Method for reducing an initial height of a package, such as a slotted container, according to its contents, and device for carrying out such a method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for reducing an initial height of a package accommodating at least one batch of objects. The method comprises the following successive phases: - a priority phase comprising a priority step of an operator determining a priority volume and three secondary volumes, the priority volume accommodating a priority batch of objects of a maximum height, a priority step of moving an arm having a feeler inside the package to a position in which the feeler comes into contact with the priority batch of objects in order to determine a priority height which is in accordance with the maximum height of the priority batch of objects, a priority step of deforming the flanks along two priority folding lines bordering the priority volume by means of a marking tool carried by the arm, and a priority step of separating the flanks bordering the priority volume by means of a cutting tool carried by the arm, - three secondary phases comprising a secondary step of moving the arm by the priority distance, a secondary step of deforming the flanks bordering the secondary volume along two secondary folding lines by means of the marking tool and a secondary step of separating the flanks bordering the secondary volume by means of the cutting tool.

Description

Method for reducing the initial height of packaging, such as a box, according to its contents, and device for implementing such a method [1]The field of the present invention is that of methods for reducing the initial height of packaging, such as a corrugated box or the like, according to its contents. It relates to such a method. It also relates to a device for implementing such a method. [2] In the field of order preparation, i.e., distribution, it is common to have to ship an order containing a variety of items of different shapes and sizes. To do this, it is common to use packaging, such as a box or similar container, consisting of a base bordered by four sides joined in pairs by a ridge, each side equipped with a flap to hold the items in the order. The flaps are then folded over the items and finally secured with adhesive tape. The packaging has a basic format, corresponding to a width and length of the base, and an initial height, which define the overall volume for receiving the package. [3] Since each order is unique, the overall volume of the packaging is rarely suited to the volume of the items in the order. As a result, the items are likely to shift inside the packaging and be damaged during transport, giving the recipient the unpleasant impression that the packaging is unsuitable, particularly because it is too bulky, and therefore does not comply with the principles of environmentally responsible business practices. An effective solution to this problem is to reduce the initial height of the packaging to a final height that accommodates the tallest item in the order. This is a method used by everyone at home and done manually, and which also the purpose of automated machines for companies that ship several hundred, or even thousands, of orders per day. [4] An automated process is known which consists of measuring the maximum height of a batch of objects contained in the packaging using a mechanical probe with dimensions approximately equal to the base of the packaging, then simultaneously marking the four sides of the packaging horizontally just above the probe, then tearing the four edges of the packaging from the level of the probe to the top of the packaging, then folding the four flaps thus formed thanks to the markings and cuts, and finally securing them closed by hot-melt gluing. This process has the disadvantage of requiring a different machine for each basic packaging format, and in particular for each dimension and shape of the packaging base, and of generating expensive machines that are not financially justified for productions of less than a thousand packages per day. [5] Another automated process is known which consists of measuring the maximum height of the batch of objects contained in the package using a non-contact sensor, then marking horizontally in the same movement the four sides of the package at the measurement point, then simultaneously cutting the four edges of the package from the highest point detected by the non-contact sensor to the top of the package, then folding the four flaps formed by the markings and cuts, and finally securing them with adhesive tape. This process has the disadvantage of imprecisely measuring the maximum height of the contents and requires expensive and bulky machines that are also not financially justified for production volumes of less than one thousand packages per day. See, for example, document WO 2016 / 151310, which describes a process and device of the aforementioned kind. [6] Furthermore, document JP 2013 / 216055 proposes a device for reducing the initial height of a package comprising four knives to simultaneously cut the four edges of the packaging. This device is bulky, heavy, cumbersome, and expensive to produce. [7] Furthermore, document JP 2020 / 110978 proposes a device for reducing the initial height of packaging, comprising a lifting platform to raise one side of the packaging to a desired height. The side moves against a plate with a horizontal upper rim. The user manually cuts an edge of the packaging with a knife that comes into close contact with the horizontal upper rim. The user then manually pushes the side outwards, so that it tends to fold along the horizontal rim of the plate. Such a fold is irregular, often difficult, or even impossible to achieve depending on the nature of the packaging material. This results in packaging with consistently poor cutting and folding quality. [8]One object of the present invention is to propose a method and a device for reducing the initial height of a package which is simple, efficient, and quick to implement, this method being either totally mechanical and carried out entirely by an operator, or at least partially automated, this method allowing the same package to be used for multitudes of batches of objects of distinct shapes and dimensions without having to make any adjustment of said device capable of implementing said method, this device being able to be free in a simple embodiment of electronic and automatic components and elements, to nevertheless optimize an adaptation of the packaging to the batches of objects which the packaging contains, and respect the precepts of an environmentally friendly order preparation activity, minimizing a feeling of waste of material, while optimizing the security of transport and distribution of batches of objects. [9] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for processing several distinct basic packaging formats without having to adjust the device used to implement this method; in other words, the present invention aims to provide the same process and same device which are operational for multiple packages whose respective bases and initial heights are distinct from each other in shape and dimensions.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to offer a simpler, less bulky device that optimizes the use of its component parts and is consequently much cheaper than an automatic machine of the prior art comprising a large number of sensors and electronic components subject to frequent breakdowns.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a method comprising simple successive phases comprising a limited number of movements to be performed by an operator on the device capable of implementing said method.

[0012] A primary objective of the present invention is to propose a method for reducing the initial height of a package and a device capable of implementing such a method which is the best compromise for obtaining a final package whose cuts and folds are regular and neatly made from a simple and compact device whose elements are used repeatedly to minimize the costs of making the device which are desired to be as low as possible.

[0013] The present invention falls within this context and proposes a method for reducing the initial height of a package, such as an American box or similar, comprising a base bordered by four sides, an edge bordering two sides and constituting a respective corner of the package, the package housing at least one batch of objects, and preferably a plurality of batches of objects, in particular four batches of objects distributed in each of the four corners of the package.

[0014] It is noted that the process of the present invention is advantageously implemented regardless of the number of batches of objects contained in the packaging, this number being able to exceed four, i.e. the number of corners of the packaging, the batches of objects being distributed on the bottom of the packaging, and in particular at least at the four corners of the packaging.

[0015] We understand that a set of objects is made up of either a single object or a plurality of objects stacked on top of each other or side by side.

[0016] In its generality, and as will be described below, the process of the present invention has a cycle which includes four phases assigned to each of the corners of the packaging, including a priority phase comprising a step of determination by the operator of a priority volume housing the batch of objects of maximum height and secondary volumes to determine a cutting height and a marking height which are assigned to all the corners of the packaging regardless of the actual height of the batch of objects contained inside the secondary volumes.According to a purely mechanical approach to the present invention, each phase comprises only two movements performed by the operator on a gripping member of the device: a downward vertical push of the gripping member to move an arm of the device, carrying a cutting tool and a marking tool, towards the packaging; and a horizontal push to simultaneously actuate the edge-cutting tool and the side-marking tool. The device then returns to its initial position with the aid of counterweights to reduce the operator's effort. According to a partially automated approach to the present invention, these movements are performed by means of at least one drive element, such as an electric motor.Thus, each corner of the packaging is marked and cut to the same cutting and marking height, corresponding to those determined for the maximum-height batch of items. These cutting and marking heights are also applied to the secondary volumes housing batches of smaller items. This results in packaging whose final height is suitable for holding the maximum-height batch of items while satisfactorily accommodating the other batches of items. Such final packaging features regular, clean, and neat cuts and markings, resulting in a high-quality finished product.

