Transfer box for transferring articles into a carboard box

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer box (1) for transferring articles into a carboard box comprising a bottom wall (2) that is able to slide between a deployed position, in which the bottom of the transfer box (1) is closed, and a retracted position, a means (10) for driving the bottom wall (2), two opposite side walls (3, 4), the bottom wall (2) being able to slide along one of the side walls (3, 4) when it is actuated, via the drive means (10), from the deployed position to the retracted position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of loading articles into a carton.

[0002] Manual order preparation operations are usually carried out by picking and collecting items in crates placed on trolleys, to then be packed in boxes.

[0003] These manual order preparation and packaging operations require double handling of the items.

[0004] Many removable bottom boxes have been developed, such as those described in EP0610489, EP2889025, EP0720949 or US4158421, but do not allow the insertion of the box into the carton for the secure placement of the articles at the bottom of the carton. US4805379 discloses a device for transferring articles into a carton, the transfer device being capable of being inserted into the carton for the simultaneous placement of articles, without falling, at the bottom of the carton.

[0005] The present invention provides a box for transferring articles into a carton allowing the articles to be placed at the bottom of the carton advantageously in their initial storage or packaging position, without falling to the bottom of the carton.

[0006] The box for transferring articles into a carton according to the invention comprises a bottom wall capable of sliding between a deployed position closing the bottom of the transfer box and a withdrawn position, a means for driving the bottom wall, two opposite side walls, the bottom wall being capable of sliding along one of the side walls by actuation of the drive means for the transition from the deployed position to the withdrawn position.

[0007] According to one feature, a side wall comprises a reservation space delimited by an inner plate and an outer plate.

[0008] According to an additional characteristic, the drive means comprises a withdrawal means and a return means each secured to a longitudinal end of the bottom wall.

[0009] According to embodiments, the drive means comprises a connecting means fixed to a longitudinal end of the bottom wall.

[0010] According to an additional feature, the transfer case comprises means for actuating the drive means.

[0011] Let us specify that the back wall is flexible or articulated.

[0012] According to embodiments, the transfer case comprises a front wall and / or a rear wall adjacent a side wall, adapted to adopt a closed position and an open position for side loading of articles.

[0013] Depending on the embodiments, the drive means is a rotary drive means or a linear drive means of the bottom wall.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the drive means comprises a drive roller connected to a connecting means secured to a longitudinal end of the bottom wall.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the drive means comprises a connecting means connecting each of the longitudinal ends of the bottom wall, a bar connecting the upper ends of the side walls and a slider slidably mounted on the bar, the slider being fixed to the connecting means.

[0016] The implementation of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description which is set out below with reference to the appended drawings in which: THE figures 1 à 4 illustrate a transfer case according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig.1 ] is a partial perspective view, the front wall open and the back wall deployed, the external plates are not shown. Fig.2 ] is a partial perspective view, the back wall being removed, the external plates are not shown. Fig.3 ] is a complete perspective view. [ Fig.4 ] is a partial view, the back wall being removed, the front wall and the side walls are not shown. Fig.5 ] represents two schematic views of the operations of depositing articles in a carton by the transfer box. The figures 6 And 7 illustrate a transfer case according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig.6 ] is a perspective view, with the back wall removed but not visible. Fig.7 ] is a view of the back wall associated with a connecting means. [ Fig.8 ] is a schematic view of a transfer case, according to one embodiment, the bottom wall being removed. [ Fig.9 ] is a schematic view of a transfer box, according to another embodiment, the bottom wall being deployed.

[0017] A transfer box (1) is a rigid container in the form of a straight block, open at its upper end, consisting of a bottom wall (2) and four peripheral walls (3, 4, 5, 6), called respectively right side wall (3), left side wall (4), front wall (5) and rear wall (6), according to the representations in the figures, but it could be otherwise the transfer box (1) is a prism in the form of a polyhedron whose bottom wall (2) has a surface less than that of the face delimited by the upper ends of the peripheral walls (3, 4, 5, 6).

