Machine for closing the walls of the wall of passageways due to actuation of the closing device

Abstract

Machine for closing the hinged walls (1p, 1q) of trays (1) after prior actuation (1v) of the release devices by exerting, depending on the type of release device, a vertical thrust (1v) in the case of a release bar (1e), or a horizontal pressure in the case of release buttons or knobs, which is equipped with conveyor belts (4) or other transport elements which act on the bottom of the supplied trays (1) by holding them during their transfer (1a) and which, after the area of ​​actuation of the release devices (1e) and the area of ​​actuation of impact elements (3) for closing (1r) the transverse walls (1q), has an area for closing the longitudinal walls, wherein the actuation (1v) of the release devices (1e) as well as the actuation (3r) of the impact elements (3) for closing (1r) the transverse walls (1q) without stopping the transfer movement (1a) of the trays (1) this is donewherein on both sides of the passage area of ​​the ladder (1), in a position above the conveyor belts (4) or the transport elements, an actuating device (5) for an arm (5g) is provided which at its free end is provided with horizontal, oppositely projecting pins (5e, 5f) which are arranged coaxially to each other and parallel to the transfer movement (1a) of the ladder (1), and wherein said actuating devices (5) transmit pivoting movements (5r) to the arm (5g) in order to assume active positions with the pins (Se, 5f) at the height required for the actuation (1v) of the release devices (1e), or to assume passive positions that do not interfere with the passage of the ladder (1) in order to be moved (5s) horizontally by the same actuating device (5) from the area of ​​actuation of the release devices (1e) on the front transverse wall (1q) to the area of ​​actuation of the release devices (1e) on the rear transverse wall.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a machine and the corresponding method for the mechanized closing of the folding walls of crates following prior disengagement of the device which ensures the open position of said walls.

[0002] It is known that the open position of crates with folding walls is secured by the mutual locking of the walls in the upper corner area, close to the upper edge of the longitudinal and transverse walls. Mutual locking is usually achieved by elastic deformation of an element on one of the walls, which snaps behind a rigid element of the wall to be connected to the first wall, hooking onto it and securing the open position of the walls. The release of these connections is usually achieved simply by a violent blow to the transverse walls in their closing direction and / or by pressing release elements such as buttons or knobs provided on the outside of the transverse wall for the purpose of actuating the interacting snap-in devices between the open walls.

[0003] On certain models of crates, disengagement between the walls is only possible by operating cross bars which slide vertically in their own guides in the upper section of the cross walls. The lower hooking position of said cross bars is secured by elastic tabs. On some models, disengagement is achieved by pressing buttons or knobs located outside in the upper section of the cross walls, usually near the handle openings. To disengage the crates in the open position, the said bar must be moved upwards by overcoming the effect of the elastic tabs, while pressure must be applied horizontally to the said buttons or knobs. The walls of these crates can only be closed, without risk of damage, by first operating the release bars or the said buttons or knobs.

[0004] EP 2181841 A1 by the same applicant discloses a machine for opening and closing the folding walls of crates. Before closing, release devices for the mutual hooking devices between the walls in the open position are actuated by counter-rotating the release elements in the horizontal direction, which are provided near the through-holes in the upper area of ​​each of the cross walls. Said release elements are ring-shaped and can be actuated horizontally with the fingers in the area of ​​the gripping openings. When the crate is blocked, the release device of said machine operates simultaneously on both cross walls by actuating the ring-shaped release elements. The device for actuating said release elements is also used, after release, to achieve the closing movement of the cross walls.Due to the horizontal release action of the actuating devices, they cannot be used for release in the case of release devices that require vertical actuation. These release devices require a vertical movement to move into the active position and return to the passive position, a counter-directional horizontal movement toward the two transverse walls of the trays being processed, and a horizontal movement perpendicular to the tray conveying direction to actuate the release elements. Since all these movements must be performed with the tray blocked, the machine's performance is rather low.

[0005] IT RN20100022 A1 discloses a device for folding all side walls of crates. Disengaging the mutual hooking devices in the upper corner area of ​​the side walls does not require the actuation of the release devices, but is achieved by a blow from pivoting striking elements from the outside in the closing direction on the upper edge area of ​​the side walls. The use of striking elements to disengage the hooking devices on the side walls would cause damage to crates where disengaging the hooking devices on the side walls requires the prior actuation of the release devices, which would prevent the crates from being reused.

