner faces of the side walls and the gaps of the four clamps.

Other optional features and their associated advantages will be described later, in relation to the figures, in the section on preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed lists of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, which should be taken as illustrative and not limiting, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a container deployed by the deployment mechanism of the container forming machine of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a container obtained with the container forming machine of the present invention, and where the struts that can be inserted manually or by machine have also been shown;

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the clamp forming mechanism of any one of the container forming machine embodiments of the present invention, and wherein a container has been located in the operational space;

Fig. 4 is a rear top perspective view of one of the four folding devices of the clamp-forming mechanism of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a front top perspective view of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a plan view associated with Fig. 3, with the folding members now in the retracted position, and where some elements have been omitted for clarity;

Fig. 7 is the plan view of Fig. 3, with the folding members in the folded position;

Figs. 8 and 9 are plan views of a first and second embodiments, respectively, of the container forming machine of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of a part of the container forming machine of Fig. 9;

Figs. 11 and 12 are plan views of an embodiment of the alternative clamp-forming mechanism to that shown in Figs. 3 to 10;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the container forming machine of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 shows a part of the machine of Figs. 13 and 14;

Fig. 16 is a view analogous to Fig. 15, now with the container located within the operational space;

Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of the head that integrates the upper ram, the clamp-forming mechanism, and the actuators of these, included in Fig. 15;

Fig. 18 is a bottom perspective view of Fig. 17;

Figs. 19 and 20 show, respectively, a side view and a bottom perspective view of the clamp-forming mechanism of Figs. 13 to 18;

Fig. 21 shows a front top perspective view of the container forming machine of Fig. 13, where some elements have been omitted for clarity;

Fig. 22 is a front top perspective view of the folding and pressing device included in Figs. 21 and 15;

Fig. 23 shows a rear top perspective view of Fig. 21; and

Fig. 24 is a rear top perspective view of Fig. 23.

DETAILED EXPOSURE OF PREFERRED REALIZATIONS

In the figures, reference 100 generically designates a forming machine (100) for cardboard containers (10) of the present invention, configured to form containers (10) with four clamps (11), located one in each of the four corner areas of the container (10), to position four vertical struts (15) passing through respective interior gaps (12) of the four clamps (11).

The vertical strut (15) of the figures is a slender and elongated element according to the vertical direction, which has an extension preferably corresponding to the vertical distance between the upper mouth and the bottom of the container (10) to reinforce it against stresses, for example, compression stresses and/or lateral stresses during handling and transport of the same.

The vertical struts (15) can be of different shapes (circular, square or triangular cross section) and materials (fibre base: for example, paper, cardboard, etc.; or plastic, among other options).

Common to all embodiments, Figs. 8, 9, 13 and 14 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) comprises a folded container loader (20) including two side structures (23), for example plates or bars, between which flat folded containers (10) can be introduced, with a plurality of side panels parallel to another plurality of side panels for forming the side walls (1,2) of the container (10), for positioning.

Preferably, Figs. 8, 9, 13 and 14 show that the folded container loader (20) further comprises a support surface (22) arranged between the two side structures (23) on which the flat-folded containers (10) are capable of resting.

Continuing in all embodiments, Figs. 8, 9, 13 and 23 show that the container forming machine (100) comprises a deployment mechanism (30).

The deployment mechanism (30) comprises a forming device (31) and a deployment actuator (32) attached to at least one suction cup (33). The deployment actuator (32) is configured to suctionally move the individually folded containers (10) against the forming device (31) to deploy the container (10).

The forming device (31) may be a plate, bars or rollers, among others.

In said Figs. 8, 9, 13 and 23 the deployment actuator (32) is a rotary electric motor which moves a belt or chain (36) mounted on two rotating elements. A carriage (35) is fixed to the belt or chain (36) on which the at least one suction cup (33) is mounted.

Figs. 3, 6, 8 to 11 and 15 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) comprises an operational space (39), sized to accommodate an unfolded container (10) with two first vertical side walls (1) opposite each other facing each other and two second vertical side walls (2) opposite each other, joined one after the other by vertical folds and forming four corner areas of the container (10).

