Production line and method for the automated production of cartons

Abstract

A production line (1) for the automated production of cartons (B) comprises, in sequence: a first operating unit (2) for conveying a sheet of paperboard (F) in the longitudinal direction (L), a second operating unit (5) for cutting, creasing and gluing the sheet of paperboard (T) so as to produce a flat semi-finished product (D) having a central panel (Dl), two end panels (D2, D3) and two side panels (D4, D5), a third operating unit (8) having a die assembly (10) with a central opening (20) and a punch assembly (11) with movable forming means (21) having a plan view shape that matches the central opening (20) of the die assembly (10). The die assembly (10) and the punch assembly (11) comprise adjustment means configured to automatically and in real time vary the transverse and / or longitudinal shape and size of the central opening (20) and of the forming means (21) so as to immediately adapt to the shape and size of the carton (B) to be made.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of packaging technology, and more particularly to a production line for the automated production of cartons from cardboard sheets.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for automating the production of empty cartons. Background Technology

[0003] Automated production lines for manufacturing custom cartons from cardboard sheets have long existed. Typically, these lines include a device that picks up and longitudinally feeds cardboard sheets (in sheet or strip form) to a first cutting and creasing unit to produce flat, semi-finished blanks.

[0004] The cut and creasing semi-finished cardboard is conveyed to the forming unit, which is equipped with tools that work with the semi-finished product. Some edges of the semi-finished product are coated with glue to bond the box walls together to form a carton.

[0005] The resulting cartons are then placed on a conveyor belt for transport to a collection unit or a filling unit for items to be packed.

[0006] An embodiment of such prior art equipment is found in EP59600, which discloses an apparatus comprising a storage unit for holding cardboard sheets (suitable for placing one cardboard sheet at a time on a conveyor belt), and a pushing device acting on the cut, crimped cardboard sheet to force it through a forming area for lifting the side walls of the carton. An elastic clamping element is provided below the cardboard sheet feeding plane to promote adhesion between the carton walls, thereby forming an open carton.

[0007] Other embodiments of such systems are described and claimed in KR100769083 and JP3486732.

[0008] One drawback of such existing machines is that the molds and the pushing devices have fixed structures, which means they can only produce cartons with a predetermined shape and size in a plan view.

[0009] If different sizes of cartons need to be produced, the machines must be stopped, the production line must be readjusted, and the molds and push devices must be replaced. Then the machines must be restarted and processing resumed, which increases the factory's operating costs and overall equipment debugging costs.

[0010] Technical issues In view of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to optimize the structure of the carton production line so as to be able to produce cartons of different sizes without stopping the machine to change the equipment configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above problems by providing an efficient and cost-effective automated production line for cardboard boxes.

[0012] The specific objective of this invention is to provide an automated carton production line that can adjust settings in real time without stopping the machine.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a highly automated carton production line.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a carton production line with particularly high production speed.

[0015] Another objective is to design a carton production method that can adapt to different shapes and sizes of cartons in real time without stopping the production line.

[0016] The above-mentioned objectives, as well as other objectives that will become more apparent below, are achieved by the automated carton production line according to claim 1.

[0017] The production line comprises, in sequence: a first operating unit that longitudinally conveys cardboard sheets; a second operating unit for cutting, creasing, and gluing the cardboard sheets, the second operating unit having a device for producing a generally cross-shaped flat semi-finished product, the semi-finished product comprising a central panel, two end panels with adhesive folds attached thereto, and two side panels glued to the central panel; and a third operating unit having a mold assembly with a central opening and a punch assembly with a movable forming device whose plan view shape matches the central opening of the mold assembly.

[0018] According to the present invention, the mold assembly and the punch assembly include adjustment devices, both configured to automatically and in real time change the lateral and / or longitudinal shape and size of the central opening of the forming device so that it immediately adapts to the shape and size of the carton to be made.

[0019] Thanks to this configuration, the production line will be fully automated and can be set up instantly, allowing for changes to the shape and size of cartons to be made without stopping the machine.

[0020] The advantage of this configuration is that it can automatically change the size of the central opening of the mold assembly, thus adapting it to semi-finished products of different shapes and sizes almost instantly.