[0017] According to the present invention, the process comprises the following successive phases: - a priority phase comprising the following steps: - a priority step involving the determination by an operator of a priority volume and three secondary volumes, the priority volume housing a priority batch of objects of a maximum height, the priority volume being bordered by a priority edge and two sides, each secondary volume being bordered by a secondary edge and two sides. It is understood that this determination is carried out, for example, by a visual inspection performed by the operator inside the packaging. - a priority step of securing the two sides bordering the priority volume against a fixed stop, the priority securing step being carried out prior to the priority movement step, - a priority step of moving a probe-carrying arm a priority distance inside the packaging to a final position in which the probe comes into contact with the priority batch of objects to determine a priority height which is a function of the maximum height of the priority batch of objects, - a priority step of deforming the two sides along two priority folding lines by means of a marking tool carried by the arm, the two priority folding lines bordering the priority volume being positioned at a marking height which is a function of the priority height, - a priority separation step using a cutting tool carried by the arm of the two sides bordering the priority volume up to a cutting height that is a function of the priority height, - a priority step of returning the arm to its initial position, - three secondary phases comprising the following steps: - a secondary step of aligning two sides bordering the secondary volume against the fixed stop, - a secondary step of moving the arm from the priority distance to the final position, - a secondary step of deforming two flanks bordering the secondary volume along two secondary folding lines to the marking height using the marking tool, - a secondary step of separating the two sides bordering the secondary volume up to the cutting height using the cutting tool, - a secondary step of returning the arm to the initial position.

[0018] The process advantageously comprises at least one of the following features, taken alone or in combination: - the priority phase includes a priority positioning step at the priority height of a variable stop on an arm support carrying the arm, the priority positioning step being carried out between the priority displacement step and the priority deformation step, - The priority movement step and the priority positioning step at the priority height of the variable stop are carried out successively from the same first priority movement performed by the operator. Such a first priority movement is, for example, a downward vertical push. The priority step of deforming the two sides and the priority step of separating the two sides are carried out from the same second priority movement, performed by the operator or by means of a cylinder. In the case of the fully mechanical approach of the present invention, such a second priority movement is, for example, a horizontal thrust. In the case of the partially automated approach of the present invention, such a second priority movement is assisted by the cylinder. - the secondary step of moving the arm the priority distance is carried out from a first secondary movement identical to the first priority movement, - the secondary step of deforming the two sides and the secondary step of separating the two sides are carried out from the same second secondary movement, identical to the second primary movement, - The process includes at least one intermediate phase of rotating the packaging 90° around an axis perpendicular to the bottom. More specifically, the rotation phase is carried out between the primary phase and a first secondary phase, as well as between two consecutive secondary phases. It is understood that the direction of rotation of the packaging is irrelevant, as is whether the rotation begins with 90° or 180°, provided that all three secondary volumes are processed. - the process includes at least one final phase of removing the variable stop from the priority height, - The priority step of positioning the variable stop at its priority height is a step that prevents the arm from being positioned at a height lower than the priority height.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a device for implementing such a process, the device comprising a chassis having a packaging receiving platform which is provided with the fixed stop, the chassis being equipped with an arm support on which the arm is mounted movable in translation, the arm support being equipped with the variable stop which is able to stop a movement of the arm in the final position in which the marking tool is able to make the folding line at the marking height and in which the cutting tool is able to cut the edge up to the cutting height.

[0020] The device advantageously comprises at least one of the following features, taken alone or in combination: - the device comprises a carriage that moves in translation on a carriage rail, the carriage being clamped onto a carriage belt which drives a first return shaft which drives an arm belt onto which the arm is clamped, - the device includes a motion transmission element extending between a gripping element and the arm, the motion transmission element comprising a cable and a sheath housing the cable, the cable extending between a first cable attachment point provided on a trolley support carrying the trolley and a second cable attachment point provided on the arm, the sheath extending between a first sheath anchor point provided on the gripping element and a second sheath anchor point provided on a first lever mounted for rotational movement on the arm, - the device includes a drive unit to move the arm, - the device includes a jack connected to the first lever, - the device includes means for controlling the cylinder in relation to a sensor fitted to the probe to actuate the cylinder, - a first rod and a second rod are mounted to rotate freely on the first lever to actuate the cutting tool and the marking tool respectively, - the device includes a locking / unlocking means for the marking tool and the cutting tool which is movable between a locked position in which the locking / unlocking means allows the deformation and cutting steps and an unlocking position in which the locking / unlocking means prohibits the deformation and cutting steps, - the device includes a cycle sequencer which is capable of counting the phases, whether priority or secondary, performed by the operator. - The device includes means for holding the flaps of the packaging against the fixed stop.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0022] [fig 1 ] is a schematic perspective illustration of a package with an initial height intended to be reduced from an implementation of a method of the present invention shown in figure 4.

[0023] [fig 2] is a schematic perspective illustration of the packaging, shown in figure 1, from which two sides have been removed to reveal receiving volumes for batches of objects of distinct respective heights which are arranged on a base of the packaging.

[0024] [fig 3] is a schematic perspective illustration of the packaging, shown in figures 1 and 2, from which two sides have been removed to make visible a priority volume of a batch of objects visually identified by an operator and secondary volumes of other batches of objects.

[0025] [fig 4] is a schematic illustration of the process of reducing the initial height of the packaging illustrated in figure 1.

[0026] [fig 5] is a schematic perspective illustration of the packaging, shown in figures 1 to 3, from which two sides have been removed to make visible priority folding lines made on the packaging from the implementation of the process illustrated in figure 4.

[0027] [fig 6] is a schematic perspective illustration of the packaging shown in figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, which illustrates folding lines made on the packaging from the implementation of the process shown in figure 4.

[0028] [fig 7] is a schematic perspective illustration of the packaging shown in figures 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, which illustrates the edges of the packaging cut to the fold lines from the implementation of the process illustrated in figure 4.

[0029] [fig 8] is a schematic side illustration of a device according to a totally mechanical approach for the implementation of the process shown in figure 4, the device being shown in the initial position of a trolley and an arm constituting the device.

[0030] [fig 9] is a schematic side illustration of the device for implementing the process shown in figure 4, the device being shown in the intermediate position of the carriage and the arm.

[0031] [fig 10] is a schematic side illustration of the device for implementing the process shown in figure 4, the device being shown in the final position of the carriage and arm.

[0032] [fig 11 ] is a schematic front view illustration of the device shown in figures 8 to 10, the device being shown in the initial position of the carriage and arm.

[0033] [fig 12] is a schematic side view illustrating the cart shown in figures 8 to 11.

[0034] [fig 13] is a schematic side view illustrating the arm equipped with a cutting tool in the initial position as shown in figure 8.

[0035] [fig 14] is a schematic side view illustrating the arm equipped with the cutting tool in the final position as shown in figure 9.

[0036] [fig 15] is a schematic side view illustrating the arm equipped with a marking tool in the initial position such as that shown in figure 8.

[0037] [fig 16] is a schematic side view illustrating the arm equipped with the marking tool in the final position as shown in figure 9.

[0038] [fig 17] is a schematic side view illustrating the arm shown in figures 13 to 16 which is equipped with a variable stop.

[0039] [fig 18] is a schematic side view illustrating the variable stop shown in figure 17 in an initial position of the variable stop.

[0040] [fig 19] is a schematic side view illustrating the variable stop shown in figure 17 in a final position of the variable stop.