Also, Figs. 8 to 10, 15, 16 and 21 to 24 show that the container forming machine (100) comprises one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52) positioned inferiorly adjacent to the operational space (39).

In the first embodiment of Fig. 8, the container forming machine (100) (10) has two lower surfaces (42, 42) positioned inferiorly adjacent to the operational space (39).

In the second embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10, the container forming machine (100) (10) has a bottom surface (52) positioned inferiorly adjacent to the operational space (39).

In the third embodiment of Figs. 13 to 24, the container forming machine (100) has four bottom surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) facing each other in pairs.

Each of these realizations will be described in detail later.

Continuing in all embodiments, Figs. 8 to 10, 15, 17 and 18 show that the container forming machine (100) comprises an upper ram (91) movable vertically by a ram actuator (86), between an upper position and a lower position.

The upper ram (91) of Figs. 8 to 10 is formed by a plate, while the upper ram (91) of Figs. 15 to 18 is formed by four lower pressure surfaces integrated into four corner assemblies of a head (90) to accommodate the separation between said corner assemblies in the face of different cardboard qualities and/or container (10) sizes, reducing production stops and therefore production costs. The upper ram (91) can have a varied geometry.

The ram actuator (86) in the figures is a rotary electric motor or a servo motor, although alternatively it may be a vertical pneumatic cylinder (not shown in the figures), among other options.

In Figs. 13 to 24, the ram actuator (86) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontal axis gear wheel (not shown) coupled to a respective vertical linear rack (87) fixed to the main support (75), such that when the reducer output shaft rotates, the vertical displacement of the clamp-forming mechanism (60) is caused.

Alternatively, the ram actuator (86) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontal axis sprocket coupled to a respective vertically arranged endless belt or chain (not shown) which is fixed to the main support (75), such that when the reducer output shaft rotates, the vertical displacement of the clamp-forming mechanism (60) is caused.

In the upper position, as may be represented in Figs. 8 and 9, shown in Fig. 10, the upper ram (91) is positioned superiorly adjacent to the operational space (39).

In the lower position, as may be represented in Figs. 8 and 9, and shown in Fig. 15, the upper ram (91) is configured to press, against the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), lower bottom flaps (3, 4) of the container (10) arranged horizontally and connected by horizontal folds to the side walls (1, 2) shown in Figs. 1 and 6 to 9.

Common to all embodiments, Figs. 3 to 12, 14 to 21 and 23 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) further comprises a clamp forming mechanism (60) comprising four folding devices (61) positioned so as to delimit the operational space (39) around the perimeter.

Continuing in these figures, each folding device (61) comprises a folding member (62), positioned in a corner area of the operational space (39) below the upper ram (91) in the upper position and above the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52).

Figs. 3 to 12 and 15 to 20 show that the four folding members (62) are movable by folding actuators (65) between respective retracted positions and respective folded positions.

In the retracted positions of Figs. 6, 8, 9 and 11, the folding members (62) are adjacent or outside the operational space (39).

In the folding positions of Figs. 3, 10, 12, 15 to 21 and 23, the folding members (62) are at least partially introduced into the operational space (39) configured to fold, towards the interior of the container (10), in each of the corner zones, two sectors (5, 6) of two adjacent side walls (1, 2), shown in detail in Figs. 1 to 3. Each of these sectors (5, 6) are hingedly connected by a portion of one of the vertical folds (8) and delimited by two parallel horizontal cuts (7).

Thus, after obtaining the container (10) of Fig. 3 with the container forming machine (100) of the present invention, the vertical struts (15) can be positioned between the inner faces of the side walls (1, 2) and the four clamps (11) as shown in Fig. 2, either manually, by machine, a combination of these, or in any other way.

Thus, with the movement of the folding members (62) between the retracted and folded positions, the aforementioned four clamps (11) are formed, each of which includes the two sectors (5, 6) folded around three vertical folding portions (9, 8, 9) to enable the positioning of a vertical strut (15) passing through an inner gap (12) of the clamp (11) in the corner area of the container (10), as detailed in Fig. 2.

With this, the container forming machine (200) obtains the container (10) shown in Fig. 3, where the clamps (11) are formed from portions or sectors (5, 6) of the side walls (1, 2) of the container (10), folded inwards in stable positions, where preferably one sector (5) is perpendicular to the other sector (6), for the subsequent reception of the vertical struts (15).

