MACHINE FOR FILLING PRODUCTS INTO A BOX WITH FOLDING CARTON TYPE FLAPS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging, in particular cash registers.

[0002] The present invention relates to an automatic machine of the "case packer" type, that is to say using flapped boxes called "American boxes", and, more particularly, a machine for putting a box into volume and folding the four flaps forming its base and supporting the box, thus formed, with a view to closing it.

[0003] An American box generally comprises a belt forming the four side walls of the box, at each end of which are attached four flaps arranged in line with each side wall, forming the bottom and the lid of said box. The bottom and the lid can be closed by folding inwards pairs of first flaps and second flaps, opposite each other two by two, each pair of second flaps being provided to cover the corresponding pair of first flaps in a joined manner.

[0004] Machines configured to fill crates with batches of products and to close said crates once filled have existed for many years, such as the machines described in US patents US 3,863,427 A and US 5,042,233 A.

[0005] In US Patent 3,863,427 A, the products to be boxed are transported by a first belt conveyor, the boxes arrive in the machine already shaped and are transported by a second belt conveyor arranged above the first conveyor. Each box is pushed up and down to place a batch of products in said box, then first means close a front bottom flap of the box, second means close a rear bottom flap of the box and third means close side bottom flaps of the box.

[0006] This machine relies on the use of a conveyor belt to move the boxes, without gripping them, and requires the use of numerous precisely synchronized means to close each box. The machine is therefore complex, difficult to flex and bulky.

[0007] In US Patent 5,042,233 A, the crates also arrive already shaped in the machine and are also moved by a conveyor belt, however each batch of products must be moved individually from bottom to top to be placed in a crate. Then, first means close side bottom flaps of the crate, second means close a front bottom flap of the crate and third means close a rear bottom flap of the crate.

[0008] This machine also relies on the use of a conveyor belt to move the crates, without gripping them, requires the use of numerous means to close each crate, and requires the individual elevation of each batch of products. The machine is therefore complex, difficult to flex and bulky, and its speed is limited by the elevation of each batch of products.

[0009] Many case packer-type machines are also known for shaping, filling and closing American cases. Such case packers generally comprise a storage magazine comprising a stack of case blanks with which is associated a transfer arm intended to bring a blank from the magazine to a first shaping station. The first shaping station comprises guide means capable of cooperating with the blank to cause the folding of the flaps forming the bottom of the case, as well as securing means, in particular gluing means, for securing the folded flaps forming the bottom.The box thus formed with its closed bottom is then transferred by a conveyor device to a second filling station where products to be packaged are placed in the box, then to a third station for forming the box lid by folding and joining the flaps that constitute it, before the closed box is removed from the machine.

[0010] However, in such machines, since the box forming station allows both the folding of the flaps constituting the bottom and the closing of the bottom of the box by joining the flaps, it is necessary to advance the box at least once its length in the forming station. Consequently, this station occupies a large space and the machine is bulky.

[0011] The applicant company proposed in European patent EP 3 263 469 B1 a more compact machine, with a footprint réduit, in which the forming and packing stations are arranged in a restricted space, thanks to the fact that the box is shaped without securing the flaps constituting its base before filling and that the box is filled while maintaining its base in the closed position but not yet secured. Patent EP 3 263 469 B1 discloses a machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] In the above-mentioned machines, the filling of the box involves the products to be boxed, which generally rest on a support surface such as a conveyor, being first lifted and then placed in the box, which takes time and requires the use of means for gripping the products.

[0013] The Applicant Company sought to propose a machine for packing in an American box which makes it possible to avoid these operations of gripping the products for filling the box, and which therefore allows the packing of products more quickly and at a lower cost, while offering a more flexible solution thanks to the use of simpler gripping means.

[0014] The solution according to the present invention is based on the use of box gripping means, already known for the shaping of the side walls of the box, in order to unfold outwards at least three of the four flaps which will form the bottom of the box and then to cover the products with the box thus shaped, while they rest on the support surface, and on the subsequent movement of the box and the products thus covered relative to folding means configured to fold the first bottom flaps from below while providing the covered products with support as long as the first two bottom flaps have not been folded into the closed position.

[0015] The present invention thus relates to a machine for packing products into a flap-type box of the American box type, the box thus comprising two first opposite side walls and two second opposite side walls, the first side walls each being extended at both ends by a first flap while the second side walls are each extended at both ends by a second flap, the machine comprising box gripping means capable of moving a box in space when it has been put into volume and means for forming the bottom of the box by folding the first flaps and second flaps intended to form the bottom of the box, called bottom flaps, the means for forming the bottom of the box comprising first folding means for folding the first bottom flaps into the closed position and second folding means for folding the second bottom flaps into the closed position,characterized by the fact that the machine comprises an input support which has a horizontal flat support surface intended to support a batch of products to be boxed, by the fact that the gripping means are further capable of folding outwards at least three of the bottom flaps so that they are clear of the corresponding opening of the box placed in volume, and capable of vertically moving the box thus placed in volume to cover, with it, the batch of products resting on the support surface, the side walls of the box then laterally surrounding the batch of products and the bottom flaps being folded outwards and substantially horizontally, and by the fact that the first folding means comprise: , at least one flap mounted across a mounting opening in a flat, horizontal mounting portion of a fixed plate adjacent to the support surface, the at least one flap being pivotally mounted about a pivot axis so as to be capable of being tilted relative to the mounting portion selectively into a first receiving position, in which a so-called movable edge of the at least one flap, parallel to the pivot axis, is located above the horizontal plane of the mounting portion, thereby creating a vertical slot which is located above the mounting portion and which opens into the mounting opening, through which vertical slot a first bottom flap can be introduced into the mounting opening and under the at least one flap, and into a second folding position, in which said movable edge is located below the horizontal plane of the fixed plate,said movable edge being furthermore at a distance from the edge immediately adjacent to the mounting opening, such that there is present between these two a horizontal gap through which a first bottom flap can pass; and movement means capable of moving the box, covering the batch of products, in a translation direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the at least one flap, so as to allow the folding into the closed position of each first bottom flap by a first movement of the box in the direction of the pivot axis of the at least one flap, with the latter in the first receiving position, until the box is placed in a so-called preparation position, in which the first bottom flap is located under the at least one flap and the respective side wall of the box is located above the horizontal gap, then, after the at least one flap has been pivoted from the first receiving position to the second folding position,by a second movement of the box in the same direction until the box passes beyond the at least one flap, whereby the first bottom flap is folded into the closed position.

