EP3526025B1 - Device and method for removing a formed box from a mandrel - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for extracting a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from a mandrel on which it has been previously formed from a blank of sheet material.

It also relates to a method for extracting a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from a mandrel.

Such a blank of sheet material conventionally comprises a series of at least three flaps, namely two end flaps located on either side of at least one intermediate flap, said flaps being connected to each other by lines of parallel folding and provided with side flaps, respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, the free edge of one of the end flaps being provided with a tongue connected to said end flap by a fold line parallel to the fold lines connecting said flaps.

When the blank has three flaps, it makes it possible to obtain part of a box (lid or bottom). When it has at least four parts, it makes it possible to obtain a box.

To enable a box or part of a box to be obtained, an adhesive is deposited on the one hand, on two side flaps and on the other hand, on said tab of an end flap or near the free edge of the end flap opposite said tongue.

Then, the flaps are wound around a mandrel with a polygonal section, the outer cross section of which corresponds to the inner cross section of the box or part of the box to be obtained, the tongue is fixed against the free edge of the other end flap in bearing on the upper face of the mandrel, and the flaps located on the same side of said flaps and some of which include an adhesive are folded back against a corresponding end face of the mandrel and then fixed to each other.

The box or part of the box thus formed is then extracted from the mandrel in order to proceed in particular with its filling, its marking or any other action.

This invention finds a particularly important, although not exclusive, application in the field of reinforced corrugated cardboard boxes.

Numerous methods and devices are already known for extracting a box with a polygonal section from a mandrel.

We can cite in particular the document EP 0 334 707 which describes a method and a device consisting in successively removing the blanks in a store and depositing them on a table provided with drive fingers. They slide the blank on the table to bring it under the mandrel. During transfer to the mandrel, the blank encounters glue boards placed above and below the table that deposit lines of adhesive on the blank.

The shaping of the blank around the mandrel, the fixing of the tongue and the formation of the bottom of the box is carried out using several actuators.

Once the box has been formed, it is ejected from the mandrel by acting on a jack, capable of moving a transverse plate, arranged inside the mandrel and serving as an end face thereof.

Under the effect of the jack, the box tilts passing over a first conveyor, then a second conveyor located at a lower level. The box is then evacuated by this second conveyor, on which it rests by its bottom.

Numerous variants of this device have been proposed and they are generally satisfactory, see for example FR 2 770 446 .

These devices nevertheless have drawbacks because the fact of dropping the box does not ensure, in all cases, a good positioning thereof. Furthermore, this generally necessitates subsequently resuming the box by appropriate means, which breaks the processing cycle of the box and limits the rates which can be obtained.

The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a device and a method for extracting a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from a mandrel making it possible to carry out this extraction continuously and with great precision, while being of a simple design and / or implementation.

To this end, the invention proposes in particular a device for extracting a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from a mandrel comprising an upper face, a lower face connected by lateral faces and an end face, mandrel on which it has been previously formed from a blank comprising a series of at least three flaps, namely two end flaps on either side of at least one intermediate flap, said flaps being connected to each other by parallel folding lines provided with side flaps, respectively connected to said flaps by folding lines perpendicular to the folding lines connecting said flaps, characterized in that it comprises a plate comprising first gripping means and movable in translation between a deployed position in which the plate is near the end face of the mandrel on which side flaps are intended to be folded up and a folded position in which the plate is away from the mandrel and in that the mandrel itself is movable between a first forming position in which its outer cross section corresponds to the inner cross section of the can or part of the can and a second position retracted in which its outer cross section is less than the inner cross section of the box or part of the box.

The term “face of the mandrel” is understood to mean a plane delimited by its end edges, for example formed by angles, without said face necessarily being solid and / or formed by a plate with a surface area equal to that of said face.

Likewise, the term “plate (comprising gripping means)” is understood to mean a surface element extending over an area equal to at least part of the area of a side flap suitable for forming the bottom of the box or part of the box.

Part of a box is in particular the lid or the bottom of a box.