[0021] In one embodiment, the mold assembly includes a generally horizontal frame that is generally coplanar with the working surface, on which are mounted a first pair and a second pair of opposing, generally rectangular blocking members with their inner edges perpendicular to each other, for defining the central opening.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first pair and the second pair of blocking members can move in the lateral and longitudinal directions, with their range of movement between the minimum distance position (where their inner edges define the minimum width of the central opening) and the maximum distance position (where their inner edges define the maximum width of the central opening).

[0023] Therefore, this allows the carton size to be changed within a predetermined range between the maximum and minimum values.

[0024] In one embodiment, the frame is provided with a first pair of transverse guide rails, the first pair of blocking members slide along the guide rails, and a first motion mechanism is provided to make the first pair of blocking members translate laterally.

[0025] This will facilitate the sliding of the shielding components, thereby easily changing the size and shape of the manufactured carton.

[0026] In one embodiment, the frame is provided with a second pair of horizontal guide rails, along which a second pair of blocking members slide, and a second motion mechanism is provided to make the second pair of blocking members translate laterally, thereby cooperating with the first pair of blocking members to change the width of the carton to be made.

[0027] Correspondingly, the second pair of transverse guide rails are mounted on the sliding assembly, which in turn is mounted along the third pair of horizontal longitudinal guide rails integrally connected to the frame.

[0028] In one embodiment, the movable device of the punch assembly includes multiple transverse rods that are movable vertically and parallel to it. The lower ends of these transverse rods interact with the flat semi-finished product and are mounted on an adjustable motion structure to instantaneously change the position and spacing of the rods in both the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0029] This configuration allows for changes in the size of the movable device, making it easily adaptable to the size of the central opening.

[0030] In one embodiment, the plurality of vertical rods consist of at least one pair of rear rods and a front rod relative to the conveying direction. The motion structure includes carriages for each pair of front and rear rods, respectively mounted on the front and rear crossbeams. Furthermore, both ends of each crossbeam are slidably mounted on a second pair of longitudinal guide rails integrally connected to the upper worktable surface.

[0031] In addition, the first and second crossbeams are also associated with the first and second longitudinal translation mechanisms, which together move the movable device of the punch assembly from an initial retracted position coinciding with the working surface, pick up a flat semi-finished product by a suction cup device, translate it to a final forward position, so that the punch assembly coincides with the mold assembly, and release the flat module so that its bottom wall aligns with the central opening.

[0032] Preferably, the first and second crossbeams are also associated with first and second longitudinal translation mechanisms, which are used to jointly move the movable device of the punch assembly from an initial retracted position coinciding with the working surface to a final forward position by picking up a flat semi-finished product by a suction cup device, so that the punch assembly coincides with the mold assembly, and release the flat module so that its bottom wall aligns with the central opening.

[0033] Accordingly, the first and second longitudinal translation mechanisms enable each crossbeam to be translated longitudinally independently, thereby changing the longitudinal spacing of each pair of rear and front bars and adapting to the length of the bottom wall of the carton to be formed.

[0034] In addition, each set of carriages in the first and second pairs of rods is equipped with corresponding first and second lateral adjustment devices to change the lateral spacing of each pair of rods, thereby adjusting the width of the carton to be formed.

[0035] In one embodiment, a conveying device is provided downstream of the second automation unit to transport the finished cartons to a possible third unit for filling or collecting the finished cartons.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth motion mechanisms, together with sensor mechanisms for controlling the position and coordinated operation of each component of the production line, are all connected to the PLC of the production line; at the same time, an interface device connected to the PLC and accessible to the operator is provided so as to modify the production line settings by adjusting the shape and size of the central opening of the mold assembly and the movable forming device of the punch assembly according to the carton to be made.

[0037] A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for automating the production of cardboard boxes using the above-described production line.