[0041] [fig 20] is a schematic perspective view of the arm illustrated in figures 13 to 17 which is equipped with a locking / unlocking means for the marking tool and the cutting tool shown in the locked position.

[0042] [fig 21] is a schematic perspective view of the arm illustrated in figures 13 to 17 which is equipped with the locking / unlocking means for the marking tool and the cutting tool shown in figure 20 illustrated in the unlocked position.

[0043] [fig 22] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking / unlocking means shown in the locked position of the marking tool and the cutting tool as shown in figure 20.

[0044] [fig 23] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking / unlocking means shown in the unlocked position of the marking tool and the cutting tool as shown in figure 21.

[0045] [fig 24] is a schematic perspective view of the arm, illustrated in figures 13 to 18 and 21, which is equipped with a cycle sequencer shown in a first position.

[0046] [fig 25] is a schematic perspective view of the arm, illustrated in figures 13 to 18, 21 and 24, which is equipped with the cycle sequencer shown in a second position.

[0047] [fig 26] is a schematic perspective view of the arm illustrated in figures 13 to 18, 21, 24 and 25, which is equipped with the cycle sequencer shown in a third position.

[0048] [fig 27] is a schematic perspective view of the arm illustrated in figures 13 to 18, 21, 24 to 26, which is equipped with the cycle sequencer shown in a fourth position.

[0049] [fig 28] is a schematic side illustration of a device according to an automated approach for the implementation of the process shown in figure 4, the device being shown in the initial position of a trolley and an arm constituting the device.

[0050] [fig 29] is a schematic side illustration of the device for implementing the process shown in figure 4, the device being shown in the final position of the carriage and arm.

[0051] [fig 30] is a schematic illustration of a probe constituting the device illustrated in figures 28 and 29, the probe being shown in an initial position.

[0052] [fig 31 ] is a schematic illustration of the probe shown in figure 30 represented in a final position.

[0053] [fig 32] is a schematic side illustration of the device shown in figures 28 and 29, with the arm positioned in the initial position.

[0054] [fig 33] is a schematic side illustration of the device shown in figures 28 and 29, with the arm positioned in an intermediate position.

[0055] [fig 34] is a schematic side illustration of the device shown in figures 28 and 29, with the arm positioned in the final position.

[0056] [fig 35] is a schematic illustration of means for holding flaps of the packaging which are part of the device illustrated in figures 28 and 29 and which are shown in initial position.

[0057] [fig 36] is a schematic illustration of the means of support shown in figure 35 and which are shown in the final position.

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a package 1, such as an American-style box or similar, of the Fefco 0201 type or equivalent, for example made of solid or corrugated cardboard or similar material. The package 1 is represented in an orthonormal coordinate system Oxyz, where the Oz axis is a vertical axis and the Oxy plane is a horizontal plane. The package 1 has a base 2 which extends in a bottom plane P1 parallel to the Oxy plane, bounded by four sides 3. The sides 3 extend in respective planes that are orthogonal to the bottom plane P1, such that the package 1 delimits an internal volume 4, preferably parallelepiped-shaped. Two successive sides 3 are separated by an edge 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d that extends along an edge direction D that is orthogonal to the bottom plane P1. The edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are therefore four in number and comprise a first edge 5a, a second edge 5b, a third edge 5c and a fourth edge 5d which are parallel to each other and parallel to the direction of edge D. Each flank 3 is provided with a flap 6 which overhangs the flank 3 to which it is attached and which is connected to this flank 3 by means of a fold line 7 perpendicular to the direction of edge D.The package 1 has an initial height Hi taken between the bottom 2 and the fold line 7 in a direction parallel to the direction of edge D.

[0059] It is noted at this stage of the description that the process of the invention also applies to packaging without a flap, such as a Fefco 0200 type box or similar, such packaging then being associated with a lid which encloses the sides to cover the internal volume.

[0060] In Figure 2, each edge 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and the two sides 3 that border said edge 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d jointly delimit a corner of the package 1 which includes a receiving volume V1, V2, V3, V4 for a batch of objects L1, L2, L3, L4 respectively arranged on the base 2 of the package 1, as illustrated in Figure 2. Thus, the internal volume 4 comprises at least a first receiving volume V1 for a first batch of objects L1, a second receiving volume V2 for a second batch of objects L2, a third receiving volume V3 for a third batch of objects L3, and a fourth receiving volume V4 for a fourth batch of objects L4. The four batches of objects L1, L2, L3, L4 could be the same object in the simple case of a package 1 containing only one type of object. It is also understood that the package is capable of holding more than four batches of objects L1, L2, L3, L4 distributed across the base 2 of the package 1. Note also that packaging 1 is capable of housing a single batch of objects without derogating from the rules of the present invention, as explained further below.

[0061] It is understood that each receiving volume V1, V2, V3, V4 is likely to have a surface S1, S2, S3, S4 taken parallel to the background plane P1, which is distinct from the other surfaces. It is also noted that the sets of objects L1, L2, L3, L4 are likely to be of any shape and size, and in particular larger than those shown in Figure 2.

[0062] Each set of objects L1, L2, L3, L4 extends between a bottom face Fi1, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4 which rests on the bottom 2 of the packaging 1 and a top face Fs1, Fs2, Fs3, Fs4 opposite the bottom face Fi1, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4 in a direction parallel to the edge direction D. Each set of objects L1, L2, L3, L4 is likely to have a distinct height H1, H2, H3, H4, the height H1, H2, H3, H4 being measured in a direction which is parallel to the edge direction D between the bottom face Fi1, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4 and the top face Fs1, Fs2, Fs3, Fs4 of the corresponding set of objects L1, L2, L3, L4.Thus, a first set of objects L1 has a first height H1, taken between a first lower face Fi1 of the first set of objects L1 and a first upper face Fs1 of the first set of objects L1; a second set of objects L2 has a second height H2, taken between a second lower face Fi2 of the second set of objects L2 and a second upper face Fs2 of the second set of objects L2; ​​a third set of objects L3 has a third height H3, taken between a third lower face Fi3 of the third set of objects L3 and a third upper face Fs3 of the third set of objects L3; and a fourth set of objects L4 has a fourth height H4, taken between a fourth lower face Fi4 of the fourth set of objects L4 and a fourth upper face Fs4 of the fourth set of objects L4. The four heights H1, H2, H3, and H4 may be distinct from one another.Among these four heights H1, H2, H3, H4, there is a maximum height Hmax which is the greatest of these four heights H1, H2,. H3, H4. In the illustrated example and the rest of the description, the highest set of objects is considered to be the first set of objects L1.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3, we consider the receiving volume V1, V2, V3, V4 containing the set of objects with the maximum height Hmax to be a priority volume Vp, and the other receiving volumes V1, V2, V3, V4 to be secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3. Thus, the priority volume Vp houses a priority set of objects Lp with the maximum height Hmax, and the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 house secondary sets of objects Ls1, Ls2, Ls3 with respective secondary heights Hs1, Hs2, Hs3 that are less than or equal to the maximum height Hmax. In the illustrated example and the following description, the priority volume Vp is the first volume V1, and the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 are the second volume V2, the third volume V3, and the fourth volume V4.Thus, the priority volume Vp is bordered by a priority edge 50, consisting of the first edge 5a in the illustrated example, while the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 are bordered by secondary edges 51, 52, 53. In other words, a first secondary volume Vs1 is bordered by a first secondary edge 51, a second secondary volume Vs2 is bordered by a second secondary edge 52 shown in dotted line in figure 3, and a third secondary volume Vs3 is bordered by a third secondary edge 53.