• le dispositif comprend un système de bras articulés susceptible de se déployer selon une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite face d'extrémité du mandrin et dont une première extrémité est solidaire du bâti du dispositif et dont une deuxième extrémité supporte ladite plaque ;
• ladite plaque est mobile en rotation entre une position aplatie dans laquelle elle est sensiblement parallèle à la face d'application du mandrin et une position redressée dans laquelle elle est sensiblement parallèle à ladite face d'extrémité ;
• les premiers moyens de préhension comprennent des moyens d'aspiration ;
• lorsque le mandrin est dans sa première position rétractée, la distance entre la face supérieure et la face d'application du mandrin est agencée pour être inférieure à la largeur de la boîte ou partie de boîte ;
• le système de bras articulés est mobile en rotation autour d'un axe vertical passant par sa première extrémité solidaire du bâti.

In advantageous embodiments, moreover and / or additionally recourse is had to one and / or other of the following provisions:

• the device comprises a system of articulated arms capable of being deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to said end face of the mandrel and of which a first end is integral with the frame of the device and of which a second end supports said plate;
• said plate is movable in rotation between a flattened position in which it is substantially parallel to the application face of the mandrel and a straightened position in which it is substantially parallel to said end face;
• the first gripping means comprise suction means;
• when the mandrel is in its first retracted position, the distance between the upper face and the application face of the mandrel is arranged to be less than the width of the box or part of the box;
• the articulated arm system is movable in rotation about a vertical axis passing through its first end secured to the frame.

• appliquer une force de pression sur une face d'extrémité du mandrin sur laquelle des rabats latéraux ont été préalablement repliés, pour fixer les rabats entre eux et former le fond de la boîte ou partie de boîte dont la surface intérieure est en contact avec le mandrin,
• saisir par aspiration le fond de la boîte ou partie de boîte ainsi formée,
• réduire la section extérieure du mandrin et
• exercer sur la surface extérieure du fond une force de tirage perpendiculaire à la face d'extrémité, en relâchant la pression sur le fond de la boîte ou partie de boîte, pour extraire ladite boîte ou partie de boîte du mandrin.

The invention also relates to a method for extracting a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from a mandrel, the box or part of a box resulting from the shaping around said mandrel of a blank comprising a series of at least three flaps, namely two end flaps on either side of at least one intermediate flap, said flaps being connected to each other by parallel fold lines and provided with side flaps, respectively connected to said flaps by lines folding perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, said blank having been previously glued at least at two side flaps and brought under the mandrel, which is in a first forming position in which the flaps have been wound around the mandrel, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• apply a pressure force on an end face of the mandrel on which side flaps have been folded beforehand, to fix the flaps together and form the bottom of the box or part of the box the inner surface of which is in contact with the mandrel,
• gripping by suction the bottom of the box or part of the box thus formed,
• reduce the outer section of the mandrel and
• exerting on the outer surface of the bottom a pulling force perpendicular to the end face, releasing the pressure on the bottom of the box or part of the box, to extract said box or part of the box from the mandrel.

• après extraction de la boîte ou partie de boîte du mandrin, on redresse ladite boîte ou partie de boîte verticalement et on la transfère à un poste d'évacuation ;
• on extrait et on redresse la boîte ou partie de boîte par les mêmes moyens ;
• lesdits moyens contribuent également au transfert de la boîte ou partie de boîte à un poste d'évacuation ;
• lesdits moyens permettent également de rabattre au moins un desdits rabats sur ladite face latérale du mandrin.

Advantageously, one and / or the other of the following provisions is moreover and / or in addition:

• after extracting the box or part of the box from the mandrel, said box or part of the box is straightened vertically and transferred to an evacuation station;
• the box or part of the box is extracted and straightened by the same means;
• said means also contribute to the transfer of the box or part of the box to an evacuation station;
• said means also allow at least one of said flaps to be folded over said lateral face of the mandrel.

• un poste d'encollage dans lequel un adhésif est déposé sur au moins deux rabats latéraux,
• un poste de formage dans lequel les volets sont enroulés autour du mandrin et des rabats se trouvant du même côté desdits volets sont repliés et
• un poste d'extraction comprenant un dispositif tel que décrit précédemment.