[0038] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are implemented according to the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a production line for automated production of cartons, which are described as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a production line for producing cartons according to the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the production line shown; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the production line shown; Figure 4 It is a plan view of a cardboard sheet that has been cut and creasing to obtain a semi-finished product; Figure 5 Showing from Figure 4 The steps shown illustrate the initial formation of a cardboard box from a semi-finished product. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the first component of the production line shown in the first operating step. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view of the components shown; Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The first side view of the component shown; Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The second side view of the component shown; Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The component shown is an isometric view in the second operating step; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Top view of the components shown; Figure 12 yes Figure 1 Axonometric view of the second component in the production line shown; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Top view of the components shown; Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The component shown is a side view during the first operation step; Figure 15 yes Figure 12 Axonometric view of a specific component shown; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A front view showing the details; Figure 17 yes Figure 14 The component shown is a front view during the first operation step; Figure 18 yes Figure 14 The component shown is a front view during the second operation step; Figure 19 yes Figure 12 The component shown is a side view during the second operation step; Figure 20 yes Figure 12 The component shown is a side view in the third operation step; Figure 21 It is to utilize Figure 1-20 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing cartons on a production line; Figure 22-30 Showing Figure 21 The flowchart includes some of the operational steps. Figures 30-34Showing Figure 1 The diagram shows some details and operating procedures of the production line. Detailed Implementation

[0040] With particular reference to the accompanying drawings, an automated production line for producing cartons B from cardboard sheets F (collected in one or more stacks of cardboard P) is shown, the entire line being indicated by reference numeral 1.

[0041] The production line extends longitudinally L and includes a first operating unit 2, which has a first frame fixed to the ground, the frame serving as a storage unit for collecting one or more stacks P of cardboard sheets F.

[0042] Cardboard sheets F are joined along their transverse edges to form continuous modules that can be folded into a fan shape, as described in the applicant's patent application WO2022243924. In one embodiment, the cardboard sheets F can have different specifications to optimize processing and reduce waste, thereby reducing cardboard consumption. For example, cardboard sheets F of different specifications rather than a single specification can be provided, and each stack of cardboard P can also be used to collect cardboard sheets of different specifications separately.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the first operating unit 2 for conveying the cardboard sheet F is equipped with an automatic pick-up device 3 for picking up one cardboard sheet F at a time, and a conveying device 4 for conveying the cardboard sheet F along the longitudinal direction L. If different sizes of cardboard sheets need to be processed, a device is provided to select the most suitable size and convey it along the production line.

[0044] Downstream of the feeding unit 2, the production line 1 includes a second mold cutting operation unit, generally indicated by reference numeral 5 in the attached figure. This unit is used to process cardboard sheet F to obtain a flat semi-finished product D for forming carton B, which will be described in more detail below.

[0045] In one embodiment, the automation unit 5 includes a base 6 fixed to the ground, on which a flat workbench 7 is provided, and cardboard sheets F are conveyed to the workbench.

[0046] The second automated unit 5 includes a fully automated indentation and gluing device (not shown in the figure, and of a known type) for forming one flat semi-finished product D at a time, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the flat semi-finished product D (similar to, but not identical to, the semi-finished product described in EP3562748 owned by the applicant of this application) is made of a cardboard sheet F having a longitudinal axis Lo. The cardboard sheet F is cut to obtain two longitudinal portions. The first portion consists of a central panel D1, which is connected to two end panels D2, D3 by transverse indentations C2, C3. Furthermore, the two end panels D2, D3 are cut to remove portions R on the side edges and to obtain adhesive folds W by corresponding longitudinal indentations Cw. The second portion is obtained from the cardboard sheet F by corresponding cut lines S4, S5 to obtain two separate panels D4, D5, both of which have longitudinal indentations Cw to form two sealing folds A.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the central panel D1 corresponds to the bottom wall of carton B, while the two end panels D2 and D3 correspond to a pair of lateral folds of carton B.

[0049] In the second automation unit 5, the separated panels D4 and D5 are picked up, positioned appropriately, and glued along the edge to the center panel D1, thereby forming a semi-finished product D that is roughly cross-shaped.

[0050] Hereafter, the term "lateral fold" will be used to refer to the box side fold or side wall that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Lo of the semi-finished product D.

[0051] Hereafter, the term "longitudinal fold" will be used to refer to the side fold or side wall of carton B that is parallel to the longitudinal axis Lo of semi-finished product D.

[0052] In one embodiment, the substrate of the cardboard sheet F is corrugated cardboard, with its corrugations O perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the side panels D4 and D5 have corrugations parallel to the cutting lines S4 and S5, while the end panels D2 and D3 have corrugations parallel to the transverse indentations C2 and C3 of the central panel D1.