[0064] Figure 4 schematically represents a process 100 for reducing the initial height Hi of the packaging. The process 100 comprises at least four successive phases 200, 201, 202, 203, carried out by an operator, each concerning one of the four receiving volumes V1, V2, V3, V4. More specifically, a priority phase 200 concerns the priority volume Vp, a first secondary phase 201 concerns the first secondary volume Vs1, a second secondary phase 202 concerns the second secondary volume Vs2, and a third secondary phase 203 concerns the third secondary volume Vs3.

[0065] The process 100 preferably includes at least one initial phase 300 of extracting the flaps 6 of the packaging 1 out of the internal volume 4 of the packaging 1 delimited by the bottom 2 and the four sides 3.

[0066] Priority phase 200 comprises the following steps: a priority determination step 200a by the operator, through visual examination, of the priority volume Vp housing the priority batch of objects Lp, comprising the maximum height Hmax of the batches of objects L1, L2, L3, L4, the priority volume Vp being bordered by a priority edge 50 and two flanks 3; a priority positioning step 200b of the two flanks 3 bordering the priority volume Vp against walls 11a of a fixed stop 11, preferably arranged in a V shape with a 90° angle, which has the effect of positioning the priority batch of objects Lp directly above an arm 12 equipped with a probe 13, a marking tool 14, and a cutting tool 15, the arm 12 being movable in translation along an arm support 16 which is arranged as a rail and extends along a support axis A1, parallel to the edge direction D,a priority movement step 200c of the arm 12 along the support axis A1 which causes a movement of the probe 13 within the internal volume 4 by a priority distance Zp from an initial position of the probe 13, illustrated in Figure 8, in which the probe 13 is located at a distance from the priority batch of objects Lp, to a final position of the probe 13, illustrated in Figure 10, in which the probe 13 comes into contact with the upper surface Fs1 of the priority batch of objects Lp located in the priority volume Vp, passing through an intermediate position of the probe 13 illustrated in Figure 9. It is noted at this stage of the description that, to facilitate understanding of the process 100, Figures 8,9 and 10 are shown without a batch of objects, such that the priority distance Zp illustrated in Figure 8 is the maximum priority distance Zp obtained in the absence of a batch of objects. A priority positioning step 200d of a variable stop 17 on the arm support 16 at a priority height Hp which is a function of the maximum height Hmax of the priority batch of objects Lp. It is understood, that the stop is variable in that a position of the stop is variable along the arm support 16. a priority deformation step 200e of the flanks 3 bordering the priority volume Vp by means of the marking tool 14, the marking tool 14 being movable between a rest position in which the marking tool 14 is located at a distance from the flanks 3 and a working position in which the marking tool 14 exerts pressure against two portions of the flanks 3 bordering the priority volume Vp along two priority bending lines 20 which are secant to the priority edge 50 and which are arranged at a marking height Hm, visible in Figure 5, which is a function of the priority height Hp.It is noted that the fixed stop 11 forms an obstacle against the marking tool 14 between which the portions of the sides 3 are interposed to be marked in their thickness, a priority separation step 200f of the two sides 3 bordering the priority volume Vp by means of the cutting tool 15, the cutting tool 15 circulating through the priority edge 50 from a priority starting point 30a which includes the fold line 7 of the packaging 1 to a priority ending point 30b located at a cutting distance Hd, visible on figure 5, from the priority starting point 30a which is a function of the priority height Hp. - a 200g return step of arm 12 to initial position Zi.

[0067] Then, process 100 includes a first intermediate phase of rotation 301 of the packaging 1 by 90° around an axis perpendicular to the bottom 2.

[0068] Then, process 100 includes a first secondary phase 201 which comprises the following steps: - a first secondary shimming step 201 b of the two flanks 3 bordering the first secondary volume Vs1 against the walls 11a of the fixed stop 11 and of positioning the first secondary batch of objects Ls1 vertically above said arm 12, - a first secondary movement step 201c of the arm 12 along the arm support 16 up to the variable stop 17, - a first secondary deformation step 201e of the two flanks 3 bordering the first secondary volume Vs1 by means of the marking tool 14, so that the marking tool 14 exerts pressure against two portions of the flanks 3 bordering the first secondary volume Vs1 along two first secondary folding lines 21 which are intersecting a first secondary edge 51 bordering the first secondary volume Vs1 and which are arranged at the marking height Hm. It is noted that the same fixed stop 11 still forms an obstacle against the marking tool 14 between which the portions of the flanks 3 are interposed to be marked in their thickness, - a first secondary separation step 201 f of the two sides 3 bordering the first secondary edge 51 by means of the cutting tool 15, the cutting tool 15 circulating through the first secondary edge 51 from a first secondary starting point 21a which includes the fold line 7 of the packaging 1 to a first secondary ending point 21b located at the cutting distance Hd from the first secondary starting point 21a, - a first secondary step of returning 201g of arm 12 to initial position Zi.

[0069] Then, process 100 includes a second intermediate phase of rotation 302 of the packaging 1 by 90° around an axis perpendicular to the bottom 2.

[0070] Then, process 100 includes a second secondary phase 202 which comprises the following steps: - a second secondary shimming step 202b of the two flanks 3 bordering the second secondary volume Vs2 against the walls 11a of the fixed stop 11 and of positioning the second secondary batch of objects Ls2 directly above said arm 12, - a second secondary movement stage 202c of the arm 12 along the arm support 16 up to the variable stop 17, - a second secondary deformation step 202e of the two flanks 3 bordering the second secondary volume Vs2 by means of the marking tool 14, so that the marking tool 14 exerts pressure against two portions of the flanks 3 bordering the second secondary volume Vs2 along two second secondary folding lines 22 which are intersecting a second secondary edge 52 bordering the second secondary volume Vs2 and which are arranged at the marking height Hm. It is noted again that the same fixed stop 11 still forms an obstacle against the marking tool 14 between which the portions of the flanks 3 are interposed to be marked in their thickness, - a second secondary separation step 202f of the two sides 3 bordering the second secondary edge 52 by means of the cutting tool 15, the cutting tool 15 circulating through the second secondary edge 52 from a second secondary starting point 32a which includes the fold line 7 of the package 1 to a second secondary ending point 32b located at the cutting distance Hd from the second secondary starting point 32a, - a second secondary step of returning 202g of the arm to the initial position.

[0071] Then, process 100 includes a third intermediate phase of rotation 303 of the packaging 1 by 90° around an axis perpendicular to the bottom 2.

[0072] Then, process 100 includes a third secondary phase 203 which comprises the following steps: - a third secondary stage of shimming 203b the two flanks 3 bordering the third secondary volume Vs3 against the walls 11a of the fixed stop 11 and of positioning the third secondary batch of objects Ls3 vertically above said arm 12, - a third secondary movement stage 203c of the arm 12 along the arm support 16 up to the variable stop 17, - a third secondary deformation step 203e of the two flanks 3 bordering the third secondary volume Vs3 by means of the marking tool 14, so that the marking tool 14 exerts pressure against two portions of the flanks 3 bordering the third secondary volume Vs3 along two third secondary folding lines 23 which are intersecting a third secondary edge 53 bordering the third secondary volume Vs3 and which are arranged at the marking height Hm. It is also noted that the same fixed stop 11 still forms an obstacle against the marking tool 14 between which the portions of the flanks 3 are interposed to be marked in their thickness, - a third secondary separation step 203f of the two flanks 3 bordering the third secondary edge 53 by means of the cutting tool 15, the cutting tool 15 circulating through the third secondary edge 53 from a third secondary starting point 33a which includes the fold line 7 of the package 1 to a third secondary ending point 33b located at the cutting distance Hd from the third secondary starting point 33a, - a third secondary step of returning 203g of arm 12 to initial position Zi.