The invention also relates to a machine for forming a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from a blank comprising a series of at least three flaps, namely two end flaps on either side of at least two intermediate flaps, said flaps being connected to each other to the others by parallel fold lines and provided with side flaps, respectively connected to said flaps by fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, comprising:

• a gluing station in which an adhesive is deposited on at least two side flaps,
• a forming station in which the flaps are wound around the mandrel and the flaps on the same side of said flaps are folded and
• an extraction station comprising a device as described above.

• la machine comprend également un poste de transfert vers au moins un poste d'évacuation ;
• le poste de transfert comprend des deuxièmes moyens de préhension de la boîte ou partie de boîte présente au poste d'extraction, ces deuxièmes moyens étant mobiles en rotation entre une première position dans laquelle ils sont en regard du poste d'extraction et une deuxième position dans laquelle ils sont en regard du poste d'évacuation, ces deuxièmes moyens de préhension étant également mobiles en translation entre une position déployée dans laquelle ils sont destinés à être au contact de la boîte ou partie de boîte et une position rétractée de repos ;
• le poste d'évacuation comprend des moyens de préhension mobiles en translation entre une position rétractée et une position déployée ;
• les deuxièmes moyens de préhension comprennent des moyens d'aspiration.

Advantageously, one and / or the other of the following provisions is moreover and / or in addition:

• the machine also comprises a transfer station to at least one evacuation station;
• the transfer station comprises second means for gripping the box or part of the box present at the extraction station, these second means being movable in rotation between a first position in which they are opposite the extraction station and a second position in which they are opposite the evacuation station, these second gripping means also being movable in translation between a deployed position in which they are intended to be in contact with the box or part of the box and a retracted rest position;
• the discharge station comprises gripping means movable in translation between a retracted position and a deployed position;
• the second gripping means comprise suction means.

• le flan est encollé au moins au niveau de deux rabats latéraux et amené sous un mandrin,
• le flan est ensuite mis en forme autour du mandrin pour obtenir une boîte ou partie de boîte,
• ladite boîte ou partie de boîte est extraite du mandrin en mettant en œuvre le procédé tel que décrit précédemment,
• ladite boîte ou partie de boîte étant ensuite transférée à un poste d'évacuation.

The invention also relates to a method of forming a box or part of a box with a polygonal section, from a blank comprising a set of flaps connected to each other by parallel fold lines and provided with side flaps, connected. respectively to said flaps by fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines connecting said flaps, wherein:

• the blank is glued at least at the level of two side flaps and brought under a mandrel,
• the blank is then shaped around the mandrel to obtain a box or part of a box,
• said box or part of a box is extracted from the mandrel by implementing the method as described above,
• said box or part of a box then being transferred to an evacuation station.

The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear more clearly on reading the following description of embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which: The figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a blank usable with the method and the gluing device according to the invention.

The figure 2 is a perspective view of a machine for forming a box with a polygonal section, from the blank illustrated in figure 1 , including a sizing device according to the invention.

The figure 3 is a side view in longitudinal section of the machine shown in figure 2 , more precisely on the right side of the machine in the direction of transport of the blanks.

The figures 4 and 5 are top views of the machine shown on figure 2 , the figure 5 differing from figure 4 in that it also represents blanks being processed on the machine.

The figure 6 is a rear perspective view of an example of an extraction device according to the invention, in the retracted position.

The figure 7 is a view similar to figure 6 , in which the extraction device is in the deployed position.

The figures 8A to 8F are side views illustrating the different stages of extracting a box from the mandrel.

The figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the extraction device in the deployed position and with a box, corresponding to the figures 7 and 8C .

The figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the extraction device in the folded position and with a box, corresponding to the figures 6 and 8F .

The figures 11A to 11G are top views illustrating the various stages of transfer and evacuation of the box, after its extraction.

The elements common to the various figures will be designated by the same references.

The figure 1 shows a blank 1 made of double-sided corrugated cardboard, for example of low weight (<250 g / m2), for example 3 mm thick, intended to form a box.