[0053] The roughly cross-shaped flat semi-finished product D is designed for folding and forming, thereby creating a finished carton B with a free-sealing fold A.

[0054] After filling carton B, the latter can be folded and glued with regular tape N.

[0055] Downstream of the second operating unit 5, the production line 1 is equipped with a third forming operating unit (indicated by reference numeral 8 in the attached drawing), which interacts with the flat semi-finished product D to produce the finished carton B.

[0056] In one embodiment, the third operating unit 8 includes a base 9 anchored to the ground, having a first portion 9' supporting the mold assembly 10 and a second portion 9' supporting the punch assembly 11, which cooperate with each other and act on the flat semi-finished product D.

[0057] Downstream of the third forming unit 8 is a region 12 for conveying formed cartons B, which is equipped with a conveying device 13 for pushing the cartons toward a warehouse or subsequent filling unit (not shown in the figure).

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6-9 The mold assembly 10 shown includes a peripheral frame 14 made of metal profile, which is generally rectangular and defines a horizontal axis X and a vertical axis Y.

[0059] The frame 14 houses a first pair of blocking members 15 and 16, located on both sides of the longitudinal axis Y; and a second pair of blocking members 17 and 18, also located on both sides of the longitudinal axis Y.

[0060] In one embodiment, the shielding members 15, 16 and 17, 18 are prismatic blocks whose plan view shape is approximately rectangular or square, and their opposing and perpendicular inner edges 19 together define a central opening 20.

[0061] In one embodiment, the punch assembly 11 includes a movable forming device 21 whose planar shape is the same as that of the central opening 20 of the mold assembly 10 and whose size is smaller than the substrate thickness of the semi-finished product D, so as to interact with the latter and the mold assembly 10 to form a carton.

[0062] Specifically, the movable forming device 21 is cuboid in shape and is configured to slide along the vertical axis Z direction, compress the center panel D1 and gradually push it into the central opening 20, thereby forcing the end panels D1, D2 and side panels D4, D5 of the flat semi-finished product to fold inward to form the inner and outer folds of the carton B to be made.

[0063] Preferably, the movable forming device 21 is provided with a means for applying adhesive to the bonding folds W of the semi-finished product D (described in detail below) to bond the transverse and longitudinal folds of the semi-finished product D together while keeping the two sealing folds C in a free state.

[0064] According to the present invention, the mold assembly 10 and the punch assembly 11 include independent and different adjustment devices for automatically and in real time changing the lateral and / or longitudinal shape and size of the central opening 20 and the forming device 21 so as to adapt them to the shape and size of the carton to be produced.

[0065] In one embodiment, the means for adjusting the mold assembly 10 includes a first pair of transverse guide rails 22, 23, and a first pair of blocking members 15, 16 are slidably mounted on the guide rails by wheels or rollers so as to move symmetrically toward or away from each other along the longitudinal axis Y.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the first drive mechanism (preferably a rack and pinion transmission mechanism driven by the electric motor 24) acts on the blocking members 15 and 16 to control their symmetrical approach or distance from each other in the horizontal axis X direction relative to the vertical axis Y. Clearly, the rack and pinion mechanism can be replaced by other types of motion mechanisms, such as screws and nuts, belts, or chains, with completely equivalent effects.

[0067] The frame 12 has a pair of transverse guide rails 25 and 26 inside, and a second pair of shielding components 17 and 18 can be slidably installed along them.

[0068] The second drive mechanism (preferably rack and pinion type, with its gear transmission mechanism driven by motor 27) acts on the second pair of blocking members 17, 18 to cause the blocking members 17, 18 to move symmetrically with respect to the center line Y in the transverse axis X direction, approaching / moving away.

[0069] By simultaneously and in a coordinated manner changing the distance between the first pair and the second pair of blocking members 15, 16 and 17, 18 in the horizontal axis X direction, the width of the bottom wall of the carton to be made can be varied.

[0070] To change the length of the bottom wall of the carton to be made, a second pair of transverse guide rails 25, 26 are mounted on the moving device, which includes a pair of longitudinal sliders 28, 29, which are slidably mounted on guide rails 30, 31 integrally connected to the frame 14.