[0073] Then, process 100 includes a final phase of withdrawal 310 of the variable stop 17 of the priority height Hp.

[0074] It is noted that method 100 of the present invention advantageously proposes to reuse the same elements of device 10 to each phase 200, 201, 202, 203, and in particular the fixed stop 11, the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15 which are unique in the device 10 and which participate in each phase 200, 201, 202, 203 of the process 100 to minimize the weight and size of the device 10, while reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the device 10, and allowing easy movement of the device 10.

[0075] This process 100 is implemented by the device 10 illustrated in Figures 8 to 11 in its fully mechanical approach and in Figures 28 to 34 in its partially automated approach, and represented within an orthonormal coordinate system O'x'y'z'. The device 10 will be described first in its manual approach, then in its partially automated approach, the references being the same in both approaches for what they have in common.

[0076] The device 10 comprises a frame 30 which includes a platform 31 formed in a platform plane P2 parallel to the O'x'y' plane. The platform 31 is intended to receive the base 2 of the packaging 1. The fixed stop 11 is attached to the platform 31. The fixed stop 11 is arranged in a V-shape, and the walls 11a form a 90° angle with each other to accommodate two sides 3 of the packaging 1. The fixed stop 11 preferably includes a groove 11b formed between the walls 11a to provide a passage for the cutting tool 15 during the separation of the sides 3 bordering the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. The fixed stop 11 constitutes a shoring element for the sides 3 of the packaging 1 to position it under the probe 13 and also constitutes an obstacle against the marking tool 14 to clamp the sides 3 of the packaging 1 so that they are marked in their thickness and thus form the folding lines 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0077] The chassis 30 is equipped with a carriage 32 which is movable in translation along a carriage rail 33 extending along a rail axis A2 parallel to the vertical axis O'z'. For this purpose, the carriage 32 is provided with a gripping member 34 fitted with a gripping handle 35 that can be grasped by an operator. More specifically, when the operator exerts a downward vertical force P, substantially parallel to the axis O'z', the carriage 32 travels along the trolley rail 33 downwards, between an initial position shown in Figure 8, and a final position shown in Figure 10, passing through an intermediate position shown in Figure 9.

[0078] The trolley rail 33 is supported by a trolley support 36, which is equipped with a plurality of trolley pulleys 37 over which a trolley belt 38 runs. The trolley pulleys 37 lie in a plane parallel to the O'y'z' plane. The trolley 32 is gripped onto the trolley belt 38 by means of a trolley clamp 39. It is understood that the vertical thrust P exerted by the operator causes a translation of the trolley 32, parallel to and along the axis of rail A2, which in turn causes the trolley belt 38 to run along the trolley pulleys 37.

[0079] The carriage belt 38 is also mounted on a first idler pulley 41, which is axially provided with a first idler shaft 42 extending along an axis parallel to the O'x' axis. The first idler shaft 42 is also axially provided with a second idler pulley 43, which is mounted on an arm belt 44. The arm belt 44 also runs on at least one arm pulley 43' within a plane parallel to the O'y'z' plane. With arm 12 gripped on arm belt 44 by means of arm flange 45, it is understood that the downward vertical thrust P exerted by the operator also causes a rotation of the first return shaft 42, which induces a circulation of the arm belt 44 on the second return pulley 43 and the arm pulley 43', which causes a translation of the arm 12 gripped on the arm belt 44 downwards along the support axis A1.This translation occurs until the probe 13 comes into contact with the upper surface Fs1 of the priority batch of objects Lp arranged in the priority volume Vp, which the operator has taken care to arrange under the probe 13, during the priority step of determination 200a by visual examination by the operator of the priority volume Vp housing the priority batch of objects Lp having the maximum height Hmax of the batches of objects L1, L2, L3, L4.

[0080] It is noted that the arm 12 is connected to a counterweight of arm 12a via a cable of arm 12b which is able to move along counterweight pulleys 12c. The counterweight of arm 12a is able to move inside a sleeve 12d under the effect of its own weight or conversely under the effect of the vertical thrust P between the initial position illustrated in figure 8 and the final position illustrated in figure 10. More specifically, the counterweight of arm 12a tends to return the arm 12 to the initial position to facilitate the operator's work, at the end of the priority phase 200 and the secondary phases 201, 202, 203.

[0081] Referring also to Figures 12 to 16, a motion transmission member 46 extends between the gripping member 34 and the arm 12. The motion transmission member 46 comprises a cable 47 and a sheath 48 housing the cable 47. More specifically, the cable 47 extends between a first connection point 47a of the cable 47 provided on the carriage support 36 and a second connection point 47b of the cable 47 provided on the arm 12. The sheath 48 extends between a first anchor point 48a of the sheath 48 provided on the gripping member 34 and a second anchor point 48b of the sheath 48 provided on a first lever 61. The first lever 61 is mounted to rotate freely on the arm 12 about a first lever axis B1, which is parallel to the axis O'y', as illustrated in figures 13 to 16, while the gripping member 34 is mounted to rotate freely on the carriage support 36 about a gripping axis B'.

[0082] These arrangements are such that when the operator exerts a horizontal force P' on the gripping member 34, the first lever 61 pivots around the axis of the first lever B1, bringing the second connecting point 47b and the second anchoring point 48b closer together. This bringing together causes a displacement of a first rod 71, which is mounted to rotate freely on the first lever 61, around an axis of the first rod C1, which is parallel to the axis O'y'.

[0083] The first rod 71 is equipped with a second lever 62 and a third lever 63, both of which are mounted to rotate freely on the first rod 71 about a first rocker axis D1. The second lever 62 is mounted movably for rotation on the arm 12 about an axis of the second lever B2, which is parallel to the axis O'y'. The third lever 63 is mounted movably for rotation on the cutting tool 15 about an axis of the third lever B3, which is parallel to the axis O'y'. These arrangements are such that when the operator exerts the horizontal thrust P', the first rod 71 separates the second lever 62 and the third lever 63 from each other, so that the cutting tool 15 engages a fixed knife 15' attached to the arm 12 in order to separate any one of the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53 bordering two sides 3 of the package 1.

[0084] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, we observe that, simultaneously with what has just been described, when the operator exerts a horizontal force P' on the gripping member 34, the first lever 61 pivots around the axis of the first lever B1, bringing the second connection point 47b and the second connection point 48b closer together. This movement causes a displacement of a second rod 72, which is mounted to rotate freely on the first lever 61 around an axis of the second rod C2, which is parallel to the Oy axis.

[0085] The second rod 72 is equipped with a fourth lever 64 and a fifth lever 65, both of which are mounted for rotation on the second rod 72 about a second rocker axis D2. The fourth lever 64 is mounted for rotation on the arm 12 about a fourth lever axis B4, which is parallel to the O'y' axis. The fifth lever 65 has a fifth lever end 65' that abuts against a plate 65" which is integral with the marking tool 14 and is preferably arranged in a right angle. These arrangements are such that when the operator exerts the horizontal force P', the second rod 72 pushes the fourth lever 64 and the fifth lever 65 apart, so that the marking tool 14 deforms the two sides 3 along any one of the fold lines 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0086] In Figure 17, the variable stop 17 is mounted on the arm 12 and is movable in translation along the arm support 16. The variable stop 17 comprises a first variable stop arm 18 which carries the Probe 13 is mounted for rotation on a second variable stop arm 19 about an axis of the first arm EO. The second variable stop arm 19 extends between a first end of the second arm 19a and a second end of the second arm 19b, being rotationally movable on the arm 12 about an axis of the second arm E1. The axis of the first arm EO is interposed between the axis of the second arm E1 and the first end of the second arm 19a.