[0016] Preferably, the first folding means comprise first and second flaps each dedicated to folding into the closed position one of the two first bottom flaps, the pivot axis of each flap being located in the region of the edge of the flap which is opposite the movable edge of the flap, each flap thus comprising a single movable edge.

[0017] According to a first particular embodiment, the pivot axes of the two flaps form an angle, in particular are perpendicular, and the movement means further comprise a rotating platform mounted on the fixed plate, interposed between the two flaps and capable of rotating around a vertical axis, each flap being opposite the rotating platform and the latter being capable of receiving the box, covering the batch of products and with a first bottom flap placed in the closed position by the first flap, then rotating the box to place the other first bottom flap in front of the movable edge of the second flap.

[0018] The moving means may comprise first and second arms which are each mounted to move in translation on first and second rails respectively, the first rail being perpendicular to the pivot axis of the first flap and extending laterally to the input support and to the fixed plate, on the side opposite to that where the second flap is located, such that the first arm is able to push the box, covering the batch of products, from the input support to the rotating platform, the second rail being perpendicular to the pivot axis of the second flap and extending laterally to the fixed plate, on the side opposite to that where the first flap is located, such that the second arm is able to push the box from the rotating platform beyond the second flap.

[0019] According to a second particular embodiment, the two flaps are placed one after the other with their pivot axes parallel to each other and their movable edges opposite each other, and the movement means are capable of moving the box, covering the batch of products, in a first translation direction on one side of the first flap to beyond the second flap, movement during which the first bottom flap is folded into the closed position by the first flap, then moving the box in a second translation direction, opposite to the first direction, to at least beyond the second flap, movement during which the other first bottom flap is folded into the closed position by the second flap.

[0020] The movement means may comprise first and second arms which are each mounted to move in translation on a rail perpendicular to the pivot axes of the flaps and extending laterally to the input support and to the fixed plate, such that the first arm is able to push in the first translation direction the box, covering the batch of products, from the input support to beyond the second flap, and the second arm is able to push in the second translation direction the box to at least beyond the second flap, the first and second arms being either mounted on a common rail, or each mounted on a respective rail with the rails located on either side of the fixed plate.

[0021] The moving means for the first and second embodiments described above may alternatively comprise at least one robotic arm capable of moving the crate in all directions.

[0022] Alternatively, the first folding means may comprise a single flap, the moving means also being able to move the box as needed, after closing a first bottom flap, to place the box opposite the movable edge of the flap in the first receiving position and oriented with the other first bottom flap in front of said movable edge.

[0023] The pivot axis of the flap of the first folding means may be located in the region of the edge of the flap which is opposite the movable edge of the flap, the flap thus comprising a single movable edge.

[0024] The pivot axis of the flap of the first folding means may alternatively coincide with the central axis of the flap, such that each of the two edges of the flap parallel to the pivot axis are movable edges.

[0025] We can imagine a large number of different ways of implementing the means of movement in the embodiment defined above.

[0026] However, mention may be made, for example, of movement means similar to those described in connection with the first and second embodiments. For example, the movement means may comprise an arm movable in translation along a rail which is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the flap and located laterally to the input support and to the fixed plate, the arm thus being able to push the box and the capped products from the input support in a first direction beyond the flap, during which movement a first bottom flap is folded into the closed position. The box may then, for example, be received on a rotating platform mounted in the fixed plate, able to rotate about a vertical axis and serving here to rotate the box by 180°.The moving means could comprise a second arm similar to that described above, but movable in translation in the opposite direction, to bring the box back in front of the shutter before moving the box again in the first direction for closing the other first bottom flap in the case where the shutter comprises only one movable edge, or to move the box beyond the shutter with closing of the other first bottom flap in the case where the shutter comprises two movable edges and can therefore be used in both directions. It would also be possible to provide only one arm, movable in both directions and mounted to pivot about a pivot axis parallel to the rail so that it can be raised vertically, which allows it to be placed on one side or the other of the box, depending on the direction required for the thrust.

[0027] As indicated above, one could also use as means of movement at least one robotic arm capable of moving the box in all directions.

[0028] Preferably, the gripping means comprise a robotic arm carrying a gripping tool which comprises a main body, intended to come into contact with one of the side walls of the box, and at least one side part on one side of the main body, preferably two side parts, one on each side of the main body, the or each of the at least one side part being intended to be in contact, at least once the side walls of the box have been set in volume, with a respective one of the two side walls adjacent to the side wall in contact with the main body, the main body and the at least one side part being for this purpose provided with gripping members for gripping the box, the gripping members with which the main body is provided defining a first theoretical plane of contact with the box while the gripping members with which the at least one side part is provided define a second theoretical plane of contact which is,once the side walls of the box have been set in volume, perpendicular to said first theoretical plane of contact, the gripping tool further comprising, extending from each of the main body and the at least one lateral part, a secondary gripping part which is intended to come opposite a bottom flap and which comprises gripping members capable of coming into contact and gripping said bottom flap, the gripping members of each secondary gripping part being furthermore capable of pivoting about a pivot axis perpendicular to said second theoretical plane of contact in the case of the secondary gripping part extending from the main body and about a pivot axis perpendicular to said first theoretical plane of contact in the case of a secondary gripping part extending from a lateral part, and, preferably,each pivot axis also belonging to a respective plane which passes through the fold line between said corresponding bottom flap and the respective side wall of the box, such that each secondary gripping part is able to fold the corresponding bottom flap outwards so that it is released from the opening of the box when it is put into volume.,

[0029] Such a configuration of the gripping means makes it possible to use the latter for extracting a blank from a blank store, in particular folded flat and stacked, for filling the box with the bottom flaps unfolding outwards, and for capping the batch of products.

[0030] It is noted that one or two bottom flaps may remain free, in other words not in direct contact with the gripping tool. In the case where two bottom flaps are free, it will be necessary to bend at least one of them outwards, and one could for example use the stop element which will be described below with the appropriate movement of the robotic arm, or else tilt the tool slightly as discussed below. The remaining free bottom flap could for example remain at the edge of the input support.In the case where only one bottom flap is free, it could either be left at the edge of the input support, or the gripping tool could be slightly inclined, which could for this purpose be advantageously articulated to the robotic arm, so as to begin capping the batch of products with the box both slightly inclined and coming from the side of the batch of products, before straightening the box and continuing the vertical movement, in order to prevent the free bottom flap, which has remained vertical, from interfering with the products.