[0006] The invention aims to provide a high-performance machine suitable for the mechanized closing of the folding walls of crates, wherein both transverse walls are provided with a vertically sliding release device or with devices which, by pressure, unlock the mutual suspension devices for the walls provided in the upper corner area of ​​the crates.

[0007] To achieve this object, the invention proposes that the release and folding processes of the transverse walls take place during the transfer movement of the crate, that for the actuation of the release devices, a device is provided on both sides of the transfer area of ​​the crate, which, during the transfer, first actuates the vertically sliding release bar or the release buttons or knobs on the front transverse wall in the transfer direction of the crate and then actuates the said release devices on the rear wall, and that the folding of both transverse walls takes place without interrupting the transfer movement of the crate. The folding of the longitudinal walls, on the other hand, takes place in a known manner in a subsequent phase and in a subsequent area, e.g. by means of lateral guides which, during the transfer of the crate, ensure a progressive pivoting of the longitudinal walls towards the bottom of the crate, orin the direction of the previously folded cross walls.

[0008] The actuating devices for acting on the release devices provided on the machine according to the invention are provided for the trays, laterally in the transfer area of ​​the latter, preferably in an area above the transport elements, e.g. the conveyor belts which act laterally on the opposite longitudinal edges of the tray base, which slides along parallel longitudinal guides. Each of these devices consists of an arm which, at its free end, is equipped with two pins which, for the purpose of actuating the release bars, have a conical or wedge-shaped end and project laterally in the opposite direction from said arm along a horizontal line running parallel to the transfer direction of the trays. The conical or wedge-shaped ends of said pins project in the opposite direction so that one of the pins engages the release bar oron the release buttons or knobs on the front cross wall of the transported crate and then with the other pin on the release bar, or on the release buttons or knobs on the rear cross wall of the same crate. For the vertical operation of the release bars, the said pins are inserted with their conical or wedge-shaped ends between the lower edge of the bar receiving recess on the cross wall and the lower edge of the corresponding release bar, or with their tips positioned just below the lower edge of the release bar. The said insertion of the conical or wedge-shaped pins causes the release bar to be raised vertically by overcoming the action of the elastic tabs, which act as return springs, and causes the suspension devices between the cross and longitudinal walls to be released into the open position.

[0009] The two actuating devices, with the said arm, which is provided with the pins with conical or wedge-shaped, or with a cylindrical or spherical cap-shaped, end, consist of a mechanism capable of moving the said arm parallel to the transport direction of the crates in order to assume a position in front of or behind the crates to be processed and to pivot the arm with the pins between a position that does not collide with the passage of the crates and an active position in which the pins penetrate under the lower edge of the release strips or press on the release buttons or buttons. The said movement parallel to the transport direction of the crates, whether in the transport direction or against the transport direction, is controlled by a motor, e.g.transmitted by a toothed belt or chain, to which a support element for a connecting arm with a bearing bush is firmly attached, in which an element is mounted, longitudinally displaceable but not rotatable, on a profiled guide rod, which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis running parallel to the conveying direction of the crates and is driven by a motor. Said longitudinally displaceable element carries the arm with the pins, which can perform a rectilinear movement, driven by the toothed belt or chain, parallel to the conveying direction of the crates in both directions, or can be pivoted in a vertical plane by rotating the profiled rod to assume an upper active position and act on the release bar, or to act on the release buttons or knobs, or to assume a passive position, retracted from the transfer area of ​​the crates.

[0010] According to the invention, the cross walls are folded down as a result of actuating the release bar or the release buttons or knobs in order to assume a position adjacent to the bottom of the crate, after which the same arm provided with a pin or at least one single or double striking element which can be rotated or pivoted about a horizontal axis arranged above the passage area of ​​the crate acts on the already notched wall, whereby the cross wall is pivoted towards the bottom of the crate.