[0071] The sliders 28 and 29 are connected to a third drive mechanism (e.g., belt drive mechanism 32 and 33), which is driven by a single motor 34, thereby moving the second pair of blocking members 17 and 18 closer to or further away from the first pair of blocking members 15 and 16 along the longitudinal axis Y, and selectively changing the length of the carton to be made.

[0072] By driving the first, second, and third motion mechanisms, the relative positions of the blocking members 15, 16 and 17, 18 can be continuously changed along the horizontal axis X and the vertical axis Y, thereby adjusting the width of the central opening 20 between a minimum value Smin and a maximum value Smax. Figure 7 and Figure 11 The area is marked with a dashed line.

[0073] In an embodiment of the punch assembly 11, the movable forming device 21 is configured to gradually push the semi-finished product D into the central opening 20, thereby folding its end panels D2, D3 and side panels D4, D5.

[0074] In one embodiment, the molding device 21 is mounted on the second part 9” of the base 9 and includes two sets of structures, each consisting of three vertical push rods, labeled 35 and 36 respectively.

[0075] The push rods in each set 35 and 36 are basically aligned and arranged in a first transverse direction parallel to the transverse axis X of the mold assembly 10. In addition, the two sets of push rods 35 and 36 are longitudinally staggered in a longitudinal direction parallel to the Y-axis of the mold assembly to cover the entire unfolded area of ​​the bottom wall of the carton to be made, which corresponds to the panel D1 of the semi-finished product D.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first set of push rods 35 includes a central rod 37 located on the centerline 1, and two side rods 38 and 39 equidistant from the central rod 37. Similarly, the second set of push rods 36 includes a central rod 40 and two side rods 41 and 42 equidistant from the central rod 40, such as... Figure 15 and 17 As shown.

[0077] The center rods 37 and 40 are fixed, while the side rods 38, 39 and 41, 42 can move laterally so that the top view shape of the forming device can be adapted to the size of the carton to be produced.

[0078] Each fixed central rod 37, 40 has a swing support foot 43, 44 at its lower end, while the side rods 38, 39 and 41, 42 have long strip plates 45, 46 and 47, 48 at their lower ends. These plates are hinged at their respective ends so that they can easily fit with the panel D1 corresponding to the bottom wall of the carton to be formed when forming the semi-finished product D.

[0079] For simplicity, the first set of rods 35 will be referred to as "front" and the second set of rods 36 as "rear" relative to the conveying direction along the longitudinal axis L.

[0080] Furthermore, the lateral position of the side rods can be adjusted using a fourth adjustment device. In one embodiment, the fourth adjustment device includes corresponding sliders 49, 50 and 51, 52 disposed on the upper ends of the side rods 38, 39 and 41, 42, which are slidably mounted on corresponding lateral guide rails 53, 54 respectively anchored to the vertical frames 55, 56.

[0081] Slider 49, 50 and 51, 52 are each connected to corresponding annular belts 57, 58 and 59, 60, which are wound around pulleys (not shown) arranged at the apex of the vertical frame and are driven by motors 61, 62.

[0082] The drive motors 61 and 62 can adjust the distance between the side rods 38, 39 and 41, 42 and the center rods 37, 38, thereby changing the width of the movable forming device 21 and thus changing the width of the carton to be formed.

[0083] On the shorter sides of vertical frames 55 and 56, sliders 63 and 64 and 65 and 66 are respectively provided. These sliders slide along corresponding vertical guide rails 67 and 68 and 69 and 70, which are fixed to two horizontal beams 71 and 72. Figure 17 The image is clearer.

[0084] The vertical movement of sliders 63, 64 and 65, 66 (on which rods 37, 38, 39 and 40 are integrally connected), 41, 42, is achieved by a fifth drive device, which includes pairs of vertical belts 73, 74 and 75, 76 supported by end pulleys integrally connected to vertical guide rails 67, 68 and 69, 70, and driven to rotate by corresponding motors 77, 78.

[0085] The connecting rods of the front group 37, 38, 39 and the rear group 40, 41, 42 are connected to the vertical frames 55, 56 and the horizontal beams 71, 72, forming two carriages, referred to as the front carriage 80 and the rear carriage 81, respectively. They are mounted on their respective slide rails 82, 83, 84, 85, which can slide along a pair of longitudinal guide rails 86, 87 that are fixedly connected to the side of the base part 9".