Preferably, in Figs. 3 to 12 and 13 to 20 each folding device (61) comprises one of said folding actuators (65) operatively connected to the folding member (32). Thus, the clamp-forming mechanism (60) comprises four folding actuators, acting individually in each corner zone of the container (10), configured to perform independent folding strokes for each clamp (11), ensuring correct folding of the four clamps (11), consequently reducing downtime and production costs of containers (10) with clamps (11).

Alternatively, in an option not shown in the figures, the clamping mechanism (60) comprises two folding actuators (65), each folding actuator (65) being configured to move two folding members (62). This may be accomplished by means of a gear wheel attached to a folding actuator (55) which engages two auxiliary racks, each auxiliary rack moving a folding member (62).

Optionally, Figs. 3, 10 to 12, 15 to 21 and 23 show that the clamping mechanism (60) further comprises at least two mutually facing side surfaces (66), the side surfaces (66) being opposite each other on two opposite sides of the cavity (39), one on each side.

Each side surface (66) is oriented vertically, with at least part of a side wall (1, 2) of the container (10) being capable of coming into contact thereon.

The side surfaces (66) provide improved positioning of the container (10), centering it, to undertake the pressing operation of the lower flaps (3, 4) with the movement of the upper ram (91) against the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), while accurately positioning the container (10) to undertake the folding of the clamps (11) with the folding members (62).

Optionally, continuing in Figs. 3, 10 to 12, 15 to 21 and 23, the clamping mechanism (60) comprises four mutually facing side surfaces (66) in pairs, the side surfaces (66) being opposite each other on two opposite sides of the cavity (39), two on each side.

Additionally, Figs. 3, 7, 10 to 12 and 20 show that the clamp-forming mechanism (60) comprises four supports (67), each folding device (61) being mounted on a respective support (67).

These four supports (67) make it possible to change the positioning of some folding devices (61) with respect to the others in the event of a change in the shape, for example, and/or size of the containers (10), for example, containers (10) with four or eight side walls (1, 2), all of this in a reduced adjustment/regulation time, without waiting time for replacement parts, reducing production costs.

Preferably, Figs. 3, 7, 10 to 12 and 20 show that the clamping mechanism (60) comprises four supports (67), each folding device (61) being mounted on a respective support (67). Each folding device (61) comprises one of said folding actuators (65) linked to the folding member (62), and a side surface (66), all supported on a respective support (67).

Preferably, Figs. 3 to 7, 11, 12, 15 and 20 show that the four supports (67) are mounted on a main support (75). Additionally, each folding device (61) further comprises a lateral positioning device (70, 71) including a linear guide (70) and a fixing and releasing element (71) of the support (67) to the main support (75) to position the support (67) in a desired position along the linear guide (70) towards or away from the operational space (39) according to the lateral direction (L).

In the figures, the linear guide (70) is an elongated hole and the release fixing element (71) is a screw element whose position changes along the elongated hole.

Alternatively, the linear guide (70) includes a plurality of holes (not shown) aligned according to the lateral direction (L).

In another alternative, the linear guide (70) may be a pocket/protrusion (not shown) wherein a mating pocket/protrusion is slidable along the pocket/protrusion.

Optionally, Figs. 3 and 20 show that each folding device (61) comprises a second lateral positioning device (71, 72) including a linear guide (73) and the fixing and releasing element (71) of the support (67) to the main support (75) to position the support (67) in a desired position along the second linear guide (73) in parallel with respect to one side of the operational space (39), according to the parallel direction (P) of Figs.

3 and 20.

Additionally, Figs. 3 and 4 show that each folding device (61) further comprises a folding adjustment device (68, 69) including a second linear guide (68) and a second fixing and releasing element (69) for changing the folding and/or retracted position of the folding member (62).

In Figs. 3 and 4, with the release of the second clamping and releasing element (69) and its shifting along the second linear guide, one of the two relative motion parts of the folding actuator (65) is shifted along the second linear guide (68), thus changing the position of the folding member (62).