[0011] According to the invention, in a first phase, without interrupting the feeding movement of the crate, the release bar or the release buttons or knobs of the front cross wall are actuated by acting against them or by the arm with the pins assuming a fixed position for a required period of time, or by moving the arm with the pins against the fed crate, or by moving it at a lower speed in the same direction as the feeding movement of the crate. After release, the wall is folded towards the crate bottom by pivoting the striking element against it. As a result of the said release and folding of the front cross wall, the rear cross wall of the same crate is released and folded without interrupting the feeding movement of the crate.To achieve this, the arm with the pins is pivoted outside the crate flow area, moved against the feed direction of the crate and pivoted into an active position just behind the cross wall in order to follow this at a higher speed than the feed speed and act on the release bar or the release buttons or knobs. After the rear cross wall has been released, the striking element pivots against the rear notched cross wall by moving it at a higher speed than the feed speed of the crate in order to close the wall towards the crate bottom. After the second cross wall has been closed, the arm with the pins returns to the starting position in order to be ready for the front cross wall of the next fed crate to be released.

[0012] In order to optimise the movements of the arm for actuating the release bars, or the release buttons or knobs, and the striking elements for closing the cross walls, a series of horizontal photocells mounted at different heights can be provided at the machine inlet for measuring the wall height of the incoming trays and / or a photographic image recognition device for determining the particular model of the incoming trays from which the wall height can be derived.

[0013] The invention does not exclude that, instead of the two actuating devices for the release of the mutual suspension devices by actuating the release devices on the front and also on the rear cross wall of the crate, actuating devices are provided, two of which are intended exclusively for the actuation of the release devices on the front and two exclusively for the actuation on the rear cross wall of the same crate.

[0014] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment of a machine according to the invention for closing the foldable walls of crates by previously actuating the release devices, such as release strips which are provided, vertically displaceable, in a frontal recess on the outside of the transverse walls, as shown schematically in the attached drawings.

[0015] The Fig. 1 shows the cross-section, according to a vertical section plane along the feeding movement of the trays, in the area of ​​the machine where the folding of the walls according to the invention takes place, with one of the actuating devices for the notching strips together with the arm provided with conical pins in the central starting position and with a tray in the feeding phase during the passage through the light barriers for the purpose of measuring the wall height.

[0016] The Fig. 2 shows the same, in Fig. 1 shown cross-section with the arm, provided with conical pins, which acts on the notching strip of the front transverse wall and with the striking element which acts on the same wall.

[0017] The Fig. 3 shows the same, in the Fig. 1 und 2 shown cross-section with the arm, provided with conical pins, in lowered position, outside the passage area of ​​the crates, and with the impact element acting on the front transverse wall.

[0018] The Fig. 4 shows the same, in the Fig. 1, 2 and 3 shown cross-section with the arm, provided with conical pins, which acts on the release strip of the rear cross wall, with the front cross wall, which is in contact with the bottom of the crate, folded down and with the striking element in motion to hit the rear cross wall.

[0019] The Fig. 5 shows the same, in the Fig. 1 bis 4 shown cross-section with the arm, which is provided with conical pins and is not in use, and with the striking element which acts on the rear, notched, foldable transverse wall.

[0020] The Fig. 6 shows in partial perspective view a crate with a front cross wall provided with a bar for the release of the mutual hanging devices of the unfolded walls, with both arms provided with conical pins in penetration chamfer between the lower edge of the recess for the reception of the release bar and the lower edge of this bar.

[0021] The Fig. 7 shows the front view of the same, in Fig. 6 shown, ladder with both arms equipped with conical pins which are operated by the corresponding mechanisms for longitudinal and pivoting movement.

[0022] The Fig. 8 shows in partial perspective one of the mechanisms for the longitudinal and pivoting movement of the arm with the conical pins.

[0023] The Fig. 9 shows a cross-section according to a vertical section plane which represents the axis of the profiled bar of the Fig. 1 shown mechanism for the longitudinal and pivoting movement.

[0024] In the drawings of Fig. 1 bis Fig. 5 Only that part of the machine is shown where the movement of the release strips provided on both transverse walls and the pivoting of said walls, after disengaging the mutual suspension devices, takes place in order to assume the closed position resting against the crate base. The area in which the longitudinal walls of the same crate are subsequently folded is not shown, as this is done in a different, known way, e.g., by means of lateral guides which, as the crate travels, cause the longitudinal walls to gradually fold down to assume a position in which they rest against the previously folded transverse walls resting against the crate base.