[0086] The independent movement of the front carriage 80 and the rear carriage 81 is controlled by a sixth motion mechanism. This mechanism includes a pair of outer toothed belts 88 and 89 and corresponding inner toothed belts 90 and 91 for each carriage. These are fixed to the outermost 82 and 83 and the innermost 84 and 85, respectively, and are driven by their respective electric gear motors 92 and 93. Figure 12 , 13 As shown in 17 and 18.

[0087] For completeness, it should be noted that each plate 45, 46, 47, and 48 is hinged to the lower ends of the lateral rods 38, 39, 41, and 42, and can be controlled by their respective jacks 94 to prevent rotation of the outer edge of the carton being formed during the sliding of the vertical rod and the stamping assembly, and to unlock its rotation when the stamping assembly rises. Figure 34 As shown.

[0088] In addition, such as Figure 12 , 17 As shown in Figures 31 and 32, the front and rear carriages 80 and 81 each include at least one pair of adhesive application devices 95 for applying adhesive to the adhesive folds W of the planar module.

[0089] Finally, mold assembly 10 includes a clamping device consisting of two pairs of clamping members 96. These clamping members are L-shaped plates equipped with rollers, arranged below frame 14, and act diagonally against the edge of the box to ensure a tight bond between the adhesive fold and the outer fold of the flat semi-finished product. Figure 28 , 32 As shown in Figure 33.

[0090] In addition, it should be noted that the lower part of the front slide 80 and the rear slide 81 is provided with a suction cup device (not shown in the figure and of a known type), which is suitable for lifting the semi-finished product D by a few millimeters and translating it horizontally along the guide rails 21, 87 toward the mold assembly so that the panel D1 of the semi-finished product D coincides with the center of the central opening 20, and then the forming device 21 is lowered along the Z-axis.

[0091] All automation units, especially the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth motion devices, are connected to a PLC (not shown in the figure) and position and proximity sensors to control the coordinated operation of the production line.

[0092] In addition, an interface device of a known type, not shown in the figure, is provided, through which the operator can adjust the central opening of the mold assembly and the shape and size of the movable forming device of the punch assembly according to the carton to be produced, thereby modifying the production line settings.

[0093] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for automating the production of cardboard boxes using the above-described production line.

[0094] The method includes the following steps: a. Take a sheet of cardboard F from the cardboard stack P of the first operating unit 2; b. In the second operating unit, the cardboard sheet F is cut, crimped and glued to make a flat semi-finished product D, wherein the center panel D1 is connected to the two end panels D2 and D3 by adhesive folding W, and the two side panels D4 and D5 are glued to the center panel D1. c. Remove the flat semi-finished product D from the worktable 7 of the second operating unit 5 and transfer it to the third forming unit 8, so that the middle panel D1 of the semi-finished product D overlaps with the central opening 20 of the mold assembly of the third operating unit, as shown. Figure 22 and 23 As shown; d. Apply adhesive to the bonding folds W on the end panels D2 and D3 of the flat semi-finished product D; e. Align the punch assembly 21 with the central opening 20 and initiate its descent so that its lower end engages with the central panel D1 of the flat semi-finished product D, as shown. Figure 24 As shown; f. The forming device 21 is activated and pressed down towards the central opening 20, causing the end panels D2, D3 and side panels D4, D5 to gradually fold relative to the center panel D1, as shown. Figure 25 and 26 As shown; g. The forming device 21 presses down towards the central opening 20, causing panels D2, D3, D4, and D5 to fold completely 90° relative to the central panel D1, as shown. Figure 26 and 27 As shown; h. Press the adhesive-coated folded edges W on end panels D2 and D3, which are coated with glue, firmly onto the edges of side panels D4 and D5, as shown. Figure 28 As shown; i. Remove the finished carton B and place it on the conveyor belt 13, while simultaneously lifting the forming device 21 from the central opening 20, as follows. Figure 29 As shown.

[0095] According to the present invention, after the carton forming described in steps a)-i) is completed, and before forming another carton with a different shape and size, an adjustment mechanism is activated to adjust the mold assembly 10 and the punch assembly 11, thereby adjusting the shape and size of the central opening 20 and the forming device 21 in the plan view in real time without interrupting the production line operation.