[0018] The right side wall (3) and the left side wall (4) will be called side walls (3, 4).

[0019] It is specified that the qualifications right, left, front and rear are indicated with reference to all the figures in order to facilitate the reading of the description and the naming of the walls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) in relation to each other.

[0020] It is understood that the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6) are adjacent to the right side wall (3), and that the left side wall (4) is located opposite the right side wall (3).

[0021] The inner surfaces of the peripheral walls (3, 4, 5, 6) delimit the space available for loading articles into the transfer case (1).

[0022] A deployed position of the bottom wall (2) partitions the transfer box (1) and is suitable for loading articles, while a withdrawn position of the bottom wall (2) frees the bottom of the transfer box (1) for depositing articles at the bottom of a carton, as explained in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0023] Let us consider that the bottom wall (2) comprises a first and a second longitudinal end, as explained in more detail in the remainder of the description, directed in the deployed position respectively in the direction of the right side wall (3) and in the direction of the left side wall (4).

[0024] It is thus understood by a longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2) an end opposite a side wall (3, 4) and a lateral end of the bottom wall (2) an end opposite either the front wall (5) or the rear wall (6).

[0025] The aim of the invention is to place a set of articles simultaneously, without falling, advantageously in their initial storage or packaging position during order preparation, at the bottom of a box.

[0026] Another complementary aim of the invention is to optimize the space occupied by the articles in a carton, in order to reduce the padding elements used to wedge the articles in the carton.

[0027] To do this, the sizing of the cardboard used must advantageously correspond to the overall volume of the order, and the external dimensioning of the transfer box (1) must advantageously correspond to the internal space of the selected cardboard.

[0028] With a view to optimizing order preparation and operations for packing articles into boxes, different models of transfer boxes (1) according to the invention may be available for order preparation. The different transfer boxes (1) may have a dimension adapted to standardized carton sizes.

[0029] The transfer case (1) can be independent and portable or integrated into a special machine, as described in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0030] The transfer box (1) is thus capable of being loaded with articles, of being inserted into a carton, of unloading the articles at the bottom of the carton, of being removed from the carton, of possibly placing wedging elements, of carrying out operations of closing and sealing the carton.

[0031] As previously introduced, the external dimensioning of the transfer box (1) should advantageously correspond to the internal dimensioning of the carton, so that the articles unloaded into the carton, after removal of the transfer box (1), advantageously have a minimum of free space with the walls of the carton.

[0032] For this purpose, the transfer box (1) according to the invention comprises a bottom wall (2) intended to adopt two positions, namely a deployed position, closing the bottom of the transfer box (1), and a withdrawn position, allowing the transfer box (1) to be opened from the bottom, in order to allow the release of the articles at the bottom of the box.

[0033] The bottom wall (2) being intended to be removed from the space delimited by the lower ends of the peripheral walls (3, 4, 5, 6), when the transfer box (1) is located at the bottom of a carton, the size of the bottom wall (2) in its removed position must thus be reduced to a minimum, so that the articles deposited can occupy the greater part of the interior space of the carton.

[0034] With a view to automating the operation of removing the bottom wall (2), the transfer box (1) comprises drive means (10, 11), namely a removal means (10) and a return means (11), of the bottom wall (2).

[0035] The transfer case (1) thus comprises a means (10) for removing the bottom wall (2) from a deployed position to a withdrawn position, and a means (11) for returning the bottom wall (2) from a folded position to a deployed position.

[0036] The withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11) may be separate means or a single driving means (10, 11) of the bottom wall (2), as explained in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0037] According to one feature, the side walls (3, 4) each comprise a reservation space (7).

[0038] In the withdrawn position, the bottom wall (2) is housed in the reservation space (7) of a side wall (3, 4), for example the right side wall (3), completely freeing the space delimited by the lower ends of the peripheral walls (3, 4, 5, 6).