It comprises a series 2 of four main rectangular shutters 3, 4, 5, 6 terminated by a gluing tab 7 and interconnected by first fold lines, parallel to each other, namely a first central or reference fold line 8, two first lateral fold lines 9 and 10, and a first end fold line 11, junction with the tongue 7.

Flaps 3 and 6 are called end flaps and flaps 4 and 5, intermediate flaps.

The blank comprises, in a manner known in itself, a first set 12 of rectangular or substantially rectangular flaps 13 connected to the main flaps by second fold lines 14 perpendicular to the first and suitable for forming the top of the box after filling and a second set 15 of rectangular or substantially rectangular flaps 16a to 16d also connected to the main flaps by second fold lines 14 and suitable for forming the bottom of the box.

The method and the device according to the invention can also use variants of the blank illustrated in figure 1 and in particular a blank comprising rectangular main flaps interconnected by rectangular intermediate shutters.

In known manner, these intermediate flaps form, on the final box, the bevelled angles of the latter.

They can also use blanks comprising an intermediate flap and two end flaps to obtain a part of the box.

First of all, reference is made to figures 2 to 5 to describe a machine for forming a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from the blank illustrated in figure 1 , this machine comprising a sizing device according to the embodiment of the invention more particularly described here, in particular with reference to the other figures.

This machine 20 comprises a frame or structure 21 forming a platform supporting independent subassemblies or modules, assembled to form a box from the blank illustrated in figure 1 .

These are the blank storage-unstacking module 30, the blank gluing module 40, the forming module 50, and the extraction module 60.

These modules can be manufactured independently and then mounted on the frame 22.

Thus, the frame 21 provides the connection between the two end modules, namely the storage-unstacking module 30 and the extraction module 60.

In the posts 22 of the frame, an electrical cabinet may be provided which includes a PLC programmable control of the machine, known in itself.

The first storage-unstacking module 30 comprises a storage magazine 31 in the semi-vertical position of the blanks 1 to be formed.

This comprises two modular chains 32 driven by a system 33, comprising for example an asynchronous motor.

The chains 32 are for example coupled to a freewheel 34 and make it possible to maintain a blank ready to be fed in the front part 36.

In the storage magazine 31, the blanks are stored with the printed side facing the outside of the machine and the tab of the blank located on the right side of the machine in the direction of travel of the blanks.

This module 30 also includes means 35 (cf. figure 3 ) unstacking blanks 1 from the store 31.

The gluing module 40 comprises a gluing device with a flat support 41, such as a table, intended to receive a blank 1. On the longitudinal edges of this table 41, cleats 410 are provided which are fixed relative to the table, ensuring the positioning of the blank.

The gluing device also comprises a system of articulated arms 42 supporting a nozzle 420 positioned above the support.

The forming module 50 comprises a mandrel 51, that is to say a forming tool, around which the blank previously glued by the sizing device will be formed.

To move the blank 1 from the gluing device to under the mandrel 51, transfer means 43 are provided comprising a system of articulated arms, located under the table 41 and capable of gripping a blank from below by means of aspiration.

The forming module 50 (cf. figure 4 ) for its part comprises two nacelles 52, 53, integral with the frame 21 and arranged on either side of the mandrel 51, transversely and symmetrically with respect to the direction of supply of the blank from the gluing station.

These nacelles comprise, in the example illustrated on the figures 2 to 5 , the means for winding the shutters and the means for fixing the tongue.

The extraction module 60 comprises an extraction station for extracting a box or part of a box with a polygonal section from the mandrel 51 where it has been formed, by means of an extraction device 61, an evacuation station comprising the two conveyors 62, 63 as well as a transfer station from the extraction station to the evacuation station.

The extraction device will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures 6 to 9 .

This extraction device is shown in the folded position at the figure 6 and in the deployed position on the figure 7 .

It is of the nacelle type and comprises a system of articulated arms 63 as well as a plate 64.

The system 63 is, at one of its ends 630, made integral with the frame 21 of the machine by appropriate means 631.

Furthermore, at its other end 632, the system 63 is integral with support means 640 for the plate 64.