[0025] The crates 1 with folding walls are provided on the outside, on the front side of both transverse walls 1q, with a release strip 1d for the mutual suspension devices 1c in the open position ( Fig. 1, 2 ). Said release strip 1d is mounted in a recess with a lower edge 1d, vertically displaceable in order to disengage the mutual suspension device in the corner area between the unfolded walls by this vertical displacement 1v upwards. According to the invention, the vertical release movement 1v is achieved by progressive penetration of the corresponding conical pin 1f between the edge 1d of the recess and the corresponding lower edge of the release strip. The release movement 1v causes the bending of the elastic tabs 1b, which act as return springs in order to return the strip 1e to a position adjacent to the edge 1d of the recess after release.

[0026] During their transfer 1a toward the closing area of ​​the transverse walls 1q, the crates 1 are detected by a sensor 2d and pass through a series of horizontal, vertically stacked light barriers 2c, which are suitable for detecting the height of the walls. This detection can be replaced by or integrated with photographic image recognition to detect the model of the crates being fed, which also allows the crate height to be determined.

[0027] Conveyor belts 4 are provided on the fixed structure 2, 2a of the machine, which act laterally on the opposite longitudinal edges of the trays 1 sliding on lower guide rails 4b. Said conveyor belts 4, together with the guide rails 4b, form two separate units which are pivotably or adjustablely mounted on the fixed structure of the machine so that the distance between the belts can be increased with the corresponding guide rails in order to eliminate any defective trays or those that cannot be processed by dropping them downwards.

[0028] However, the invention does not exclude the use of other known belts or transport devices for transferring the trays 1, which are suitable for holding the tray base in place along the processing line or which are equipped with retaining devices; in this case, of course, there is no possibility of trays being rejected along the processing line.

[0029] As soon as the presence sensor signals the passage 1a of the tray 1 and the series of light barriers 2c detect the height of the walls 1q, the drive devices 5 of the arms 5g with the conical pins 5e, 5f, which are provided laterally of the passage area of ​​the trays 1, pivot 5r that arm 5g into a position in which the pins 5f, which are directed against the transfer direction 1a of the tray, are located with their tip at the level of the lower edge of the corresponding notching strip 1e on the front transverse wall 1q of the tray, or at the level of the lower edge 1d of the recess for receiving the notching strip 1e. Furthermore, the impact elements 3, which are pivotably mounted 3r on a shaft 3a arranged transversely to the transfer direction 1a of the trays 1, in an area above the passage of the trays, are arranged, for example, in a horizontal position in such a way that the passage of the trays is not impaired.The said shaft 3a for the impact elements 3 is supported by bearings 2b which are fixed to the fixed structure of the machine (. Fig. 1 ). As soon as the tips of the conical pins 5f hit the moving tray 1 in the aforementioned area, the pins 5f penetrate under the strip 1e during the movement 1a of the tray 1, whereby, due to their conical shape, they cause the vertical lifting 1v of the tray, the bending of the tabs 1b and the disengagement of the mutual suspension devices 1c provided in the upper corner area of ​​the tray walls ( Fig. 2 ). Said disengagement at the front transverse wall 1q is achieved according to the invention by the crate 1 being conveyed further 1a against the conical pins 5a while the arm 5g is stationary, by the arm 5g being moved in the transfer direction 1a of the crate but at a lower speed than the transfer speed 1a, or by the arm 5g being moved 5s against the crate 1 moving in the transfer direction 1a. After said disengagement of the mutual suspension devices 1c, the arm 5g is moved 5s at a speed which is higher than the speed of the transfer 1a of the crate 1, wherein it moves away from the latter and is pivoted into an area, e.g. downwards, where it does not impede the passage of the crate. Furthermore, at least one impact element 3 is pivoted 3r against the transfer direction 1a of the crate 1, whereby the pivoting 1r of the front transverse wall 1q against the bottom of the moving crate 1a is achieved ( Fig. 3 ).