The lateral positioning device (70, 71), and/or second lateral positioning device (71, 72) and/or the folding adjustment device (68, 69), each of them or in combination, provide precision in the positioning and adjustment of the folding members (62) and/or the lateral surfaces (66), avoiding production stops and reducing production costs, since it provides robustness against different qualities and thicknesses of cardboard to be folded, absorbs severe tolerances of the cardboard (curvatures and deformations thereof), and all of this against variations in measurements and/or shapes of the containers (10).

Optionally, Figs. 3 to 7 show that each folding device (61) further comprises a vertical hinge (63) operatively connected to the folding member (62), the folding members (62) being movable between the retracted and folded positions by pivoting about the vertical hinges (63).

These four vertical joints (63) provide reliability and robustness in the folding of the clamps (11) by the folding members (62), avoiding production stops and reducing production costs, when faced with different qualities and thicknesses of cardboard to be folded, absorbing variations in cardboard tolerances (curvatures and deformations thereof), when faced with variations in measurements and/or shapes of the containers (10).

In Figs. 3 to 7, each vertical joint (63) connects one of the folding actuators (65) to the folding member (65).

In Figs. 3 to 5, each folding device (61) further comprises a double-articulated lever (64), articulated by one axis to the folding actuator (65) and articulated by another axis to the folding member (62).

In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), in each folding device (61), one of the parts provided with relative movement of the folding actuator (65) is articulated in the support (67) and the other part (for example, the rod of a pneumatic cylinder) has fixed a rack with teeth that engages in the teeth of a gear wheel fixed to one of said vertical joints (63), the folding members (62) being movable between the retracted and folded positions by pivoting about the vertical joints (63) before the rotation of the gear wheels by the advance/retraction of the racks.

In the first embodiment of the container forming machine (100) of Fig. 8, the container (10) is unfolded by the movement of at least one suction cup (33) driven by a deployment actuator (32), for example, a rotary electric motor, which interferes against the forming device (31) in its movement. The movement of the suction cup (33) is from a position adjacent to the folded container loader (20) shown in Fig. 8 in dashed line, to an adjacent position where the at least one suction cup (33), shown in solid line in Fig. 8, is positioned on one side of an auxiliary operational space having two first folding surfaces (41, 41) mutually facing each other adjacent thereto.

The movement of the suction cups (33) may be linear according to the first direction (X), optionally horizontal, from the position of the suction cup (33) in a dashed line to the position of the suction cup (33) in a continuous line in Fig. 8.

Subsequently, in Fig. 8, the partially formed container (10) is moved from the auxiliary operational space with the first lower flaps (3) folded by an auxiliary transfer device including a transfer actuator (37a), for example an electric motor, which moves second suction cups (not shown but analogous to the suction cups (33)) according to the second direction (Y). Thus, the container (10) is susceptible to being positioned by the auxiliary transfer device in the operational space (39) shown in Fig. 8, which is delimited superiorly by the upper ram (91) in the upper position and delimited inferiorly by the lower counter-pressure surfaces (42, 42) to press the lower flaps (3, 4) of the container (10) against each other, against the upper ram (91) in the lower position.

In Fig. 8, the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52) referred to above is a plurality of lower surfaces (42, 42) movable by bottom actuators (43), between pressure positions, where they are positioned adjacent to the upper ram (91) in the lower position configured to press the lower flaps (3, 4) arranged horizontally, and rest positions, where the plurality of lower surfaces (42, 42) are moved away from the position of the upper ram (91) in the lower position.

In Fig. 8, while the container (10) is housed in the operational space (39) without displacement thereof, the folding members (62) moved by the folding actuators (65) fold the sectors (5, 6) of Figs. 1 and 3 towards the interior of the container 10 as shown in Fig. 3. When the upper ram (91) is moved to the upper position, the containers (10) which are individually translated by the translation actuator (37a) push the containers (10) with formed clamps (11) successively housed in the operational space (39), expelling them therefrom.

In Figs. 9 and 10, the container (10) is deployed by the deployment mechanism (30) from the folded container loader (20) into an auxiliary operational space having internally adjacent two mutually facing first dedicated folding surfaces (46, 46). Each first dedicated folding surface (41) is movable by a bottom actuator (43), the first dedicated folding surfaces (46, 46) folding the first bottom flaps (3).