In the example illustrated in the figures, these support means comprise two parallel parts 6400 fixed, by one of their ends 6401, to the end 632 of the system 63.

The other ends 6402 of the support means 640 are connected by a common axis 6403, around which the plate 64 is mounted to be movable in rotation. The actuation of the plate is carried out by means of the assembly of links 643.

The system 63 comprises two sets 633 and 634 of arms articulated between them which can be suitably controlled so that the extraction device 61 assumes the folded position illustrated in figure 6 or the deployed position shown in figure 7 .

Plate 64 is shown in a flattened position on the figure 6 and in an upright position on the figure 7 .

Furthermore, the plate 64 is provided with gripping means 641. These gripping means comprise suction means. These may in particular be gripping suction cups (illustrated on the figures 6 and 7 ) connected to a vacuum system in a manner known per se. These means are designed to be active on the upper face 642 of the plate 64, that is to say the face opposite the system 63 of articulated arms, on the figure 6 .

Reference is now made to figures 8A to 8F to explain the different operating steps of the extraction device illustrated in figures 6 and 7 .

In practice, the device 61 is designed to complete the production of the bottom of the box or part of the box, previously formed on the mandrel 51. This is illustrated by the figures 8A to 8C .

So the figure 8A schematically illustrates the forming station 50, with the mandrel 51.

By comparing on the one hand the figures 8A to 8C and on the other hand the figures 8D to 8F , it is understood that the mandrel 51 is movable between a forming position, illustrated in figures 8A and 8C and a retracted position, shown in figures 8D and 8F .

In the forming position shown in figures 8A to 8C , the outer cross section of the mandrel corresponds to the inner cross section of the box which will be obtained from blank 1.

In the retracted position shown in figures 8D to 8F , the distance between the application face 510 of the mandrel and the opposite upper face 511 is less than the width of the box which will be obtained from the blank 1.

The figure 8A illustrates the blank 1 at the end of its forming at the forming station 50.

Thus, the shutter 5 is pressed against the application face 510, the shutter 3, against the opposite face 511 and flaps 4 and 6 on the side faces. Only the side face 512 is illustrated in the figures.

Furthermore, the flap 3 is fixed on the tongue 7, the side flaps 16b and 16d are folded against the end face 514 of the mandrel, as is the flap 16a.

At the end of the operations carried out at the forming station, the blank is in the configuration illustrated in figure 8A , while the extraction device 61 is in the position shown in figure 6 . The plate 64 is therefore away from the mandrel 51 and it is in its flattened position. The figure 8A also shows that the plate 64 is then substantially parallel to the application face 510 of the mandrel, its upper face 642 being located at a level lower than that of the application face 510.

In the next step shown in figure 8B , the articulated arm system 63 has been actuated so as to deploy in the longitudinal direction of the machine or else in a direction substantially perpendicular to the end face 514 of the mandrel, in the direction opposite to that of the displacement of the blanks in machine 21.

The extraction device 61 and the mandrel 51 are positioned relative to each other, such that the plate 64 is located under the flap 16c in the deployed position of the extraction device 6.

In the next step illustrated in figure 8C , the system 63 of articulated arms remains in its position deployed and the plate 64 is actuated to pass into its upright position (shown in figure 7 ).

This actuation is carried out by means of the assembly of links 643.

The rotational movement of the plate 64 in the clockwise direction allows the flap 16c to be folded around the fold line 14 against the end face 514 of the mandrel, and more precisely on the flaps 16b and 16d previously folded over this face d 'end.

In this movement, the plate 64 also supports the flap 16a previously folded against the flaps 16b and 16d.

Thus, it is the two flaps 16a and 16c that the plate 64 applies against the flaps 16b and 16d, by exerting a pressure force, to secure the flaps, thanks to the lines of adhesive present on the upper face of the blank, at the level of the flaps 16a and 16c.

Thus, at the end of the step illustrated in figure 8C , the flaps 16a to 16d are secured together.

The gripping means 641 provided on the face 642 of the plate 64 are then activated to engage the bottom of the box thus formed, by gripping it by suction.