[0030] After the arm 5g, as a result of its movement 5s against the transfer direction 1a of the tray 1, has taken a position just behind the rear transverse wall 1q, it is pivoted into an active position in the area of ​​the height of the lower edge of the release strip 1e to act on the latter, the arm following the tray 1 at a speed higher than the speed of the transfer movement 1a of the tray, so that the conical pin 5e penetrates under the strip 1e and, through the effect of the conicity of the pin 5e, raises it vertically 1v, whereby the release of the mutual hooking devices 1c between the walls of the tray takes place ( Fig. 4 ). Subsequently, the impact element 3 is pivoted 3r from behind against the tray 1 in the direction of the transfer movement 1a of the tray, but at a higher speed, in order to hit the rear transverse wall 1q and achieve its pivoting 1r towards the tray floor ( Fig. 5 ).

[0031] The longitudinal walls 1p of the tray 1 are subsequently folded in a known manner without interrupting the transfer 1a of the tray, e.g. by moving the tray between two laterally arranged guides which are mounted lower than the height of the side walls 1p, which approach each other along the passage path in order to pivot the walls progressively towards the bottom of the tray and to rest on the previously folded transverse walls 1q.

[0032] The actuating devices 5 for the arm 5g with the conical pins 5e, 5f which act on the release strips 1e which are provided vertically displaceable 1v in a frontal recess in the upper area, outside on the transverse walls 1q essentially consist of: a transmission element, such as a toothed belt 5a driven by the motor 5m, a chain or a cable pull to move the arm 5g provided with conical pins 5e, 5f in both directions horizontally, parallel to the transfer movement 1a of the crates to be processed 5s, a guide profile 5b driven by the motor 5n which is rotatably mounted in a position parallel to the aforementioned transmission element and to the transfer movement 1a of the crates.

[0033] The motors 5m, 5n and the supports 5p, 5j for the aforementioned mechanical drive elements 5a, 5b are fixed to a common rigid element 5q which is fixed to the fixed structure of the machine in a position above the conveyor belts 4 for the transfer of the trays 1 ( Fig. 8, 9 ).

[0034] The arm 5g, which is provided with conical pins 5e, 5f at its free end, is attached at its opposite end to a rotor 5d, which is mounted on the profiled guide rod 5b so that it can be moved 5s but cannot rotate. The guide rod 5b is moved 5r by the motor 5n on one side with the interposition of mechanical support and fastening elements 5p, while the opposite side is rotatably mounted 5j, 5k on the rigid element 5q. The rotor 5d is rotatably but not axially displaceably mounted on a bushing 5c, which carries a tangentially projecting arm 5t and is attached to the toothed belt 5a driven by the motor 5m by means of a clamping element 5h. After the rotor is rotatably mounted on the said bushing, but engages the profiled guide rod 5b which is moved 4r by the motor 5n, the motor 5m actuates 5s via the toothed belt 5a the bushing 5c ​​together with the rotor 5d and the arm 5g including the conical pins.The arm 5g, which is provided with conical pins 5e, 5f and is attached to the said slider 5d, can thus perform longitudinal movements 5s in both directions along the profiled guide rod 5b and pivoting movements 4r transmitted by the profiled guide rod. The longitudinal movement 5s enables the arm 5g, on the one hand, to assume the position for actuating the release bar 1e on the front transverse wall 1q (. Fig. 2 ), whereby the arm acts from a standstill against the transfer movement 1a of the tray or is moved in the opposite direction 5s against it or moves in the same direction 5s, but at a lower speed than that of the transfer movement 1a, and on the other hand, to take up the position for the actuation of the release bar 1e on the rear transverse wall 1q by the arm following the tray at a higher speed than that of the tray ( Fig. 4). The pivoting movement 5r of the arm 5g provided with conical pins 5e, 5f allows the positioning of said pins at the exact height to act below the notch bar 1e, or above the lower edge 1d of the recess for supporting said bar on the transverse wall 1q.

[0035] The invention does not preclude the pivoting movement 1r of the transverse walls 1q, for assuming the folded position resting against the tray floor, being effected by the same arms 5g after the mutual locking devices 1c on the walls 1p, 1q have been disengaged. In this case, the machine does not have impact elements 3.