[0039] The reservation space (7) of the left side wall (4) is intended for housing the drive means (10, 11) or a part of the drive means (10, 11), preferably the return means (11) or a part of the return means (11), as explained in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0040] For the purpose of harmonizing the description, and as illustrated, it will be considered that the back wall (2) recedes into the reservation space (7) of the right side wall (3).

[0041] According to the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 à 9 , the side walls (3, 4), namely the right side wall (3) and the left side wall (4), comprise two parallel plates (8), namely an inner plate (81) and an outer plate (82), delimiting the reservation space (7).

[0042] In other words, the side walls (3, 4) are hollow walls consisting of two parallel plates (8) delimiting a reservation space (7).

[0043] More specifically, the side walls (3, 4) also comprise two transverse plates (9), bordering in width the reservation space (7), the two transverse plates (9) are arranged perpendicular to the internal plate (81) and the external plate (82).

[0044] According to embodiments not illustrated, the side walls (3, 4) comprise a single plate (8), more precisely an internal plate (81), participating in delimiting the interior space of the transfer box (1), the reservation space (7) being adjacent to the plate (8), more precisely the reservation space (7) is located opposite the interior space of the transfer box (1) relative to the internal plate (81).

[0045] According to the previous embodiments, the side walls (3, 4) comprise two transverse plates (9), bordering the reservation space (7) in width, the two transverse plates (9) are arranged perpendicular to the internal plate (81).

[0046] From the deployed position to the withdrawn position, the bottom wall (2) slides along the lower ends of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6) and comes to fit the lower end of the right side wall (3), and slides into the reservation space (7) of the right side wall (3).

[0047] In order to be able to fit the lower end of the right side wall (3) and slide into the reservation space (7), the bottom wall (2) is either flexible, i.e. supple, or articulated.

[0048] According to another characteristic, the bottom wall (2) is a reinforced canvas or an assembly of articulated slats, such as a roller shutter.

[0049] The bottom wall (2) must be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the articles and sufficiently flexible or articulated to allow the passage of the angle, for example right, materialized by the lower end of the right side wall (3).

[0050] According to the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 à 5 , the withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11) are each located in a reservation space (7) delimited by the internal plate (81) and the external plate (82) of their respective side wall (3, 4).

[0051] According to other embodiments not illustrated, the withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11) are each located in a reservation space (7) bordered by the internal plate (81) of their respective side wall (3, 4).

[0052] According to other embodiments, not illustrated, the withdrawal means (10) and the withdrawal means (11) are each located directly above a reservation space (7), namely located in the extension of the upper end of the side wall (3, 4) with which it is associated.

[0053] According to a mode of execution illustrated in [ Fig.6 ], the withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11) are located directly above the upper end of the interior space of the transfer case (1).

[0054] According to an additional characteristic, the first longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2) is advantageously connected to the withdrawal means (10) by means of a connecting means (14).

[0055] According to the preceding characteristic, the second longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2) is connected to the return means (11) by means of a connecting means (14).

[0056] According to the embodiment illustrated in [ Fig.1 ], the connecting means (14) is materialized by two strips fixed to the corners of the first longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2), but it could be otherwise, the first connecting means (14) is materialized by cables, or even the connecting means (14) connected to the withdrawal means (10) is constituted by the extension of the bottom wall (2) directly attached to the withdrawal means (10).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the connecting means (14) has a thickness less than the bottom wall (2).

[0058] According to the preceding embodiment, the connecting means (14) comprises at least one strip or cable.

[0059] The withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11) may be rotational drive means (10, 11) or linear drive means (10, 11) of the bottom wall (2).

[0060] The drive means (10, 11) can be manually or motorized.

[0061] According to a first alternative, the withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11) are rotational drive means (10, 11).