[0031] However, preferably, the machine further comprises a stop element which is located, in use, above the support surface of the input support and laterally to the batch of products to be boxed, the stop element defining at an upper part thereof a stop against which the gripping tool is able, once the box has been filled, to press the free bottom flap, opposite that gripped by the secondary gripping part extending from the main body of the gripping tool, so as to fold the free bottom flap outwards at the start of the vertical movement towards the bottom of the box for capping the batch of products. This makes it possible to avoid the gripping tool having to carry out complex movements for the capping operation.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the second folding means, for folding the second bottom flaps into the closed position, are placed downstream of the first folding means and comprise: a longitudinal strip of sheet metal whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the direction of movement of the box along the second folding means, the strip extending across an opening defining on each side of the strip a free space, the strip being able to support the box with the first bottom flaps in the closed position, the two free spaces allowing the two second bottom flaps to come vertical under the effect of their own weight; a folding device located under said strip and able to fold the two second bottom flaps from their vertical position to the closed position, where they are located against the lower face of said strip; a plate located downstream of said opening and of the folding device, at a height lower than that of the strip, and able to support the second bottom flaps after they have been folded into the closed position by the folding device;and means for moving the box along said strip then, after folding the second bottom flaps, to said tray.;

[0033] It is emphasized here that the gripping means described above, which allow the side walls of an American-type box to be formed into volume and the bottom flaps to be folded outwards and upwards, could be used for capping products, with means for closing the bottom flaps which are different from those described above.

[0034] Also disclosed are crate gripping means capable of moving a box of the American crate type in space, the box thus comprising two first opposite side walls and two second opposite side walls, the first side walls each being extended at both ends by a first flap while the second side walls are each extended at both ends by a second flap, characterized in that the gripping means are further capable of folding outwards at least three of the first and second bottom flaps, intended to constitute the bottom of the box, so that they are released from the corresponding opening of the box placed in volume, and capable of vertically moving the box thus placed in volume to cover, with it, products resting on a support surface.

[0035] These gripping means can be advantageously implemented in the manner described above in connection with the case packing machine according to the present invention.

[0036] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, particular embodiments will be described below, by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0037] On these drawings: [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view from above of a machine according to a first particular embodiment of the present invention, before the step of capping a batch of products resting on the input support. [ Fig. 2 ] is a top perspective view of the machine from the Figure 1 , once the styling step is complete. [ Fig. 3 ] is a top perspective view of the machine from the Figure 1 , in a first phase of the step of folding a first bottom flap. [ Fig. 4 ] is a top perspective view of the machine from the Figure 1 , in a second phase of the step of folding the first bottom flap, the box being in the preparation position. Fig. 5 ] is a top perspective view of the machine from the Figure 1 , in a third phase of the step of folding the first bottom flap, after pivoting the first flap into the second folding position, the input support and the gripping means having been omitted from the Figure 5 . [ Fig. 6 ] is a view analogous to the Figure 5 , after the first phase of the folding step of the other first bottom flap. [ Fig. 7 ] is a view analogous to the Figure 5 , in a second phase of the step of folding the other first bottom flap, the box being in the preparation position. Fig. 8 ] is a view analogous to the Figure 5 , in a third phase of the step of folding the other first bottom flap, after pivoting the second flap into the second folding position. Fig. 9 ] is a top perspective view of the machine from the Figure 1 , before the step of folding the second bottom flaps, the input support and the gripping means having been omitted from the Figure 9 . [ Fig. 10 ] is a perspective view from below of the machine of the Figure 1 , before the step of folding the second bottom flaps, the input support and the gripping means having been omitted from the Figure 10 . [ Fig. 11 ] is a perspective view of the second folding means and a box before the step of folding the second bottom flaps. [ Fig. 12 ] is a view analogous to the Figure 11 , after folding the second bottom flaps by the second folding means. Fig. 13 ] is a perspective view from above of a part d'une machine according to a second particular embodiment of the present invention, before the step of capping a batch of products resting on the input support, only the input support and the gripping means having been shown. Fig. 14 ] is a top perspective view of the machine, part of which is illustrated in the Figure 13 , once the styling step is complete. [ Fig. 15 ] is a perspective view from above of the machine according to the second embodiment, showing the input support and the first folding means, before folding the first bottom flaps. [ Fig. 16 ] is a perspective view from above of the gripping means according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, when gripping a cardboard blank. [ Fig. 17 ] is a perspective view of the gripping tool of the gripping means shown in the Figure 16 , after shaping the side walls of the box and before folding three bottom flaps outwards.

[0038] If we first refer to the Figures 1 à 12 , we can see that there is shown a machine 1 for packing products into a box C of the “American box” type according to a first particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The machine 1 comprises an input support 2, gripping means 3 used to cover, with the box C suitably placed in volume, a batch L of products resting on the input support 2, first folding means 4 and second folding means 5 used to fold the first and second bottom flaps into the closed position, respectively.

[0040] Conventionally, the box C is a box, here of rectangular longitudinal section, but which could be square, comprising four side walls P each extended at the two ends by a flap. The box C thus comprises four flaps intended to constitute the bottom of the box, designated in the present application as bottom flaps, namely two first bottom flaps rf and two second bottom flaps Rf, designated hereinafter as small bottom flaps rf and large bottom flaps rf.

[0041] The input support 2 has a support surface 6 which is flat and horizontal so as to be able to support a batch L of products. In the embodiments, the input support 2 is a conventional belt conveyor 7, the belt of which constitutes the support surface 6. The products are grouped into a batch L in a first end region 7a of the conveyor 7, then advanced to the second end region 7b of the conveyor 7 where the batch L will be capped with the box C. It is emphasized here that the present invention is not limited to a specific way of placing the products in a batch and any suitable means well known in the art may be used.

[0042] In the first embodiment shown in the Figure 1 , the means allowing the capping of the batch L comprise the gripping means 3 and a stop element 8.

[0043] The gripping means 3 comprise a robotic arm 9 and a gripping tool 10, carried by the robotic arm 9, a detailed description of which will be provided later.

[0044] The robotic arm 9 is here a conventional articulated arm allowing the gripping tool 10 to be moved in the three dimensions of space. In particular, the robotic arm 9 is arranged so as to be able to reach both a feed magazine in which folded blanks are stored flat and from each of which a case can be obtained, and the second end region of the conveyor 7 where the batch L of product to be capped is located. The robotic arm 9 is here arranged in the extension of the conveyor 7, but it could be arranged at another location.