Subsequently, in Figs. 9 and 10, the partially formed container (10) is moved by an auxiliary transfer device including a transfer actuator (37a) which moves second suction cups (37) mounted on a second support carriage (38), preferably linearly according to the second direction (Y), and optionally horizontally. Thus, the container (10) is capable of being positioned in a second auxiliary operational space shown in Figs. 9 and 10, where two mutually facing second dedicated folding surfaces (42, 42), each movable by a bottom actuator (43), fold the second bottom flaps (4).

In Fig. 9 and 10, the second suction cups (37) moved by the transfer actuator (37 a) position the container (10) with the lower flaps (3, 4) folded essentially horizontally on the surface of a conveyor belt (52).

In the second embodiment of the container forming machine (100) of Figs. 9 and 10, it comprises a folding device formed by dedicated folding surfaces (46, 46, 47, 47) movable by bottom actuators (43), and wherein the one or more bottom counter-pressure surfaces (41, 42, 52) of the upper ram (91) is a surface corresponding to the surface of a conveyor belt (52).

The operational space (39) of Figs. 9 and 10 is delimited above by the upper ram (91) in the upper position and below by the counter-pressure conveyor belt (52) for pressing the lower flaps (3, 4) of the container (10) against each other against the upper ram (91) in the lower position.

After the formation of the clamps (11) of the container (10) by the folding members (62) with the container (10) housed without displacement inside the operational space (39), the container (10) is moved by the conveyor belt (52) driven by a transport actuator (51), for example, a motor, according to a transport direction (T) for its evacuation.

The supports (67) may be fixed in fixed positions during the cyclic operation of the container forming machine (100) (10), as shown in Figs. 3 to 10.

Alternatively, the supports (67) of Figs. 3 to 10 may be laterally movable towards/away from the sides of the operational space (39) by auxiliary actuators (55) which move secondary supports (76), shown in Figs. 11 and 12, to carry out each cycle of pressing the lower flaps (3, 4) and folding the clamps (11).

It is noted that the first embodiment of Fig. 8 occupies less space in the plant than the embodiment of Fig. 9, reducing production costs.

As can be seen in Figs. 8, 9 and 13, the third embodiment of Fig. 13 described below takes up less space in the plant, reducing production costs, compared to the first (Fig. 8) and second (Fig. 9) embodiments described above.

In the three embodiments, the container (10) forming machine (100) is configured to fold all parts of the containers (10) with clamps without vertical movement of the container (10), reducing downtime and increasing production costs.

In the third embodiment of the container forming machine (100) of Figs. 13 to 24, the one or more bottom surfaces (41, 42, 52) is a plurality of bottom surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) comprised in a folding and pressing device (45) positioned inferiorly adjacent to the operational space (39). The folding and pressing device (45) further comprises bottom actuators (43) operatively connected to the plurality of bottom surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) to fold the bottom flaps (3, 4) to the horizontal arrangement thereof and press them against the upper ram (91), as shown in Fig. 16.

Figs. 15 and 16 and 21 to 24 show that the folding and pressing device (45) comprises four lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) for counter-pressure against the upper ram (91), a first pair of lower surfaces (41, 41) being mutually facing each other and associated with two sides of the operational space (39) and another second pair of lower surfaces (42, 42) mutually facing each other and associated with the other two sides of the operational space (39), for folding and pressing the lower flaps (3, 3, 4, 4) together to form the bottom of the container (10).

Thus, for example, in Figs. 14 to 16 and 21 to 24, the first pair of lower surfaces (41, 41) folds the lower flaps (3) and subsequently the second pair of lower surfaces (42, 42) folds the lower flaps (4) and presses the lower flaps (3, 4) together against the upper ram in the lower position.

Continuing in these figures, each bottom surface (41, 41, 42, 42) is movable by at least one bottom actuator (43), for example, a pneumatic cylinder.

Optionally, on the sides where pressure is applied to join the flaps together, each lower surface (42, 42) is movable by two bottom actuators (43). This improves the joining, for example, by gluing or by snapping, of the lower flaps (3, 4), improving the positioning and formation of the clamps (11), facilitating the subsequent insertion of the struts (15) manually or automatically, thus obtaining a robust and reliable solution, which mitigates production stops, reducing production costs.