The figure 8D illustrates the next step in which the mandrel 1 is placed in a second retracted position, in which its outer cross section is less than the inner cross section of the can.

The pressure exerted by the plate 24 on the end face 514 is released and the system of articulated arms 63 is actuated to initiate its folding, still in a substantially longitudinal direction but, this time, in the direction of movement of the blanks at the same time. 'inside the machine 21.

In the next step illustrated in figure 8E , the articulated arm system 63 is substantially in the folded position and the plate 24 performs a counterclockwise rotational movement about the axis 6403.

Due to the activation of the gripping means, the box remains in good contact with the plate 24.

The figure 8F illustrates the position of the box and the extraction device, at the end of the extraction process. Thus, the articulated arm system 63 and the plate 64 are in the position illustrated in figure 6 , the system 63 being in the folded position and the plate 64 in the flattened position.

The box thus extracted from the mandrel can be placed on one or other of the conveyors 62 or 63.

The figures 9 and 10 illustrate the positioning of the extraction device 61, relative to the conveyors 62 and 63.

As illustrated by figures 2 to 5 , these two conveyors extend longitudinally, that is to say in the direction of movement of the blanks in the machine.

The extraction device is positioned at the front of the conveyors 62 or 63, or else between these conveyors and the mandrel 51, and between the two conveyors.

The figure 9 illustrates the extraction device 61 and the two conveyors 62, 63 while the extraction device 61 is in the position illustrated in figures 7 and 8C , a box 1 'in the supine position being engaged with the plate 24.

The figure 10 illustrates the extraction device in the position illustrated in figures 6 and 8F , a box 1 'being present standing on the plate 24 in a flattened position.

Reference is now made to figures 11A to 11G to describe an example of implementation of the transfer on a conveyor of a box 1 'extracted from the mandrel 51 and present on the extraction device 61, in the position illustrated in figure 10 .

This transfer is here carried out by means of a device 65 comprising an arm 550 movable in rotation about an axis 651 which is fixed relative to the frame 21 and substantially vertical, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the table 41 or else. to the application face 510 of the mandrel.

This axis of rotation 651 extends between the two conveyors 62 and 63, only the latter being illustrated on the figures 11A to 11G .

The device 65 supports, at the end of the arm 650 opposite to the axis 651, a plate 652 provided with gripping means 653.

As the figures 11A and 11E to 11G on the one hand and the figures 11B to 11D on the other hand, this plate 652 is movable between a position retracted, illustrated for example on figure 11A and a deployed position, illustrated for example on figure 11B .

The figure 11A therefore illustrates the box 1 ′ on the extraction device 61. The box is open and rests by its bottom on the plate 64 of the extraction device.

The plate 652 of the extraction device 65 is then facing a side face of the box.

The figure 11B illustrates the next step in which the device 65 is passed into its deployed position. The gripping means 652 are then in contact with the lateral face of the box 1 '. They are actuated so as to grip the box.

In the next step shown in figure 11C , the device 65 initiates a rotational movement around the axis 651 and in the clockwise direction.

In its position shown in figure 11D , the device 65 has completed its movement of rotation of 90 ° and the box 1 'is then in contact with or slightly above the conveyor 63. The gripping means 652 are then deactivated.

In the next step shown in figure 11E , the device 65 is passed into its folded position and the box 1 'is removed by the conveyor 63.

As shown in the figure 11F , while the box 1 'continues its movement on the conveyor 63, the device 65 rotates around the axis 651 and in the counterclockwise direction. At this time, a new box 1 'was extracted from the mandrel 51 by the device 61 and is located on the latter in the position shown in figure 10 .

The figure 11G illustrates the end of the 90 ° rotational movement of the device 65 which returns to the position illustrated in figure 11A , to perform a new transfer cycle of a box 1 'on the conveyor 63.

The invention is not however limited to this mode of implementation. In particular, the extraction device 61 could be designed so that the system of articulated arms 63 is movable in rotation about a vertical axis passing through its first end 630.