[0045] The gripping tool 10 is capable, from a blank gripped in the feed magazine, of elongating the side walls P of the box C and of folding three bottom flaps outwards so that they are released from the lower opening of the elongated box C, as can be seen in the Figure 1 .

[0046] The stop element 8 is also movable in space so that it can be placed next to the batch L of products, after the latter has been placed in its position for styling, an upper part 8a of the stop element 8 then being at a height greater than that of the products in the batch. L.

[0047] The stop element 8 is here in the form of a vertical plate carried by the movable rod of a linear actuator of the jack type whose translation direction is at least slightly inclined relative to the vertical, the body of the linear actuator being carried by a crosspiece 11 extending above the conveyor 7, transversely to the direction of movement of the belt of the latter, and the two ends of which are mounted on two parallel guide rods 12 along which the crosspiece 7 is movable in translation.

[0048] The first folding means 4 comprise a fixed plate 13, first and second flaps 14, 15, and moving means 16.

[0049] The fixed plate 13 is a rectangular flat plate carried by feet and at the same height as and adjacent, at a first of its sides, to the support surface 6 in the second end region of the conveyor 7, such that the batch L of products, topped with the box C, can pass from the input support 2 to the fixed plate 13 by translation while maintaining support for the products, by the support surface 6 then by the upper surface of the fixed plate 13.

[0050] Each flap 14, 15 is in the form of a rectangular flat plate pivotally mounted in a rectangular mounting opening 17 formed through the entire thickness of the fixed plate 13. The pivot axis of each flap 14, 15 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flap 14, 15 and is located at or near a long edge 18a of the flap 14, 15. Each flap 14, 15 can be pivoted between a first position, called the receiving position, in which the flap 14, 15 is inclined and its other long edge, called the movable edge 18b, opposite the long edge 18a, is located above the horizontal plane of the fixed plate 13, and a second position, called the folding position, in which the movable edge 18b is located below the horizontal plane of the fixed plate 13.

[0051] In the receiving position, the angle of inclination of the flap 14, 15 relative to the horizontal plane of the fixed plate 13 is such that the movable edge 18b creates, above the fixed plate 13, a vertical slot which opens into the mounting opening 17 and whose height is greater than the thickness of a small bottom flap rf, so that the latter can be introduced into the mounting opening 17 and under the flap 14, 15 by passing through the vertical slot. Preferably, the flap 14, 15 is also inclined by an angle at least equal to this minimum angle defined above.

[0052] Furthermore, the width of each flap 14, 15 is at least slightly less than the width of the mounting opening 17, by at least the value of the thickness of a small bottom flap rf. It is easily understood that a horizontal gap, through which a small bottom flap rf can extend, will thus always be present between the movable edge 18b and the edge immediately adjacent to the mounting opening 17, whatever the inclination of the flap 14, 15 relative to the fixed plate 13.

[0053] The first flap 14 is located in the region of the first side of the fixed plate 13 adjacent to the input support 2 and its pivot axis is parallel to said first side. The movable edge 18b of the first flap 14 is closer to the first side of the fixed plate 13 than the edge 18a. Thus, in the receiving position, the first flap 14 creates a vertical slot which is opposite the location where the batch L of products is located, topped with the box C.

[0054] The second flap 15 is arranged at 90° to the first flap 14 and offset from the latter in the width and length directions of the first flap 14. The pivot axis of the second flap 15 is therefore perpendicular to that of the first flap 14. The second flap 15 is also located in the region of a second side of the fixed plate 13 perpendicular to said first side. Furthermore, unlike the first flap 14, the movable edge 18b of the second flap 14 is further from the second side of the fixed plate 13 than the first edge 18a. Thus, in the receiving position, the second flap 15 creates a vertical slot which is opposite the region of the fixed plate 13 which is located after the first flap 14, when taken in the direction from the input support 2 to the first flap 14, and in which a rotating platform 19 forming part of the moving means 16 is located.

[0055] The rotating platform 19 is a circular platform mounted on the fixed plate 13 so as to be able to rotate about a vertical axis passing through the center of the circular platform. More specifically, the two straight lines which are each perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a respective flap 14, 15 and pass through the center, taken in the longitudinal direction, of the respective flap 14, 15, intersect at the center of the rotating platform 19. As will be explained below, the rotating platform 19 serves, after folding a first small bottom flap rf, to orient the box C for folding the second small bottom flap rf.

[0056] The moving means 16 further comprise first and second arms 20, 21 each connected to a carriage 22 mounted to slide in translation along first and second rails 23, 24, respectively. Each arm 20, 21 is further capable of pivoting about a horizontal pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective rail 23, 24, so as to be able to be raised into a vertical position, in which it does not interfere with the movement of the other elements of the machine 1 and the box C, and lowered into a lowered position, for example horizontal, in which it extends above the input support 2 and / or the fixed plate 13 to such an extent that it can push the box C to move it in translation. The connection between each arm 20, 21 and the corresponding carriage 22 will therefore be a pivot connection.The pivoting of the arm 20, 21 may be controlled by any known means, such as for example by a linear actuator of the jack type, as illustrated in the . Figure 1 .

[0057] In particular, the first rail 23 extends laterally to the input support 2 and to the fixed plate 13, on the side opposite that where the second flap 15 is located, and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the first flap 14. The first rail 23 extends over a length such that the stroke of the first arm 20, in the lowered position, takes place between a first end position, in which the first arm 20 is located on the other side of the batch L of products resting on the input support 2 and topped with the box C, and a second end position, in which the first arm 20 is located beyond the first flap 14 and has pushed the box C to the rotating platform 19.

[0058] The second rail 24 extends laterally to the fixed plate 13 and to the second folding means 5, on the side opposite that where the first flap 14 is located, and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the second flap 15. The second rail 24 extends over a length such that the stroke of the second arm 21, in the lowered position, takes place between a first end position, in which the second arm 21 is located on the side of the batch L of products resting on the rotating platform 19, and a second end position, in which the second arm 21 is located at the end of the second folding means 5, to which it will have pushed the box C.

[0059] The second folding means 5 are similar to those described in patent EP 3 263 469 B1, in that they allow the simultaneous folding of the two large bottom flaps RF from below.