Optionally, Figs. 14 and 21 to 24 show that on the side of the operational space (39) facing the folded container loader (20), the folding and pressing device (45) further comprises a lifting actuator (44) which is connected to a lifting carriage (48), on which the two bottom actuators (43) are mounted which are capable of moving the bottom surface (42), optionally in a manner guided by fixed guides (49) and matching guide skates fixed to the lifting carriage (48).

Additionally, Figs. 13, 14, 21 and 23 show that the deployment mechanism (30) is configured to position the deployed container (10) in a partially formed working position within the operational space (39) with the at least one suction cup (33) positioned laterally adjacent to the operational space (39).

Additionally, Figs. 13, 14, 21 and 23 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) also comprises lateral ram surfaces (92) integrally connected to the upper ram (91).

In these figures, the container (10) forming machine (100) comprises a head (90) with four corner assemblies, the side surfaces of the ram (92) being joined by screws to corner surfaces of the upper ram (91).

Optionally, the side surfaces of the ram (92) and upper ram (91) may be horizontally movable in the lateral direction (L) by pneumatic cylinders (93) mounted on the head (90), shown in Fig. 18.

Alternatively, side surfaces of ram (92) and upper ram (91) of Figs. 15 to 18 may be part of a single piece, as shown in Figs. 8 to 10.

Optionally, Figs. 13 to 24 show that the container forming machine (100) (10) further comprises a secondary actuator (81) and a vertical guide (82). The secondary actuator (81) is configured to move the clamp forming mechanism (60) along the vertical guide (82), between a lower operating position, where the four folding devices (61) are positioned so as to delimit the perimeter of the operational space (39), and an upper operating position, where the four folding devices (61) are above the operational space (39).

The secondary actuator (81) in the figures is a rotary electric motor.

The vertical guide (82) of the figures is a guide rail coupled to a carriage element fixed to a structural point of the machine, for example, to its chassis.

In Figs. 13 to 24, the secondary actuator (81) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontal axis toothed wheel coupled to a respective vertical rack (83) fixed to the main support (75), such that when the reducer output shaft rotates, the vertical displacement of the clamp-forming mechanism (60) is caused.

Alternatively, the secondary actuator (81) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontal axis toothed wheel coupled to a respective vertically arranged endless belt or chain that is fixed to the main support (75), such that when the reducer output shaft rotates, the vertical displacement of the clamp-forming mechanism (60) is caused.

In another option not shown, the secondary actuator (81) is a vertical fluid dynamic cylinder attached to the main support (75).

Optionally, once the struts (15) are inserted into the clamps (11) of the container (10) resting on the bottom as shown in Fig. 2, either manually or by machine, the containers (10), for the formation of the upperly reinforced mouth with upper reinforcement flaps (13, 14) initially vertically shown in Figs. 1 and 2 connected by horizontal slots to the upper part of the side walls (1, 2) can be formed by the upper reinforced mouth forming device 240 of document ES1306046U of the same inventor as the present application:

- either by installing the forming assemblies 245 on the main support (75) of the third embodiment of the forming machine (100) of Figs. 13 to 24 of the present invention, or

- either by means of an additional machine to the one in the present invention that incorporates the upper shaping device 240 of said document ES1306046U.

The scope of the present invention is given by the following claims.

Claims (14)