[0096] Based on the above description, it is clear that the production line of the present invention achieves the preset objectives, particularly by allowing real-time modification of settings without shutting down the production line. Furthermore, it provides a method for producing cartons, enabling the production line to adapt to cartons of different shapes and sizes without stopping its operation.

[0097] The machine described in this invention can be modified and varied in many ways, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept outlined in the appended claims.

[0098] Although the invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals used in the specification and claims are intended to improve the understanding of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of protection claimed in any way.

[0099] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment," "this embodiment," or "some embodiments" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or element described is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of this invention.

[0100] Furthermore, the specific features, structures, or elements described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0101] Industrial applicability This invention can be applied at the industrial level because it can be produced on an industrial scale by industrial enterprises belonging to the field of packaging manufacturing machinery.

Claims

1. A production line (1) for automated production of cartons (B), comprising, in sequence: - First operating unit (2) for conveying cardboard sheet (F) along the longitudinal direction (L); - Second operating unit (5) for cutting, creasing and gluing paperboard sheets (F) having means for producing a flat semi-finished product (D) that is substantially cross-shaped, the semi-finished product including a central panel (D1) connected to two end panels (D2, D3), the end panels having adhesive folds (W) and two side panels (D4, D5) glued to the central panel (D1). Its features are, The device includes a third operating unit (8) having a mold assembly (10) with a central opening (20) and a stamping assembly (11) equipped with a movable forming device (21) whose plan view shape coincides with the central opening (20) of the mold assembly (10). The mold assembly (10) and the stamping assembly (11) include an adjustment device configured to automatically and in real time change the lateral and / or longitudinal shape and size of the central opening (20) and the forming device (21) to adapt to the shape and size of the carton (B) to be produced. The forming device (21) and the mold assembly (10) respectively include a device for applying glue to the adhesive fold (W) and a clamping device for ensuring that the adhesive fold (W) is bonded to the side panels (D4, D5).

2. The production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gluing device includes at least one pair of gluing devices (95), and the clamping device includes two pairs of clamping members (96) consisting of L-shaped plates with rollers, which act on the corners of the carton (B) in a diagonal direction to ensure that the adhesive fold (W) is attached to the carton (B).

3. The production line of claim 1, wherein the mold assembly (10) comprises a generally horizontal frame (14) that internally accommodates a first pair of shielding members (15, 16) and a second pair of rectangular shielding members (17, 18) that are opposed to each other and have generally perpendicular inner edges (19) for defining the central opening (20).

4. The production line of claim 3, wherein the adjustment device for adjusting the mold assembly (10) includes a first pair of transverse guide rails (23, 24) along which the first pair of blocking members (15, 16) slide, and is provided with a first moving device for translating the first pair of blocking members (15, 16) along the transverse axis (X).

5. The production line of claim 3, wherein the adjusting device for adjusting the mold assembly (10) further includes a second pair of transverse guide rails (25, 26) along which the second pair of blocking members (17, 18) slide, and is provided with a second motion mechanism for translating the second pair of blocking members along the transverse axis (X) so as to cooperate with the first pair of blocking members (15, 16) to change the width of the box body (B) to be manufactured.

6. The production line as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first pair of transverse guide rails (17, 18) are mounted on a sliding device, which is in turn mounted along a third pair of longitudinal guide rails (30, 31) integrally connected to the frame (14).

7. The production line of claim 6, wherein a third motion mechanism acting on the sliding device is provided for translating the second pair of blocking members (17, 18) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y), thereby selectively changing the length of the carton (B) to be produced.

8. The production line as claimed in claims 3 to 7, wherein the first and second pairs of blocking members (15, 16; 17, 18) are laterally and longitudinally movable between a minimum distance position (where the inner edge defines a central opening (20) of minimum width (Smin)) and a maximum distance position (where the inner edge (19) defines a central opening (20) of maximum width (Smax)).

9. The production line as described above, wherein the movable molding device (21) includes multiple vertical rods (37, 38, 39; 40, 41, 42) that move parallel to the vertical axis (Z).