[0060] The second folding means 5 comprise a central longitudinal strip 25 of sheet metal extending from the second side of the fixed plate 13. The longitudinal axis of the central strip 25 is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the second flap 15 and passes through the center of the latter, taken in its longitudinal direction. On either side of the central strip 25 are arranged two lateral strips 26, at a height greater than that of the central strip 25 by a value at least slightly greater than the thickness of the large bottom flaps Rf. The strips 25, 26 are fixed, at a first end, to the fixed plate 13 and, at a second end, to feet 27, 28, as can be better seen in the Figure 10 .

[0061] Always with reference to the Figure 10 , in the region of the second end of the side strips 26 there are two lower plates 29, each below a respective side strip 26. These two lower plates 29 thus define a plate 30 which will serve to horizontally support the large bottom flaps Rf once the latter are folded against the small bottom flaps Rf.

[0062] We can also see on the Figure 10 that the space next to and below the central strip 25 is free and that a folding device 31 is located under the central strip 25. The folding device 31 comprises two pivoting arm assemblies 32 whose pivoting movements are controlled by actuators 33, such as jacks, and whose upper ends 34 will pivot the two large bottom flaps Rf to fold them upwards, against the lower surface of the central strip 25.

[0063] The structures of the various means of machine 1 which enable the batch L of products to be packed into crate C without product gripping operations have been described above. The various stages of the packing process implemented by machine 1 will now be described.

[0064] There Figure 1 shows the machine 1 before the step of capping the batch L of products. The gripping means 3 have grasped a blank in the feed magazine, have set up the box C and have raised two small bottom flaps rf and a first large bottom flap Rf. The second large bottom flap Rf is raised by vertically lowering the box C, by the robotic arm 9, relative to the stop element 8 which will have been placed on the side of the batch L of products and the upper part 8a of which is located above the products. It will be easily understood that, the stop element 8 being kept stationary, this vertical lowering of the box C causes the second large bottom flap Rf to press on the upper part 8a of the stop element 8 and thus to be raised by the latter, the stop element 8 then being moved into a retracted position, in which it allows the batch L of products to advance to the second end region of the conveyor 7.

[0065] There Figure 2 shows the crate C covering the batch L of products. The crate C rests on the support surface 6, the side walls P of the crate C surround the batch L of products, the bottom flaps rf, Rf are substantially horizontal, and a small bottom flap rf is opposite the first flap 14.

[0066] There Figure 3 shows the first phase of the folding step of a first small bottom flap rf. The first arm 20 has been pivoted into the lowered position and is located behind the box C, on the side opposite that facing the first folding means 4. The gripping tool 10 released the crate C and the robotic arm 9 was moved so that the gripping tool 10 was clear of the path of the crate C. The first flap 14 was commanded to be in the receiving position.

[0067] The first arm 20 is then moved in translation to push the box C towards the first flap 14 and cause the first small bottom flap rf to enter the mounting opening 17 of the first flap 14 via the respective vertical slot, until placing the box C in a preparation position, as shown in the Figure 4 . In the preparation position, the small bottom flap rf extends under the first flap 14, in the mounting opening 17, and the respective side wall P of the box C is at the level of the horizontal gap present between the movable edge 18b and the corresponding edge of the mounting opening 17.

[0068] The first flap 14 is then caused to pivot from the receiving position to the folding position, as shown in the Figure 5 . This pivoting of the first flap 14 brings the first small bottom flap rf substantially vertically, which thus extends into said horizontal interval.

[0069] The first arm 20 is then moved in translation to move the box C beyond the first flap 14, while the latter is held in the folding position, or at least inclined downwards. Thus, as the box C advances towards the edge 18a of the first flap 14 and passes the latter, the first small bottom flap rf is folded upwards by the movable edge 18b of the first flap 14, until it is folded into the closed position, under the batch L of products.

[0070] The first small bottom flap rf was thus folded into the closed position, from below, without the products losing their support, first by the support surface 6, then by the fixed plate 13 and the first flap 14.

[0071] The first arm 20 pushes the box C until it is placed on the rotating platform 19, with the box C centered on the latter. The first arm 20 is then returned to its initial position and the rotating platform 19 is rotated 90° to place the second small bottom flap rf in front of the second flap 15, as shown in the Figure 6 .

[0072] The second arm 21 is then pivoted into the lowered position and moved to push the box C to the preparation position relative to the second flap 15, similar to that described for the first flap 14, as shown in the Figure 7 .

[0073] The second flap 15 is then pivoted to the folding position, as shown in the Figure 8 , then the second arm 21 pushes the box C beyond the second flap 15, thus folding the second small bottom flap rf into the closed position, until placing the box C on the second folding means 5, where the small bottom flaps rf rest on the central strip 25 which therefore keeps them in the closed position, as shown in the Figure 9 .

[0074] At this stage, as can be better seen on the Figure 10 , the large bottom flaps Rf return to the vertical, which was not possible for them due to the input support 2 and the fixed plate 13. The folding device 31 is then in the open position, in which the upper ends 34 of the pivoting arm assemblies 32 are located under the large bottom flaps Rf and offset laterally relative to the latter, as can be better seen in the Figure 11 .

[0075] The folding device 31 is then actuated to pivot the pivot arm assemblies 32 upwards, and thereby fold the two large bottom flaps Rf upwards to the closed position, as shown in the Figure 12 .

[0076] The large bottom flaps Rf are then against the lower face of the central strip 25, while the small bottom flaps rf rest on the upper face of the central strip 25. The second arm 21 is then moved to push the box C to the end of the side strips 26, where the large bottom flaps Rf are placed between the side strips 26 and the tray 30 formed by the lower plates 29.

[0077] The bottom of crate C was then formed, with batch L of products collected, without any product handling operations.

[0078] From there, the box C with its formed bottom can be brought to means of securing the bottom, such as for example a taping machine or a gluer, and of closing the upper flaps of the box, these means being known per se and not forming part of the present invention.

[0079] Machine 1 according to the first embodiment shown in the Figures 1 à 12 has a U-shaped configuration, in that the direction of movement at the input, on the input support 2, and the direction of movement at the output, on the second folding means 5, are parallel but opposite.

[0080] If we now refer to the Figures 13 à 15 , we can see that a machine 1' is represented there according to a second embodiment, in which the configuration is rectilinear.

[0081] As can be seen on the Figure 13 , the stop element 8' will be movable laterally to the conveyor 7. The capping operation remains the same, the robotic arm 9 lowering the box C placed in volume until it comes to capping the batch L of products, the stop element 8' raising the fourth bottom flap not raised directly by the gripping tool 10.