[0062] According to the embodiment illustrated in particular in [ Fig.1 ], the drive means (10, 11) each comprise a drive roller (15) connected to a connecting means (14) secured to one of the longitudinal ends of the bottom wall (2).

[0063] A drive roller (15) is located at the upper end of the reservation space (7), more precisely opposite or substantially opposite the upper ends of the internal plate (81) and the external plate (82) of a side wall (3, 4).

[0064] A drive roller (15) is arranged parallel to the upper end of a side wall (3, 4).

[0065] More precisely, a drive roller (15) is secured to the two transverse plates (9), partitioning a side wall (3, 4) in width.

[0066] The rotation of a drive roller (15) causes the winding of the connecting means (14) followed by the withdrawal or deployment of the bottom wall (2).

[0067] The drive means (10, 11) advantageously comprise a guide roller (17) of the bottom wall (2) or a connecting means (14) of the return means (11), located at the lower end of the reservation space (7), but it could be otherwise the lower end of the side walls (3, 4) comprise a sliding coating having a low coefficient of friction.

[0068] A guide roller (17) or a sliding covering facilitates the driving of the bottom wall (2) or the connecting means (14) of the return means (11) towards the reservation space (7), more precisely facilitates the cornering at the lower end of a side wall (3, 4).

[0069] A guide roller (17) is arranged parallel to the lower end of a side wall (3, 4).

[0070] More precisely, a guide roller (17) is secured to the two transverse plates (9), partitioning a side wall (3, 4) in the thickness.

[0071] According to an additional characteristic, the drive means (10, 11), namely the withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11), comprise an actuating means.

[0072] According to the preceding characteristic, the means for actuating the drive roller (15) may be any mechanical means allowing the rotation of the drive roller (15), for example a wheel, such as a toothed wheel (16), or a pinion, a flat wheel, a bevel gear or a magnet.

[0073] According to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 à 5 , the actuating means comprises a toothed wheel (16) connected to the drive roller (15), the toothed wheel (16) projecting outside the transfer case (1), namely projecting outside the side wall (3, 4) to which it is secured.

[0074] According to a second alternative, the withdrawal means (10) is a linear drive means of the bottom wall (2).

[0075] According to the embodiment illustrated in [ Fig.6 ], the transfer box (1) comprises a single drive means (10, 11) operating in the sliding directions of the bottom wall, namely playing the role of withdrawal means (10) and return means (11).

[0076] According to the preceding embodiment, the drive means (10, 11) comprises a slider (19), as an actuating means, slidably mounted on two parallel bars (18) fixed to the upper ends of the side walls (3, 4).

[0077] The bars (18) extend opposite the upper ends of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6), while not hindering their possible mobility, as explained in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0078] According to the preceding embodiment, and as illustrated in [ Fig.6 ], the side walls (3, 4) have a height greater than those of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6), such that the bars (18) are located above the upper ends of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6), so as not to hinder the possible opening of the latter. The bars (18) are also located at the lateral ends of the side walls (3, 4) so ​​as not to block a part of the upper end of the interior space of the transfer case (1).

[0079] According to the preceding embodiment, as illustrated in [ Fig.6 ], a connecting means (14) connects the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2). The connecting means (14) is represented by two strips located at the lateral ends of the longitudinal ends of the bottom wall (2), joining the first and second longitudinal ends of the bottom wall (2).

[0080] The connecting means (14) and the bottom wall (2) represent a closed loop.

[0081] As illustrated in [ Fig.6 ], a strip runs along the lateral ends of a reservation space (7) and extends along the upper ends of the front wall (5) or the rear wall (6).

[0082] Opposite the upper ends of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6), the strips as connecting means (14) are housed in slides, not shown.

[0083] The slider (19) is secured to the two strips forming the connecting means (14). The sliding of the slider (19) along the bars (18) causes the sliding of the connecting means (14), causing the sliding of the bottom wall (2) from a deployed position to a withdrawn position and vice versa, depending on the direction of manipulation of the slider (19).