Thus, at the end of the step illustrated in figure 8F , the extraction device being in the folded position, it could rotate 90 ° around this vertical axis. The box 1 'would then be located opposite one end of the conveyor 63. Additional means would then be provided to carry out its transfer to the conveyor 63.

It follows from the above description that the extraction device according to the invention makes it possible to move the box from a lying position to a standing position, the face of the box which is still open then being directed upwards. The box is in a stable position when it is upright since it is permanently held by the extraction device when it is tilted.

Furthermore, the cooperation of this extraction device 61 with transfer means, such as the device 65, makes it possible to deposit the box on a conveyor, always stable. Indeed, these transfer means, like the extraction device 61, comprise gripping means, in particular by suction.

Thus, the invention avoids the drawbacks of the devices and methods known in the state of the art by permanently maintaining contact between the box and the gripping means, until the box is placed on the conveyor. This contributes to increasing the rates achievable with the machine 20.

We will now describe the operation of the machine allowing the formation of a box with reference to the figures.

From the store 31 for storing blanks, a first blank 1 is extracted and it is tilted horizontally.

It is then released on the table 41 and it is positioned precisely on the table 41.

The blank being stationary, lines of adhesive are deposited on at least two side flaps 16c and 16a, on the upper face of the blank, the lower face constituting the printed face of the blank.

The blank is then transferred from the gluing station to the forming station and, during this transfer, a line of adhesive is deposited near the free edge of the shutter 3 or on the tongue 7.

The blank 1 being positioned under the mandrel, its winding around the mandrel is carried out, here by means of two boats 52 and 53. However, this forming can be carried out by any means.

At the end of the forming step, the flap 3 is glued on the tongue 7 and the side flaps 16a and 16c are glued on the flaps 16b and 16d to form the bottom of the box on the end face 510 of the mandrel. The latter is turned towards the extraction module 60.

In a variant, at the end of the forming step, the flaps are not fixed to each other, only the flaps 16a, 16b and 16d being folded.

It is then the extraction device which proceeds to the folding of the flap 16c and to the fixing of the flaps together, as illustrated in the figures 8A to 8C .

The device 61 then extracts the box thus formed from the mandrel 51, as has been described with reference to figures 8D to 8F , the box then being placed on one or the other of the conveyors 62 or 63, for example as illustrated in the figures 11A to 11G .

The above description also applies to the formation and extraction of a box part.

Of course, this method is implemented within the framework of a successive and automatic forming of boxes or parts of boxes, such that blank n is glued during the forming of blank n - 1.

As goes without saying and as it also follows from the foregoing, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments more particularly described. On the contrary, it embraces all the variants thereof and in particular those where the mandrel has eight sides and / or those where the flaps forming the bottom are folded over the mandrel by complementary means.

Claims (17)

1. Device for removing a box or box part with a polygonal section from a chuck (51) comprising an upper face (511), an application face (510) interconnected by lateral faces and an end face (514), a chuck whereon the box has been previously formed from a blank (1) comprising a series of at least three panels (3 to 6), i.e. two end panels (3, 6) on either side of at least one intermediate panel (4, 5), said panels being interconnected by parallel folding lines (8 to 10) and provided with lateral flaps (13, 16a to 16d), respectively connected to said panels by folding lines (14) perpendicular to the folding lines (8 to 10) connecting said panels, characterised in that it comprises a plate (64) comprising first gripping means (641) and translatably moveable between a deployed position wherein the plate is near the end face (514) of the chuck whereon the lateral flaps (16a to 16d) are intended to be folded and a folded position wherein the plate (64) is away from the chuck (51) and in that the chuck (51) itself is moveable between a first forming position wherein the outer cross-section thereof corresponds to the inner cross-section of the box or box part and a second retracted position wherein the outer cross-section thereof is smaller than the inner cross-section of the box or box part.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises an articulated arm system (63) that may be deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to said end face (514) of the chuck and a first end (630) of which is rigidly connected to the frame (21) of the device and a second end (632) of which supports said plate (64).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said plate (24) is rotatable between a flattened position wherein same is substantially parallel to the application face (510) of the chuck and an upright position wherein same is substantially parallel to said end face (514).
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first gripping means (642) comprise suction means.
5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that, when the chuck (51) is in the first retracted position thereof, the distance between the upper face (511) and the application face (510) of the chuck is arranged to be smaller than the width of the box or box part.
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the articulated arm system (63) is rotatable about a vertical axis passing through the first end thereof rigidly connected to the frame.
7. Method for removing a box or box part with a polygonal section from a chuck, the box or box part resulting from the forming about said chuck (51) of a blank (1) comprising a series of at least three panels (3 to 6), i.e. two end panels (3, 6) on either side of at least one intermediate panel (4, 5), said panels being interconnected by parallel folding lines (8 to 10) and provided with lateral flaps (13, 16a to 16d), respectively connected to said panels by folding lines (14) perpendicular to the folding lines (8 to 10) connecting said panels, said blank (1) having previously been glued at least at the level of two lateral flaps (16a, 16d) and brought under the chuck (51), which is in a first forming position wherein the panels have been wound about the chuck, the outer cross-section of which corresponds to the inner cross-section of the box or box part, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