[0082] Once the styling operation is completed, the gripping tool 10 is released from the box C, as shown in the Figure 14 .

[0083] The box C can then be moved towards the first folding means 4', as shown in the Figure 15 The first folding means 4' comprise a fixed plate 13', first and second flaps 14', 15', and moving means 16'.

[0084] The fixed plate 13' is placed in the extension of the second region 7b of the conveyor 7, rather than on one side thereof as in the first embodiment.

[0085] The first and second flaps 14', 15' are similar to the first and second flaps 14, 15 of the first embodiment and operate in the same way. However, the first and second flaps 14', 15' are placed one after the other, with their pivot axes parallel to each other. They are also arranged to open in two opposite directions. In other words, their edges 18a' are the closest, while their movable edges 18b' are the furthest apart. The first flap 14' is arranged to create, in the receiving position, a vertical slot which is opposite the second end 7b of the conveyor 7, therefore the input support 2. No rotating platform is provided.

[0086] The moving means 16' comprise first and second arms 20', 21', which are each connected to a carriage 22', the two carriages 22' being mounted to slide in translation along a common rail 23'. As in the first embodiment, the first and second arms 20', 21' are further capable of pivoting between the raised and lowered positions. However, the carriages 22' are made integral with each other by a connecting rod 35', so that the arms 20', 21' are movable as a single piece in translation. The arms 20', 21' are also separated by a distance at least slightly greater than the dimensions of the boxes C to be cashed.

[0087] The common rail 23' extends laterally to the input support 2 and the fixed plate 13', on a first side thereof. The common rail 23' extends over a length such that the first arm 20' can push the box C from the input support 2 to beyond the second flap 15' and that the second arm 21' can push the box C from a location in front of the second flap 15' to at least beyond the second flap 15'.

[0088] It is emphasized here that, for the sake of simplification, the 16' means of transport have been omitted from the Figures 13 And 14 .

[0089] Thus, it will be easily understood that the folding of the small bottom flaps rf is done on the same principle as in the first embodiment: the box C is placed, by the first arm 20', in the preparation position relative to the first flap 14' being in the receiving position, the first flap 14' is pivoted into the folding position, the box C is moved, still by the first arm 20', to beyond the second flap 15', which folds the first small bottom flap rf, the box C is then in front of the second flap 15', in the receiving position, with the second small bottom flap rf in front of the second flap 15', the box C is moved, by the second arm 21', in the opposite direction, to the preparation position relative to the second flap 15', the second flap 15' is pivoted into the folding position and the box C is moved, still by the second arm 21' to beyond the second panel 15', which folds the second small bottom flap rf.The first and second arms 20', 21' are then in the raised position.

[0090] The second folding means are identical to those of the first embodiment and are placed directly in the extension of the fixed plate 13'.

[0091] In the first embodiment, the second folding means comprise displacement means which are formed by a part of the displacement means 16 of the first folding means, namely the second arm 21. However, in the second embodiment, the second folding means comprise dedicated displacement means comprising an arm 36 identical to the first or second arm 20', 21', in that it is connected to a carriage 37 and capable of pivoting between a raised and lowered position, the carriage 37 being slidably mounted on a rail 38 extending on the other side of the fixed plate 13'.The rail 38 extends over a length such that the travel of the arm 36 is between a first end position, in which the arm 36 is located on the side of the box C after the two small bottom flaps rf have been folded into the closed position, and a second end position, in which the arm 36 has pushed the box C to the end of the second folding means, where the large bottom flaps Rf of the box C have been folded into the closed position.

[0092] It can therefore be seen that the present invention is not limited to a particular geometric configuration of the first and second folding means.

[0093] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a specific way of obtaining the movement of the various movable elements, such as the flaps and the arms. For example, each flap may be fixed to a shaft itself mounted to rotate relative to the fixed plate, and the rotation of which may be obtained by any suitable means, such as for example by motor. For example, the carriages carrying the arms may each be secured to a corresponding nut locked in rotation and surrounding a worm screw driven in rotation by any suitable means, such as for example by motor.The control of the various movements (pivoting of the flaps, translation of the arms, rotation of the rotating platform, folding of the folding device) can be managed by any known means, allowing the various movements to be carried out following the sequence presented above, such as for example an industrial programmable controller, sensors possibly being provided to know the positions of the various moving elements and of the body.

[0094] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to specific gripping means, provided that these means are capable of folding the bottom flaps outwards so that they are clear of the corresponding opening of the box being set up, and capable of vertically moving the box thus set up to cover, with it, the batch of products resting on the support surface, the side walls of the box then laterally surrounding the batch of products and the bottom flaps being folded outwards and substantially horizontally.

[0095] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the gripping means, in particular of the gripping tool 10, will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 16 And 17 .

[0096] The gripping tool 10 generally comprises a main body 39, two side parts 40 and three secondary gripping parts 41.

[0097] The main body 39 comprises a connector 42, by which the gripping tool 10 is pivotally connected to the robotic arm 9, and four gripping members 43 located at the four corners of a rectangle and each carried by a block 44 forming part of the main body 39. The gripping members 43 are here formed by suction cups which define a first theoretical plane of contact with the box C, in particular with a side wall P in the extension of which is located a large bottom flap Rf. The main body 39 is thus intended to come into contact with and grip such a side wall P of a cardboard blank stored in a food store, as illustrated in the Figure 16 .

[0098] The lateral parts 40 are pivotally connected to the main body 39, on two opposite sides thereof, and they each comprise gripping members, in particular suction cups, which define a second theoretical plane of contact with the box C, in particular with a side wall P adjacent to that in contact with the main body 39. The lateral parts 40 are arranged so as to be able to pivot between a first position, in which they are generally in the same plane as the main body 39, namely that the first and second theoretical planes of contact coincide, and a second position in which the second theoretical plane is perpendicular to the first, the pivot axis of each lateral part 40 being perpendicular to the plane containing the fold lines of the bottom flaps.In addition, the main body 39 is dimensioned so that the pivot axis of each side part 40 also belongs, in use, to a plane perpendicular to the first theoretical contact plane and passing through the fold line of the two adjacent side walls P.

[0099] A secondary gripping portion 41 is connected to the main body 39 and extends from one side thereof so as to face a large bottom flap Rf with the cardboard blank still folded flat in the feed magazine. The other two secondary gripping portions 41 are each connected to a respective side portion 40 and also extend so as to each face a respective small bottom flap rf.