1.- Forming machine (100) for cardboard containers (10), comprising: a folded container loader (20) including two side structures (23) between which flat-folded containers (10) can be introduced, with a plurality of side panels parallel to another plurality of side panels, forming the side walls (1,2) of the container (10); a deployment mechanism (30) with a forming device (31), and a deployment actuator (32) attached to at least one suction cup (33) configured to move the individually folded containers (10) against the forming device (31) to deploy the container (10); an operational space (39), sized to accommodate an unfolded container (10) with two first vertical side walls (1) opposite each other facing each other and two second vertical side walls (2) opposite each other, joined one after the other by vertical folds and forming four corner areas of the container (10); one or more lower surfaces (41,42,52) positioned inferiorly adjacent to the operational space (39); an upper ram (91) movable vertically by a ram actuator (86), between an upper position, where the upper ram (91) is positioned superiorly adjacent to the operational space (39), and a lower position, where the upper ram (91) is configured to press, against the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), lower bottom flaps (3, 4) of the container (10) arranged horizontally and connected by horizontal folds to the side walls (1, 2); characterized in that It also comprises a clamping mechanism (60) comprising four folding devices (61) positioned so as to delimit the operational space (39) around the perimeter, each folding device (61) comprising a folding member (62), positioned in a corner area of the operational space (39) below the upper ram (91) in the upper position and above the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), and wherein the four folding members (62) are movable by folding actuators (65) between retracted positions, where the folding members (62) are adjacent or outside the operational space (39), and folding positions, where the folding members (62) are at least partially introduced into the operational space (39) configured to fold in each of the corner areas, towards the interior of the container (10), two sectors (5, 6) of two adjacent side walls (1, 2), articulatedly connected by a portion of one of the vertical folds (8) and delimited by two parallel horizontal cuts (7), to form four clamps (11), each of which includes the two sectors (5, 6) folded around three vertical fold portions (9, 8, 9) to position a vertical strut (15) passing through an inner gap (12) of the clamp (11) in the corner area of the container (10). 2. - Forming machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein each folding device (61) comprises one of said folding actuators (65) operatively connected to the folding member (32). 3. - Forming machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamp-forming mechanism (60) further comprises at least two mutually facing side surfaces (66) on two opposite sides of the cavity (39). 4. - Forming machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp forming mechanism (60) comprises four supports (67), each folding device (61) being mounted on a respective support (67). 5. - Forming machine (100) according to the combination of claims 2, 3 and 4, wherein each folding device (61) comprises one of said folding actuators (65) and one of said side surfaces (66). 6. - Forming machine (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the four supports (67) are mounted on a main support (75), and wherein each folding device (61) further comprises a lateral positioning device (70, 71) including a linear guide (70) and a fixing and releasing element (71) of the support (67) to the main support (75) to position the support (67) in a desired position along the linear guide (70) approaching or moving away from the operational space (39). 7. - Forming machine (100) according to claim 6, wherein each folding device (61) further comprises a folding adjustment device (68, 69) including a second linear guide (68) and a second fixing and releasing element (69) for changing the folding and/or retracted position of the folding member (62). 8. - Forming machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each folding device (61) further comprises a vertical joint (63) operatively connected to the folding member (62), the folding members (62) being movable between the retracted and folded positions by pivoting about the vertical joints (63). 9. - Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52) is a plurality of lower surfaces (42, 42) movable by bottom actuators (43), between pressure positions, where they are positioned adjacent to the upper ram (91) in the lower position configured to press the lower flaps (3, 4) arranged horizontally, and rest positions, where the plurality of lower surfaces (42, 42) are distant with respect to the position of the upper ram (91) in the lower position. 10. - Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a folding device formed by dedicated folding surfaces (46, 46, 47, 47) movable by bottom actuators (43), and wherein the one or more bottom surfaces (41, 42, 52) of counter pressure of the upper ram (91) is a surface corresponding to the surface of a conveyor belt (52). 11. - Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52) is a plurality of lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) comprised in a folding and pressing device (45) located inferiorly adjacent to the operational space (39), further comprising bottom actuators (43) operatively connected to the plurality of lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) to fold the lower flaps (3, 4) until the horizontal arrangement thereof and press them against the upper ram (91). 12. - Forming machine (100) according to claim 11, wherein the deployment mechanism (30) is configured to position the deployed container (10) in a partially formed working position within the operational space (39) with the at least one suction cup (33) positioned laterally adjacent to the operational space (39). 13. - Forming machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising lateral ram surfaces (92) integrally connected to the upper ram (91). 14. - Forming machine (100) according to claim 11, further comprising a secondary actuator (81) and a vertical guide (82), the secondary actuator (81) being configured to move the clamp-forming mechanism (60) along the vertical guide (82), between a lower operating position, where the four folding devices (61) are positioned peripherally delimiting the operational space (39), and an upper operating position, where the four folding devices (61) are above the operational space (39).