[0036] Furthermore, the invention does not preclude the provision of two specific actuating devices (5) for actuating the release devices (1e) on the front transverse wall (1q), and two further specific actuating devices (5) for actuating the rear transverse wall (1q) of the same crate (1). In this case, the arms (5g) are each provided with only one pin (5e, 5f), namely for actuating the front transverse wall (1q) with pins (5f) aligned against the feed movement (1a) of the crate, and for actuating the rear transverse wall (1q) with pins (5e) aligned in line with the feed movement (1a). In this case, it is possible to actuate the release devices of both transverse walls (1q) simultaneously and also to fold these walls together (1r).

Claims

1. A machine for closing the foldable walls (1p, 1q) of crates (1) upon prior actuation (1v) of the release devices by exerting, depending on the type of release device, a vertical thrust (1v) in the case of a release bar (1e) or a horizontal pressure in the case of release buttons or studs, said machine being equipped with transport belts (4) or other transport units which act on the bottom of the fed-in crates (1) by retaining them during transfer (1a) thereof, and having, downstream of the area of actuation of the release devices (1e) and the area of actuation of impact elements (3) for the purpose of folding (1r) the transverse walls (1q), an area for closing the longitudinal walls, characterised in that the actuation (1v) of the release devices (1e) and the actuation (3r) of the impact elements (3) for the purpose of closing (1r) the transverse walls (1q) take place without stopping the transfer movement (1a) of the crates (1), in that provided on both sides of the passage area of the crates (1), in a position above the conveyor belts (4) or transport units, is an actuation device (5) for an arm (5g), which arm is provided at the free end with horizontal pins (5e, 5f) projecting in opposite directions, said pins being arranged coaxial with each other and parallel to the transfer movement (1a) of the crates (1), and in that said actuation devices (5) transmit pivoting movements (5r) to the arm (5g) in order to assume, with the pins (5e, 5f), active positions at the height required for actuation (1v) of the release devices (1e), or passive positions that do not interfere with the passage of the crates (1) so as to be moved (5s) by the same actuation device (5) horizontally from the area of actuation of the release devices (1e) on the front transverse wall (1q) to the area of actuation of the release devices (1e) on the rear transverse wall.

2. The machine for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 1, characterised in that the two pins (5e, 5f) projecting from the arms (5g) have conical or wedge-shaped ends in the case of release devices (1e) that are to be actuated by vertical lifting (1v), whereas they have a flat or spherical cap-shaped end in the case of release buttons or studs that are to be actuated by pressing.

3. The machine for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 1, characterised in that the impact elements (3), for the purpose of closing (1r) the transverse walls (1q) following actuation of the release devices (1e) on the transverse walls, are pivotably (3r) mounted on a shaft (3a) which is provided in a position above the passage of the crates (1) and transversely to the transfer movement (1a) thereof, and in that the pivoting movement (3r) into a position that interferes with the passage of the transverse walls (1q) takes place at least in a vertical plane that extends substantially parallel to the transfer movement (1a) of the crates, and in that said impact elements (3) project radially from the shaft (3a) by a distance that is smaller than the distance of the crate bottom from the shaft (3a) itself.

4. The machine for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 1, characterised in that the folding movement (1r) of the front transverse wall (1q) is brought about by the same arm (5g), provided with pins (5e, 5f), following actuation of the relevant release devices (1e), optionally after pivoting (5r) downwards, so as to assume a position in the area below the position of the release devices (1e), by continuing the horizontal movement (5s) of the arm counter to the direction of the transfer movement (1a) so as to pivot (1r) the transverse wall (1q) towards the crate bottom, or by stopping the movement of the arm or moving it in the direction of transfer (1a), at a lower speed, counter to the transfer movement (1a) of the crates.

5. The machine for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 1, characterised in that the folding movement (1r) of the rear transverse wall (1q) is brought about by the same arm (5g), provided with pins (5e, 5f), following actuation (1v) of the relevant release devices (1e), by following the crate (1) in the direction of transfer (1a) thereof but at a greater speed.