[0087] Referring also to Figures 18 and 19, the variable stop 17 comprises a slide 171 movable in translation on the arm support 16. The slide 171 is provided with a first left leg 172a and a first right leg 172b, each of which is mounted for rotation on the slide 171 about a respective slide axis E2, parallel to the O'y' axis. Each first leg 172a, 172b is equipped with a respective second leg 173a, 173b. A second left leg 173a is mounted for rotation on the first left leg 172a about a left leg axis E3 parallel to the slide axis E2. A second right leg 173b is mounted for rotation on the first right leg 172b about a right leg axis E4 parallel to the slide axis E2. Each second leg 173a, 173b is mounted mobilely in rotation on a rear plate 174 and a front plate (not shown for clarity) around a respective plate axis E5, E6.It is understood that the front plate is essentially identical to the rear plate 174, the rear plate 174 and the front plate being positioned on either side of the arm support 16. Each second leg 173a, 173b carries a stop element 175a, 175b that is movable for rotation about the corresponding plate axis E5, E6. Thus, a left stop element 175a is mounted for rotation on a left plate axis E5, and a right stop element 175b is mounted for rotation on a right plate axis E6. Each stop element 175a, 175b has a respective stop end 176a, 176b which comes into contact against the arm support 16, forming a hard point when a vertical support A is exerted by the second end of the second arm 19b on the slide 171 as illustrated in Figure 19. Note the presence of rollers 176 which. facilitates sliding of the variable stop 17 along the arm support 16.

[0088] It is understood that when the probe 13 comes into contact with the upper surface Fs1 of the priority batch of objects Lp arranged in the priority volume Vp, the first variable stop arm 18 rotates the second variable stop arm 19 around the axis of the second arm E1. The second end of the second arm 19b presses on the slide 171 so that the stop ends 176a and 176b bear against the arm support 16 and prevent the arm 12 from continuing its travel along the arm support 16. It is also understood that this action is performed during the priority positioning step 200d at the priority height Hp of the variable stop 17 on the arm support 16, which carries the arm 12. The variable stop is thus positioned at the priority height Hp and remains stationary during the subsequent steps of the process 100.It is also noted that this positioning of the variable stop 17 determines the subsequent secondary steps of displacement 201c, 202c, 203c of the arm 12 of the priority distance Zp, as well as the secondary steps of deformation 201e, 202e, 203e of the two flanks 3 bordering the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 along the two secondary folding lines 21, 22, 23 by means of the marking tool 14 as well as the secondary steps of separation 201f, 202f, 203f of the two flanks 3 bordering the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 by means of the cutting tool 15, as will be described below.

[0089] It is also noted that an additional leg 177 is mounted for rotational movement on the first right leg 172b and on the second right leg 173b about the right leg axis E4. The additional leg 177 connects the first right leg 172b and the second right leg 173b to a center pin 178 which includes a center pin leg 178a fixedly mounted on the rear plate 174 or the front plate or an axis connecting the rear and front plates. The center pin leg 178a extends along a center pin axis E8 and carries a center pin end. 178b which is mounted mobile in translation along the needle leg 178a.

[0090] It is understood that during the descent of the slide 171 the additional leg 177 pushes the end of the point 178b upwards along the axis of the point E8 so that the end of the point 178b is located higher after the vertical support A on the slide 171 than before such a support.

[0091] The end of the pointer 178b is intended to come into contact with the second variable stop arm 19 in order to enable the secondary deformation steps 201e, 202e, 203e and the secondary separation steps 201f, 202f, 203f when the arm 12 meets the variable stop 17 immobilized during the priority positioning step 200d.

[0092] Referring again to Figure 17, we note the presence of two return elements 17a, 17b. The first return element 17a connects the left leg axis E3 to the rear plate 174, or the front plate, or an axis connecting the rear plate 174 and the front plate. The second return element 17b connects the right leg axis E4 to the rear plate 174, or the front plate, or an axis connecting the rear plate 174 and the front plate. These arrangements are designed to return the second legs 173a, 173b to a fixed position that facilitates maintaining contact between the ends of the stops 176a, 176b and the arm support 16 when the slide 171 is in the lowered position after the application of force A.Conversely, before the application of the vertical support A, these arrangements aim to bring the second legs 173a, 173b into a fixed position which favours a spacing between the ends of the stop 176a, 176b and the arm support 16 when the slider 171 is in the high position.

[0093] It should also be noted that the variable stop 17 is equipped with a variable stop counterweight 171a, which is connected to the variable stop 17 via a variable stop cable 171b, capable of running on a variable stop pulley 171c. More specifically, the variable stop cable 171b is anchored to the rear plate 174 or the front plate or an axis connecting the rear plate 174 and the front plate. These arrangements aim to bring the variable stop 17 upwards.

[0094] In figures 20 and 21, the device 10 is equipped with a locking / unlocking means 80 for the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15, which is shown in the locked position in figure 20 and in the unlocked position in figure 21.It is understood that in the locked position, the locking / unlocking means 80 prohibits the priority deformation step 200e of the flanks 3 along two priority folding lines 20 bordering the priority volume Vp by means of the marking tool 14 carried by the arm 12, and the priority separation step 200f of the two flanks 3 bordering the priority volume Vp by means of the cutting tool 15 carried by the arm 12, as well as the secondary deformation steps 201e, 202e, 203e of two flanks 3 bordering the secondary volume Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 along two secondary folding lines 21, 22, 23 by means of the marking tool 14, and the secondary separation steps 201f, 202f, 203f of the two flanks 3 bordering the secondary volume Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 via cutting tool 15.It is also understood that in the unlocked position, the locking / unlocking means 80 allows the priority deformation step 200e of the sides 3 along two priority folding lines 20 bordering the priority volume Vp by means of the marking tool 14 carried by the arm 12, and the priority separation step 200f of the two sides 3 bordering the priority volume Vp by means of the cutting tool 15 carried by the arm 12, as well as the secondary deformation steps 201e, 202e, 203e of two sides 3 bordering the secondary volume Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 along two secondary folding lines 21, 22, 23 by means of the marking tool 14, and the secondary separation steps 201f, 202f, 203f of the two sides 3 bordering the secondary volume Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 via cutting tool 15.

[0095] This objective is achieved by means of the locking / unlocking device 80, which establishes a mechanical link between the second variable stop arm 19 and the first lever 61 to hold the first arm stationary. Lever 61 in the locked position illustrated in Figure 20, regardless of any action by the operator, and which frees the second variable stop arm 19 and the first lever 61 from mechanical connection in the unlocked position, allowing the first lever 61 to be moved by an action of the operator on the first lever 61 as illustrated in Figure 21. It is understood that in the locked position, it is not possible for the operator to move the first lever 61. On the other hand, contact of the probe 13 on a set of objects L1, L2, L3, L4, Lp, Ls1, Ls2, Ls3 sets the first variable stop arm 18 in motion, which causes the second variable stop arm 19 to pivot from the locked position to the unlocked position, thus allowing the operator to move the first lever 61 by applying a horizontal push P' on the gripping handle. 35.On the other hand, contact of the end of the point 178b with the second variable stop arm 19 also causes the second variable stop arm 19 to tilt from the locking position to the unlocking position, which allows the operator to move the first lever 61 by applying the horizontal push P' on the gripping handle 35.