   - applying a pressing force on an end face (514) of the chuck whereon lateral flaps (16a à 16d) have previously been folded, for mutually attaching the flaps and forming the bottom of the box or box part the inner surface of which is in contact with the chuck,

   - grasping by suction the bottom of the box or box part thus formed, - reducing the outer section of the chuck so that same is in a second retracted position, and

   - exerting on the outer surface of the bottom a drawing force perpendicular to the end face, by releasing the pressure on the bottom of the box or box part, in order to extract said box or box part from the chuck.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that after removing the box or box part from the chuck, said box or box part is set back upright vertically and same is transferred to an evacuation station (62, 63).
9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the box or box part is removed and set back upright by the same means (61).
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that said means (61) also contribute to the transfer of the box or box part to an evacuation station (62, 63).
11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that said means (61) also make it possible to fold down at least one of said flaps on said lateral face of the chuck.
12. Machine for forming a box or box part with a polygonal section from a blank (1) comprising a series of at least three panels (3 to 6), i.e. two end panels (3, 6) on either side of at least one intermediate panel (4, 5), said panels being interconnected by parallel folding lines (8 to 10) and provided with lateral flaps (13, 16a and 16d), respectively connected to said panels by folding lines (14) perpendicular to the folding lines connecting said panels, comprising:

    - a gluing station (40) wherein an adhesive is deposited on at least two lateral flaps (16a,
    16c),

    - a forming station (50) wherein the panels (3 to 6) are wound about the chuck (51) and flaps being located on the same side of said panels are folded and

    - a removal station comprising a device (61) according to one of claims 1 to 6.
13. Machine according to claim 12, characterised in that it also comprises a transfer station (65) to at least one evacuation station (62, 63).
14. Machine according to claim 13, characterised in that the transfer station (65) comprises second means (652) for gripping the box or box part present at the removal station, said second means being rotatable between a first position wherein same are opposite the removal station (61) and a second position wherein same are opposite the evacuation station (62, 63), said second gripping means (652) also being translatably moveable between a deployed position wherein same are intended to be in contact with the box (1') or box part and a retracted position of rest.
15. Machine according to claim 12 with a device according to claim 6, characterised in that the removal station comprises gripping means (64) translatably moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position.
16. Machine according to claim 14, characterised in that the second gripping means (652) comprise suction means.
17. Method for forming a box or box part with a polygonal section, from a blank (1) comprising a set of three panels (3 to 6), interconnected by parallel folding lines (8 to 10) and provided with lateral flaps (13, 16a to 16d), respectively connected to said panels by folding lines (14) perpendicular to the folding lines (8 to 10) connecting said panels, wherein:

    - the blank (1) is glued at least at the level of two lateral flaps (16a, 16c) and brought under a chuck (51),

    - the blank (1) is subsequently formed about the chuck (51) to obtain a box or box part,

    - said box or box part is removed from the chuck (51) by implementing the method according to one of claims 7 to 11,

    - said box or box part being subsequently transferred to an evacuation station (62, 62, 63).

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