6. The machine for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 1, characterised in that the two actuation devices (5) for the arms (5g), provided with pins (5e, 5f), comprise a flexible or articulated transmission member, such as a toothed belt (5a), chain or cable, which is driven by the motor (5m) and to which one of the ends of an arm (5t) is fastened, whereas the opposite end of the same arm is fastened to a bush (5c) on which there is rotatably (5r) mounted a rotor (5d) which is displaceable (5s) along a profiled guide rod (5b) driven (5r) by a motor (5n), in that said rotor (5d) has an arm (5g) which projects in a plane perpendicular to the profiled guide rod (5b), in that the profiled guide rod (5b) and the flexible transmission member (5a) extend parallel to each other and to the direction of transfer (1a) of the crates, and in that the part of the actuation device (5) that comprises the profiled guide rod (5b) and the flexible transmission member (5a) with the relevant motors (5m, 5n) is fastened directly to the frame (2) of the machine or to a rigid element (5q) fastened to the frame (2) of the machine, whereas the opposite part, comprising the rotary bearing (5j, 5k) for the profiled guide rod (5b) and the return guide for the transmission member (5a), is fastened to the frame (2) of the machine or to the rigid element (5q) in a position spaced from the first.

7. The machine for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 1, characterised in that a series of vertically arranged photoelectric barriers (2c) and / or an image recognition device is provided in order to detect the height of the walls (1q, 1p) of the crates that are fed (1a) into the area for closing the transverse walls (1q), and in that the pivoting movements (5r) and / or the horizontal movements (5s) of the arms (5g), which are moved by the relevant actuation devices (5), are adjusted by means of a program with parameters adaptable to the dimensional characteristics of the walls and / or to the type and positioning of the release devices (1e), detected by said photoelectric barriers and / or the image recognition device.

8. A method for closing the foldable walls of crates with prior actuation of the release devices by means of arms (5g) which are provided with pins (5e, 5e) and are moved (5r, 5s) by two actuation devices (5), said arms being provided laterally in a position that does not interfere with the transfer (1a) of the crates (1), wherein the crates are provided with release devices (1e) on the two transverse walls (1q), which release devices are vertically movable (1v) in the case of release bars (1e) or are movable by pressing in the case of release buttons or studs, characterised in that, following detection of the passage or presence of a crate (1) in the processing area by means of a sensor (2), the arms of the two actuation devices (5) with the pins (5f) oriented towards the arriving crate are pivoted (5r) in order to assume a height corresponding to the area of actuation of the release bar (1e) or release buttons or studs, which are provided externally on the front transverse wall, in order then to be moved (5s) horizontally towards the crate by a distance required for actuation of the release devices, whereby release takes place between the front transverse wall (1q) and the two longitudinal walls (1p) of the crate, in that the arms (5g) are then removed from the release devices (1e) by moving (5s) them in the direction of transfer (1a) of the crate at a greater speed, in order to be pivoted (5r) into a position that does not interfere with the passage of the crate (1), moved (5s) counter to the direction of transfer (1a) of the crate, pivoted behind the rear transverse wall (1q), and made to assume, with the conical or wedge-shaped pins (5e) oriented towards said transverse wall, the height suitable for actuation of the release devices (1e) on said rear transverse wall, and in that said release takes place by moving the arms (5g) in the direction of the transfer movement (1a) of the crate, but at a speed greater than the transfer speed, so that the pins (5e) actuate the release devices (1e), in that the arms (5g) are then pivoted (5r) into a position that does not interfere with the passage of the crates so as to be returned (5s) to the starting position in order to be able to actuate the release devices on the front transverse wall of the next crate (1) that is fed in (1a), and in that, following each release operation, the relevant transverse wall (1q) is brought into the closed position by a pivotable (3r) impact element (3) or by the same arm (5g).

9. The method for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 8, characterised in that, in order to actuate the release devices provided on the front transverse wall (1q), the arms (5g) with the pins (5f) of the two actuation mechanisms (5), as a result of being moved (5s) in a direction counter to the transfer movement (1a) of the crates (1), keep the forward-moving (1a) crate in a holding position in order to act on the release bar (1e) in this position or by a movement (5s) in the same direction of the transfer movement (1a) of the crates, but at a lower speed, so as to lift (1v) the release bar by virtue of the conicity or the wedge shape of the pins (5f) or to achieve release by pressing on the release buttons or studs.

10. The method for closing the foldable walls of crates according to claim 8, characterised in that, in order to actuate the release devices (1e) on the respective transverse walls (1q) of a crate (1), two specific actuation devices (5) are provided for actuation of the release devices (1e) on the front transverse wall and two specific actuation devices (5) are provided for actuation on the rear transverse wall (1q) of the same crate.

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