[0096] In Figures 22 and 23, the locking / unlocking means 80 comprises the first end of the second arm 19a, which is movable within a slot 81 formed by a bracket 82, between a locked position illustrated in Figure 22 and an unlocked position illustrated in Figure 23. In the locked position, the first end of the second arm 19a presses against a shaft 83 via a roller 84 interposed between the first end of the second arm 19a and the shaft 83. The shaft 83 travels within a channel 83' parallel to the O'y' axis. The shaft 83 comprises a first shaft end 83a carrying the roller 84 and a second shaft end 83b, which is equipped with a shaft arm 85 mounted for rotation on the second shaft end 83b and on a rocker member 86.The rocker member 86 is mounted movably in rotation on the bracket 82 between the locking position in which a rocker element 87 comprising the rocker member 86 is housed inside a window 90 and the position. unlocking in which the rocker element 87 is placed outside the window 90. The rocker member 86 also has a rocker end 88 which is provided with a return element 89 interposed between the rocker end 88 and the stirrup 82. The return element 89 is intended to return the rocker member 86 to the locking position in order to allow the second variable stop arm 19 to return to the locking position when the second variable stop arm 19 is no longer in contact with the feeler 13 or the slide end 178b.

[0097] The window 90 is delimited by a frame 91 which forms part of a connecting member 92 arranged as a rod extending along an axis parallel to the O'z' axis and comprising a rod element 93 running inside a sleeve 94 arranged along an axis parallel to the O'z' axis. The connecting member 92 also includes a rod 95 which is also mounted for rotation on the first lever 61.

[0098] It is understood that when the first end of the second arm 19a is aligned with the barrel 83, the rocker element 87 is held inside the window 90 by the impossibility of rocking the rocker member 86, the first lever 61 is then held immobile as well as the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15, regardless of any action by the operator.

[0099] It is also understood that when the first end of the second arm 19a is misaligned with the barrel 83, the rocker element 87 can be placed out of the window 90, allowing the rocker member 86 to pivot, the first lever 61 can then set in motion the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15, if the operator applies a horizontal push P' on the gripping handle 35.

[0100] In Figures 24 to 27, the device 10 is equipped with a cycle sequencer 400 which is fixed to the arm 12. The cycle sequencer 400 comprises a sequencing shaft 401 which is mounted for rotation on the arm 12 about a first sequencing axis E10 parallel to the O'x' axis. A first indexing arm 402 is mounted for rotation on the arm 12 about an axis parallel to the O'x' axis. The first indexing arm 402 is held in contact with the shaft of Sequencing 401 is achieved by means of a tension spring 403 mounted for free rotation on the arm 12 on one side and for free rotation on the first indexing arm 402 on the other. A second indexing arm 404 is mounted for free rotation on the arm 12 about an axis parallel to the O'x' axis. The second indexing arm 4 is held in contact with the sequencing shaft 2 by means of a first tension spring 405 mounted for free rotation on the arm 12 on one side and for free rotation on the second indexing arm 404 on the other. A deactivation finger 406 for the variable stop 17 is mounted for free rotation on the sequencing shaft 401 about the first sequencing axis E10. The deactivation finger 406 is held in relative angular position with respect to the sequencing shaft 401 by means of a torsion spring 407.A sequencing finger 408 is mounted freely for rotation on the frame 30 along a second sequencing axis E11 parallel to the O'y' axis. The sequencing finger 408 is held in a horizontal position by means of a tension spring 409 mounted movably for rotation on the frame 30 on one side and movably for rotation on the sequencing finger 408 on the other.

[0101] It is understood that during the descent of arm 12 along axis A1, the sequencing shaft 401 encounters the sequencing finger 408, which is fixed to the chassis 30. Contact between the sequencing finger 408 and the sequencing shaft 401 causes a 90° rotation of the sequencing shaft 401. Indexing the sequencing shaft 401 at 90° is facilitated by the contact between the first indexing arm 402 and the sequencing shaft 401, thanks to a particular shape of the sequencing shaft 401. It should be noted that the sequencing shaft 401 is preferentially arranged in a four-pointed star. The rotation of the sequencing shaft 2 simultaneously causes the deactivation finger 406 to rotate by 45°.

[0102] Thus, during the priority step of movement 200c of arm 12, the deactivation finger 406 initially positioned parallel to the O'x'y' plane is positioned parallel to the O'x'z' plane.

[0103] Then, during the first secondary movement step 201 c of arm 12, the deactivation finger 406 initially positioned parallel to the O'x'z' plane is positioned parallel to the O'x'y' plane.

[0104] Then, during the second secondary movement step 202c of arm 12, the deactivation finger 406 initially positioned parallel to the O'x'y' plane is positioned parallel to the O'x'z' plane.

[0105] Then, during the third secondary movement step 203c of the arm 12, the deactivation finger 406, initially positioned parallel to the O'x'z' plane, is positioned parallel to the O'x'y' plane. This results in the deactivation finger 406 being retracted as it passes in front of the variable stop 17 by means of the torsion spring 407.

[0106] Finally, during the third secondary step of returning the arm 12 to its initial position Zi, the deactivation finger 406 meets the slide 171 of the variable stop 17. This has the effect of moving the slide 171 upwards, causing the deactivation of the variable stop 17, which rises with the arm 12 to its initial position Zi.

[0107] These arrangements are such that when the operator wishes to reduce the initial height Zi of a package 1, he positions the package on the platform 31, making sure to place the priority batch of objects Lp under the probe 13, and wedge the sides 3 bordering the priority volume Vp against the fixed stop 11.

[0108] Then, the operator actuates the gripping member 34 with a downward vertical push P to lower the carriage 32, which causes the arm 12 to descend into the packaging 1. When the probe 13 comes into contact with the upper face Fs1, Fs2, Fs3, Fs4 of the priority batch of objects Lp, this triggers the placement of the variable stop 17 on the arm support 16 and stops the arm 12 from descending along the support 16. At this point, the locking / unlocking means 80 is in the unlocked position so that when the operator exerts a horizontal push P' on the gripping member 34, this horizontal push P' pulls the cable 47, thereby actuating the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to respectively advance the priority folding lines 20 onto said flanks 3 and cut the priority edge 50. This also causes an actuation of the cycle sequencer 400. Then the operator, aided by the counterweight of arm 12a, returns arm 12 to the initial position.

[0109] Then, the operator positions the first secondary batch of objects Ls1 under the probe 13 by wedging the sides 3 bordering the first secondary volume Vs1 against the fixed stop 11.

[0110] Then, the operator actuates the gripping member 34 with a downward vertical push P to lower the carriage 32, which induces a downward descent of the arm 12 inside the packaging 1. When the arm 12 encounters the variable stop 17, this stops the descent of the arm 12 along the support 16. At this stage, the locking / unlocking means 80 is placed in the unlocked position such that, when the operator exerts a horizontal push P' on the gripping member 34, this horizontal push P' pulls the cable 47, so as to actuate the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to respectively place the first secondary folding lines 21 on said sides 3 and cut the first secondary edge 51. This also causes the 400 cycle sequencer to be activated. Then, the operator, aided by the counterweight of arm 12a, returns arm 12 to its initial position.