[0084] Thus, the drive means (10, 11) of the embodiment illustrated in [ Fig.6 ], comprises the connecting means (14), the slider (19) and the bars (18).

[0085] The execution modes illustrated in figures 8 And 9 , represent schematic views of transfer boxes (1) integrated into a special machine, not shown.

[0086] According to the execution method illustrated in [ Fig.8 ], the bottom wall (2) is directly connected at one of its ends to a withdrawal means (10) and connected at its other end to a connecting means (14) connected to a return means (11). The drive means (10, 11), namely the withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11), as well as the connecting means (14) and the bottom wall (2) are caused to slide in a reservation space (7) of a side wall (3, 4).

[0087] More specifically, according to the preceding embodiment, the first longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2) is directly connected to a first blade (20) mounted to slide in the reservation space (7) of the right side wall (3), and the second longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2) is connected to a connecting means (14) connected to a second blade (20) mounted to slide in the reservation space (7) of the left side wall (4). In a deployed position, closing the lower ends of the peripheral walls (3, 4, 5, 6), the traction of the first blade (20) causes the withdrawal of the bottom wall into the corresponding reservation space (7), while the traction of the second blade (X) causes the return of the bottom wall partitioning the bottom of the transfer case (1).

[0088] The blades (20) as withdrawal means (10) and return means (11), are subject to actuating means, not shown, located in the special machine in which the transfer box (1) is integrated.

[0089] According to another mode of execution illustrated in [ Fig.9 ], each of the longitudinal ends of the bottom wall (2) is connected to a connecting means (14). The longitudinal end of a connecting means (14) is fixed to the upper end of the outer wall (82) inside the corresponding reservation space (7). A guide roller (17) is located at the upper end of a reservation space (7). A guide means (14) matches the upper end of the guide roller (17), extends along the reservation space (7) opposite the inner plate (81) and extends to the lower end of the inner plate (81). A drive means (10, 11), namely a withdrawal means (10) and a return means (11), thus comprise a guide roller (17) and a connecting means (14).

[0090] As illustrated in [ Fig.9 ], the connecting means (14) of the withdrawal means (10) located in the right side wall (3) is shorter than the connecting means (14) of the return means (11) located in the left side wall (4).

[0091] According to the preceding embodiment, the special machine comprises two actuating means represented by blades (20), namely a first blade (20) and a second blade (20) each located in a reservation space (7). In a deployed position as illustrated in [ Fig.9 ], the lowering of the first blade (20) simultaneously with the raising of the second blade (20), causes the traction of the connecting means (14) causing the withdrawal of the bottom wall (2). Conversely, in a withdrawn position, the lowering of the second blade (20) and the traction of the first blade (20), causes the deployment of the bottom wall (2) closing the bottom of the transfer box (1).

[0092] In order to facilitate the sliding of the bottom wall (2), the transfer box (1) comprises guide means (12) for the bottom wall (2), more precisely guide means (12) for the lateral ends of the bottom wall (2).

[0093] The guide means (12) are parallel and connect the opposing lower corners of the right side wall (3) and the left side wall (4).

[0094] According to the illustrated embodiment, a guide means (12) is a slide connecting two respective opposite corners of the right side wall (3) and the left side wall (4).

[0095] In the case of a bottom wall (2) in the form of a reinforced canvas, the reinforced canvas comprises a fold at each of its lateral ends, in which a cable is arranged, like a boat sail.

[0096] The bent side end provided with a cable is housed in the groove of the slide forming the guide means (12) of the bottom wall (2).

[0097] In the case of a bottom wall (2) in the form of an assembly of articulated slats, the lateral ends of the slats are housed in the groove of the slide forming the guide means (12) of the bottom wall (2).

[0098] With a view to automating the loading operations of the transfer box (1), the front wall (5) and / or the rear wall (6) is / are capable of adopting a closed position and an open position for the lateral loading of articles into the transfer box (1).