[0100] The secondary gripping parts 41 are all provided with gripping members, in particular suction cups, so that they can also grip the box C.

[0101] The secondary gripping part 41 extending from the main body 39 is pivotally connected thereto about an axis which is perpendicular to the second theoretical contact planes when the lateral parts 40 have been pivoted 90° from the main body 39, and between a first position, in which the gripping members of the secondary gripping part 41 are in the first theoretical contact plane, and a second position, in which the secondary gripping part 41 has been pivoted 90° outwards, so as to raise the large bottom flap Rf which it has gripped.

[0102] The secondary gripping parts 41 extending from the side parts 40 are pivotally connected thereto about an axis which is perpendicular to the first theoretical plane of contact when the side parts 40 have been pivoted 90° from the main body 39, and between a first position, in which the gripping members of the secondary gripping parts 41 are in the second theoretical plane of contact, and a second position, in which the secondary gripping parts 41 have been pivoted 90° outwards, so as to raise the small bottom flaps rf which they have gripped.

[0103] Preferably, in use, the pivot axis of each secondary gripping part 41 is parallel and at the same height as the fold line between the bottom flap that it has gripped and the corresponding side wall P, so that the pivoting of the secondary gripping part 41 does indeed lead to the folding of the corresponding bottom flap around its normal fold line, without deformation of the bottom flap.

[0104] The pivot connections between the different parts 40, 41 and the main body 39 may be made by any suitable means and the pivots may also be driven and controlled by any suitable means, all of which are well known in the art. Preferably, the gripping tool 10 will carry the actuators for obtaining these pivots, as well as possibly the pneumatic means for obtaining the gripping of the box by the suction cups.

[0105] If we refer to the Figure 16 , it can be seen that the gripping tool 10 is able to grip a blank folded flat and stored in a feed magazine, by the main body 39, a side part 40 and the corresponding secondary gripping parts 41.

[0106] For example, the robotic arm 9 can then lift the box C and said side part 40 is pivoted 90° to form the side walls P of the box C. The other side part 40, and the corresponding secondary gripping part 41, can then be pivoted to grip the respective side wall P of the box C, while said secondary gripping part 41 grips the small bottom flap rf.

[0107] The secondary gripping portions 41 can then be pivoted upwards to raise the bottom flaps to horizontal, for the capping operation as illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0108] The gripping tool 10, carried by the robotic arm 9, thus allows the blank to be extracted from a feed magazine, the box C to be filled with three bottom flaps raised horizontally, and the box C thus filled with a batch L of products to be topped.

Claims

1. - Machine (1; 1') for packing products in a box (C) with flaps of the American box type, the box (C) thus comprising two first opposite side walls (P) and two second opposite side walls (P), the first side walls (P) being each extended at both ends by a first flap while the second side walls (P) are each extended at both ends by a second flap, the machine (1; 1') comprising box gripping means (3) capable of moving in space a box (C) that has been erected and means for forming the bottom of the box (C) by folding the first flaps (rf) and the second flaps (Rf) intended to form the bottom of the box (C), so-called bottom flaps, the means for forming the bottom of the box (C) comprising first folding means (4; 4') for folding the first bottom flaps (rf) into the closed position and second folding means (5) for folding the second bottom flaps (Rf) into the closed position, characterised in that the machine (1; 1') comprises an input support (2) which has a flat horizontal support surface (6) intended to support a batch (L) of products to be packed, in that the gripping means (3) are further capable of folding outwards at least three of the bottom flaps (rf, Rf) so that they are clear of the corresponding opening of the box (C) that has been erected, and capable of moving vertically the box (C), thus erected, in order to cover, with it, the batch (L) of products resting on the support surface (6), the side walls (P) of the box (C) then laterally surrounding the batch (L) of products and the bottom flaps (rf, Rf) being folded outwards and substantially horizontally, and in that the first folding means (4; 4') comprise: - at least one panel (14, 15; 14', 15') mounted across a mounting aperture (17) provided in a flat horizontal mounting portion of a fixed plate (13; 13') adjacent the support surface (6), the at least one panel (14, 15; 14', 15') being pivotally mounted about a pivot axis so as to be selectively tiltable relative to the mounting portion into a first receiving position, in which a so-called mobile edge (18b; 18b') of the at least one panel (14, 15; ; 14', 15'), parallel to the pivot axis, is located above the horizontal plane of the mounting portion, thus creating a vertical slot which is located above the mounting portion and opens into the mounting opening (17), through which vertical slot a first bottom flap (rf) can be introduced into the mounting opening (17) and under the at least one panel (14, 15; 14', 15'), and into a second folding position, in which said movable edge (18b; 18b') is located below the horizontal plane of the fixed plate (13; 13'), said movable edge (18b; 18b') being further spaced from the edge immediately adjacent the mounting opening (17), so that there is a horizontal gap therebetween through which a first bottom flap (rf) can pass; and - moving means (16; 16') capable of moving the box (C), covering the batch (L) of products, in a direction of translation perpendicular to the pivot axis of the at least one panel (14, 15; 14', 15'), so as to allow each first bottom flap (rf) to be folded into the closed position by a first movement of the box (C) toward the pivot axis of the at least one panel (14, 15; 14', 15'), with the latter in the first receiving position, until the box (C) is placed in a so-called preparation position, in which the first bottom flap (rf) is located below the at least one panel (14, 15; 14', 15') and the respective side wall (P) of the box (C) is located above the horizontal gap, then, after the at least one panel (14, 15 ; 14', 15') has been pivoted from the first receiving position to the second folding position, by a second movement of the box (C) in the same direction until the box (C) moves beyond the at least one panel (14, 15; 14', 15'), whereby the first bottom flap (rf) is folded into the closed position.

2. - Machine (1; 1') according to claim 1, characterised in that the first folding means (4; 4') comprise first and second panels (14, 15; 14', 15') each dedicated to fold into the closed position a respective one of the first two bottom flaps (rf), the pivot axis of each panel (14, 15; 14', 15') is located in the region of the edge (18a; 18a') of the panel (14, 15; 14', 15') that is opposite the movable edge (18b; 18b') of the panel (14, 15; 14'; 15'), each panel (14, 15; 14'; 15') thus comprising a single movable edge (18b; 18b').