10. The production line of claim 9, wherein the plurality of rods comprises a front group of rods (37, 38, 39) and a rear group of rods (40, 41, 42) in the conveying direction relative to the semi-finished product (D), wherein the central rod (37; 40) in each group is fixed, and the side rods (38, 39; 41, 42) in each group are movable relative to the central rod (37; 40).

11. The production line of claim 10, wherein each set of movable side bars (38, 39; 41, 42) has a respective slider (49, 50; 51, 52) at its upper end, which is slidably mounted on a transverse guide rail (53; 54) integrally connected with its respective vertical frame (55; 56).

12. The production line of claim 11, wherein each trolley (49, 50; 51, 52) is connected to an annular belt (57, 58) on pulleys arranged at the apex of the vertical frame (55, 56); 59, 60), each ring belt (57, 58; 59, 60) are driven by electric motors (61, 62) to adjust the distance between the transverse rods (38, 39; 41, 42) and the central rod (37, 40) to change the width of the movable forming device (21), thereby changing the width of the carton (B) to be formed.

13. The production line of claim 11, wherein sliders (63, 64; 65, 66) are provided on the short sides of the vertical frames (55, 56), the sliders being configured to slide along corresponding vertical guide rails (67, 68; 69, 70), the vertical guide rails being fixed sequentially on two horizontal beams (71, 72).

14. The production line of claim 13, wherein a fifth drive device is provided, the device comprising end pulleys supported by the vertical guide rails (67, 68; 69, 70) and driven to rotate by respective motors (77, 78) to facilitate the vertical movement of the sliders (63, 64; 65, 66), thereby driving the movement of the front and rear lever assemblies (37, 38, 39; 40, 41, 42).

15. The production line of claim 13, wherein the front group (37, 38, 39) and the rear group members (40, 41, 42) are connected to the vertical frame (55, 56) and the horizontal beam (71, 72) to form a front carriage (80) and a rear carriage (81), each carriage being mounted on a respective slider (82, 83; 84, 85) which can slide on a pair of longitudinal guide rails (86, 87) fixedly connected to the side of the base portion (9").

16. The production line of claim 15, wherein a sixth motion mechanism is provided, the mechanism comprising for each carriage (80, 81) a pair fixed on the outer slide rails (82, 83; 84, 85) and driven by respective motors (92, 93) to cause the carriage (80; 81) to move longitudinally (L).

17. The production line as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth drive devices, together with sensor devices for controlling the position and coordinated operation of the various components of the production line, are connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) and are provided with an interface device connected to the PLC and accessible to the operator to modify the production line setup by adjusting the shape and size of the central opening (20) of the mold assembly (10) and the movable forming device (21) of the punch assembly (11) according to the carton (B) to be made.

18. A method for automatically producing cartons (B) using a production line as described in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) Take a sheet of cardboard (F) from the cardboard stack (P) of the first operating unit (2); b) In the second operating unit (5), the cardboard sheet (F) is cut, crimped and glued to form a flat semi-finished product (D) that is approximately cross-shaped, consisting of a central panel (D1) and two end panels (D2, D3) connected by adhesive folds (W), and two side panels (D4, D5) glued to the central panel (D1). c) Remove the flat semi-finished product (D) from the second operating unit (5) and transfer it to the third operating unit (8) such that the center panel (D1) is stacked on the central opening (20) of the mold assembly (10) of the third operating unit (8); d) Apply adhesive to the bonding folds (W) of the end panels (D2, D3); e) Align the punch assembly (21) with the central opening (20) and begin pressing it down so that its lower end engages with the central panel (D1); f) Insert the forming device (21) into the central opening (20) so that the end panels (D2, D3) and side panels (D4, D5) are gradually folded relative to the center panel (D1); g) The forming device (21) is pressed down into the central opening (20) so that the end panels (D2,D3) and side panels (D4,D5) are completely folded 90° relative to the central plate (D1); h) Press the adhesive folds (W) with glue applied to the end panels (D2, D3) onto the edges of the side panels (D4, D5); i) Remove the finished carton (B) and place it on the conveyor belt while the forming device (21) is raised from the central opening (20); In this process, after forming a carton (B) according to steps a)-i), and before forming another carton of different shape and size, the mold assembly (10) and punch assembly (11) are activated to adjust the shape and size of the central opening (20) and forming device (21) on the plan view in real time without interrupting the production line operation.

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