[0099] For this purpose, at least one of the front (5) and rear (6) walls is movable by a vertical or horizontal translational movement, or by a rotational movement along a horizontal or vertical axis.

[0100] According to the illustrated embodiment, the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6) are movable in vertical translation along the side walls (3, 4).

[0101] According to the preceding embodiment, the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6) comprise an internal plate provided with a peripheral edge arranged perpendicular to the periphery of the internal plate. The edge being open at the upper end of the internal plate. The opening of the edge constituting a means for gripping the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6), for its movement in a vertical translation. The opening of the edge at the upper end of the internal plate of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6), forms two upper edge portions.

[0102] The securing of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6) to the side walls (3, 4) is for example achieved by means of a vertical groove and rib, respectively located on the edge and on the internal plate (81) of a side wall (3, 4), accompanied by an upper stop to prevent the removal of the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6) during their handling.

[0103] According to an additional feature, the transfer box (1) comprises a gripping means (13), allowing the transfer box (1) to be gripped during the operations of inserting and removing the transfer box (1) from a box.

[0104] According to the illustrated embodiment, the gripping means (13) is located projecting outwards from the upper ends of the side walls (3, 4).

[0105] According to the previous embodiment, the gripping means (13) is represented by a horizontal wall located at the upper end of a side wall (3, 4) and extends towards the outside of the transfer case (1).

[0106] As previously introduced, the transfer box (1) according to the invention can be used in an automated or semi-automated manner, mobile or integrated into a special machine.

[0107] A special machine not described in the application can actuate the transfer box (1), by opening and closing the front wall (5) or the rear wall (6), actuating the withdrawal means (10) and the return means (11) of the bottom wall (2), integrating a lift system for the transfer box (1) for its insertion and removal from a carton by the gripping means (13).

[0108] As an example of semi-automated use, the transfer box (1) is loaded with articles, manually by an operator, placed on a conveyor and taken care of by the special machine described briefly above.

[0109] As an example of fully automated use, the transfer box (1) is first taken over by the special machine, opening of the front wall (5) or the rear wall (6), automated loading of articles by the device described in document FR 3 087 427, to then be driven by the special machine introduced previously.

Claims

1. Transfer box (1) for transferring articles into a carton, the transfer box (1) being adapted to be inserted into the carton for depositing articles simultaneously, without dropping, at the bottom of the carton, said transfer box (1) comprising : a bottom wall (2) able to slide between a deployed position closing the bottom of the transfer box (1) and a withdrawn position, a drive means (10, 11) for the bottom wall (2), two opposite side walls (3, 4), the bottom wall (2) being able to slide along one of the side walls (3, 4) by actuating the drive means (10, 11) to move from the deployed position to the withdrawn position.

2. Transfer case (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a side wall (3, 4) comprises a reservation space (7) delimited by an inner plate (81) and an outer plate (82).

3. Transfer case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive means (10, 11) comprises a withdrawal means (10) and a return means (11) each secured to a longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2).

4. Transfer case (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (10, 11) comprises a connecting means (14) attached to a longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2).

5. Transfer case (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for actuating the drive means (10, 11).

6. Transfer case (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom wall (2) is flexible or articulated.

7. Transfer case (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a front wall (5) and / or a rear wall (6) adjacent to a side wall (3, 4), able to adopt a closed position and an open position for the lateral loading of articles.

8. Transfer case (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (10, 11) is a rotary drive means or a linear drive means of the bottom wall (2).

9. Transfer case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drive means (10,11) comprises a drive roller (15) connected to a connecting means (14) secured to a longitudinal end of the bottom wall (2).

10. Transfer case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drive means (10, 11) comprises a connecting means (14) connecting each of the longitudinal ends of the bottom wall (2), a bar (18) connecting the upper ends of the side walls (3, 4) and a slider (19) slidably mounted on the bar (18), the slider (19) being secured to the connecting means (14).

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