3. - Machine (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the pivot axes of the two panels (14, 15) form an angle, in particular are perpendicular, and the moving means (16) further comprise a rotating platform (19) mounted on the fixed plate (13), interposed between the two panels (14, 15) and capable of rotating about a vertical axis, each panel (14, 15) facing the rotating platform (19) and the latter being able to receive the box (C), covering the batch (L) of products and with a first bottom flap (rf) placed in the closed position by the first panel (14), then to rotate the box (C) to place the other first bottom flap (rf) in front of the movable edge (18b) of the second panel (15).

4. - Machine (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the moving means (16) comprise first and second arms (20, 21) that are each mounted so as to be able to move in translation on first and second rails (23, 24) respectively, the first rail (23) being perpendicular to the pivot axis of the first panel (14) and extending laterally to the inlet support (2) and to the fixed plate (13), on the opposite side to that where the second panel (15) is located, so that the first arm (20) is able to push the box (C), covering the batch (L) of products, from the inlet support (2) to the rotating platform (19), the second rail (24) being perpendicular to the pivot axis of the second panel (15) and extending laterally to the fixed plate (13), on the opposite side to that where the first panel (14) is located, so that the second arm (21) is able to push the box (C) from the rotating platform (19) to beyond the second panel (15).

5. - Machine (1') according to claim 2, characterised in that the two panels (14', 15') are placed one after the other with their pivot axes parallel to each other and their movable edges (18b') opposite each other, and the moving means (16') are capable of moving the box (C), covering the batch (L) of products, in a first direction of translation from one side of the first panel (14') to beyond the second panel (15'), during which movement the first bottom flap (rf) is folded into the closed position by the first panel (14'), of then moving the box (C) in a second direction of translation, opposite to the first direction, at least to beyond the second panel (15'), during which movement the other first small bottom flap (rf) is folded into the closed position by the second panel (15').

6. - Machine (1') according to claim 5, characterised in that the moving means (16') comprise first and second arms (20', 21') that are each mounted so as to be able to move in translation on a rail (23') perpendicular to the pivot axes of the panels (14', 15') and extending laterally to the inlet support (2) and to the fixed plate (13'), so that the first arm (20') is able to push, in the first direction of translation, the box (C), covering the batch (L) of products, from the inlet support (2) to beyond the second panel (15'), and the second arm (21') is able to push, in the second direction of translation, the box (C) to beyond the second panel (15'), the first and second arms (20', 21') being either mounted on a common rail (23'), or each mounted on a respective rail with the rails located on either side of the fixed plate (13').

7. - Machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the first folding means comprise a single panel, the moving means being further able to move the box as required, after a first bottom flap (rf) is closed, in order to place the box (C) facing the movable edge of the panel in the first receiving position and oriented with the other first small bottom flap (rf) in front of said movable edge.

8. - Machine according to claim 7, characterised in that the pivot axis of the panel of the first folding means is located in the region of the edge of the panel that is opposite the movable edge of the panel, the panel thus comprising a single movable edge.

9. - Machine according to claim 7, characterised in that the pivot axis of the panel of the first folding means coincides with the central axis of the panel, so that each of the two edges of the panel parallel to the pivot axis are movable edges.

10. - Machine (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the gripping means (3) comprise a robotic arm (9) carrying a gripping tool (10) which comprises a main body (39), intended to come into contact with one of the side walls (P) of the box (C), and at least one side part (40) on one side of the main body (39), preferably two side parts (40) one on each side of the main body (39), the or each of the at least one side part being intended to contact, at least once the side walls (P) of the box (C) have been erected, with a respective one of the two side walls (P) adjacent to the side wall (P) in contact with the main body (39), the main body (39) and the at least one side part (40) being for this purpose provided with gripping members (43) for gripping the box (C), the gripping members (43) with which the main body (39) is provided defining a first theoretical plane of contact with the box (C) while the gripping members with which the at least one side part (40) is provided define a second theoretical plane of contact which is, once the side walls (P) of the box (C) have been erected, perpendicular to said first theoretical plane of contact, the gripping tool (10) further comprising, extending from each of the main body (39) and the at least one side part (40), a secondary gripping part (41) which is intended to face a bottom flap (rf, Rf) and which comprises gripping members able to come into contact with and grip said bottom flap (rf, Rf), the gripping members of each secondary gripping part (41) further being able to pivot about a pivot axis perpendicular to said second theoretical plane of contact in case the secondary gripping part (41) extends from the main body (39) and about a pivot axis perpendicular to said first theoretical plane of contact in case a secondary gripping part (41) extends from a side part (40), and, preferably, each pivot axis also belonging to a respective plane which passes through the folding line between said corresponding bottom flap (rf, Rf) and the respective side wall (P) of the box (C), so that each secondary gripping part (41) is able to fold the corresponding bottom flap (rf, Rf) outwards so that it is clear of the opening of the box (C) once erected.

11. - Machine (1; 1') according to claim 10, characterised in that it further comprises a stop element (8; 8') which is located, in use, above the support surface (6) of the inlet support (2) and laterally to the batch (L) of products to be packed, the stop element (8; 8') defining at an upper part (8a; 8'a) thereof a stop against which the gripping tool (10) is able, once the box (C) has been erected, to press the free bottom flap (Rf), opposite to that gripped by the secondary gripping part (41) extending from the main body (39) of the gripping tool (10), so as to fold the free bottom flap (Rf) outwards at the beginning of the downward vertical movement of the box (C) for covering the batch (L) of products.

12. - Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the second folding means (5), for folding the second bottom flaps (Rf) into the closed position, are placed downstream of the first folding means (4) and comprise: - a longitudinal strip (25) of sheet metal, the longitudinal direction of which is parallel to the direction of movement of the box (C) along the second folding means (5), the strip (25) extending through an opening defining a free space on each side of the strip (25), the strip (25) being able to support the box (C) with the first bottom flaps (rf) in the closed position, the two free spaces allowing the two second bottom flaps (Rf) to come to a vertical position under the effect of their own weight; - a folding device (31) located below said strip (25) and able to fold the two second bottom flaps (Rf) from their vertical position to the closed position, where they lie against the underside of said strip (25); - a tray (30) located downstream of said opening and of the folding device (31), at a height lower than that of the strip (25), and able to support the second bottom flaps (Rf) after they have been folded into the closed position by the folding device (31); and - means for moving the box (C) along said strip (25) and then, after folding the second bottom flaps (Rf), to said tray (30).