[0111] Then, the operator positions the second secondary batch of objects Ls2 under the probe 13 by wedging the sides 3 bordering the second secondary volume Vs12 against the fixed stop 11.

[0112] Then, the operator actuates the gripping member 34 with a downward vertical push P to lower the carriage 32, which causes the arm 12 to descend into the packaging 1. When the arm 12 encounters the variable stop 17, this stops the descent of the arm 12 along the arm support 16. At this point, the locking / unlocking means 80 is in the unlocked position so that, when the operator exerts a horizontal push P' on the gripping member 34, this horizontal push P' pulls the cable 47, thereby actuating the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to respectively print the first secondary lines folding 21 on said sides 3 and cut the first secondary edge 51. This also causes an actuation of the cycle sequencer 400. Then, the operator, aided by the counterweight of arm 12a, returns arm 12 to the initial position.

[0113] Then, the operator positions the third secondary batch of objects Ls3 under the probe 13 by wedging the sides 3 bordering the third secondary volume Vs3 against the fixed stop 11.

[0114] Then, the operator actuates the gripping member 34 with a downward vertical push P to lower the carriage 32, which induces a downward descent of the arm 12 inside the packaging 1. When the arm 12 encounters the variable stop 17, this stops the descent of the arm 12 along the arm support 16. At this stage, the locking / unlocking means 80 is placed in the unlocked position such that, when the operator exerts a horizontal push P' on the gripping member 34, this horizontal push P' pulls the cable 47, so as to actuate the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to respectively place the first secondary folding lines 21 on said sides 3 and cut the first secondary edge 51. This also causes the 400 cycle sequencer to be activated. Then, the operator, aided by the counterweight of arm 12a, returns arm 12 to its initial position.

[0115] This upward movement allows the deactivation finger 406 to disengage the variable stop 17 from the arm 12 which is returned to the initial position by following the movement of the arm 12 with the help of the variable stop counterweight 171a.

[0116] Then, the operator folds the sides 3 along the folding lines 20, 21, 22, 23 to close the package 1.

[0117] Figures 28 and 29 show the side view of device 10 in an automated configuration. Device 10 is illustrated in the initial position of arm 12 in Figure 28 and in the final position of arm 12 in Figure 29. Device 10 comprises a drive element 501, such as an electric motor or similar, which is capable of circulating a motor belt 502 along two motor pulleys 503, for example, by means of a One of the motor pulleys 503 is rotated. The arm 12 is clamped to the motor belt 502, such that the arm 12 is driven in translation on the arm support 16 when the motor belt 502 runs around the motor pulleys 503. These arrangements are intended to allow the primary movement step 200c and the secondary movement steps 201c, 202c, 203c.

[0118] Thus, the arm 12 moves in vertical translation thanks to linear guidance, for example provided by ball bearings on two parallel rails attached to the arm support 16. As in the manual approach, the arm 12 carries the probe 13, the cutting tool 15, the fixed knife 15' and the marking tool 14. As soon as the probe 13 comes into contact with the priority batch of objects Lp, the probe 13 moves in vertical translation on guide rails 504 between the initial position shown in Figure 30 and the final position shown in Figure 31. This movement is detected by a sensor 505, such as an optical or similar sensor, for example attached to the guide rails 504, which is connected to control means 506, which store the priority height Hp.

[0119] In Figures 32 to 34, the device 10 comprises a cylinder 507, such as an electric cylinder, which is fixed to the arm 12 and includes a rod movable in translation. The rod movable in translation has a movable end 508 which is mounted for rotation on a first lever 61 about a cylinder axis C0. The first lever 61 is mounted for rotation on the arm 12 about a first lever axis B1. These arrangements are such that, during the priority phase 200, when the sensor 13 comes into contact with the priority batch of objects Lp, the control means 506 actuate the cylinder 507 whose mobile end 508 is set in motion to push on the first lever 61 as illustrated successively in figures 32 to 34. The first lever 61 pivots around the axis of the first lever B1 and such a pivoting causes a displacement of a first rod 71 which is mounted to rotate freely on the first lever 61 around an axis of the first rod C1.

[0120] The first rod 71 is equipped with a second lever 62 and a third lever 63, both of which are mounted for rotation on the first rod 71 about a first rocker axis D1. The second lever 62 is mounted for rotation on the arm 12 about an axis of the second lever B2. The third lever 63 is mounted for rotation on the cutting tool 15 about an axis of the third lever B3. These arrangements are such that when the cylinder 507 pushes on the first lever 61, the first rod 71 separates the second lever 62 and the third lever 63 from each other, so that the cutting tool 15 joins a fixed knife 15' attached to the arm 12 in order to separate any one of the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53 bordering two sides 3 of the packaging 1.

[0121] It is observed that, simultaneously with the above description, when the cylinder 507 pushes on the first lever 61 and pivots around the axis of the first lever B1, this pivoting causes a displacement of a second rod 72, which is mounted to rotate freely on the first lever 61 about an axis of the second rod C2. The second rod 72 is equipped with a fourth lever 64 and a fifth lever 65, both of which are mounted to rotate freely on the second rod 72 about a second pivot axis D2. The fourth lever 64 is mounted to rotate freely on the arm 12 about an axis of the fourth lever B4. The fifth lever 65 is mounted to rotate freely on the marking tool 14 about an axis of the fifth lever B5.These arrangements are such that when the cylinder 507 pushes on the first lever 61, the second rod 72 separates the fourth lever 64 and the fifth lever 65 from each other, so that the marking tool 14 moves in horizontal translation and deforms the two sides 3 along any one of the folding lines 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0122] It is noted that the cutting tool 15 and the marking tool 14 are operated by the same cylinder 507 and that a toggle arrangement of the rods and levers allows the cutting force to be increased beyond the force of the cylinder 507.

[0123] It is understood that during the priority phase 200, the cylinder is activated when the sensor comes into contact with the priority lot Lp, and that during the subsequent secondary phases 201, 202, 203, the cylinder 507 is activated by the control means 506 which have memorized the priority height Hp to exert the same movement and the same displacement as during the priority phase 200.

[0124] It is also understood that the drive unit 501 allows the arm 12 to descend to the priority height Hp if the probe 13 does not encounter an object. Then, the cylinder 507 actuates the cutting tool 15 and the marking tool 14, and the drive unit 501 then allows the arm 12 to rise. If the probe 13 encounters an object, the sensor 505 informs the control means 506 of the object's height. The drive unit 501 then continues to lower the arm by a parameterized value, ensuring a precise distance between the top of the object and the marking tool 14. The marking tool 14 and the cutting tool are then actuated by the cylinder 507, and finally, the drive unit 501 returns the arm 12 to its initial position. The object's height is stored in the control means for subsequent phases. Note that if the probe 13 touches an object before the priority height Hp is reached during the secondary phases, a fault is reported.

[0125] In Figures 35 and 36, the device 10 includes means 600 for holding the flaps 6 out of the inner volume 4. The holding means are intended to hold the flaps 6 in a vertical position against the fixed stop 11, so that the flaps 6 do not obstruct the descent of the arm 12 into the inner volume 4 of the package 1. Such holding means 600 are particularly useful when the package 1 is a used package.

[0126] The retaining means 600 include an upper block 601 which is movable in translation on a vertical guide 602 formed at the rear of the fixed stop 11. The upper block 601 includes a pad 603 which bears down by its own weight on the top of the flap 6. The retaining means 600 include a lower block 604 which moves on the guide vertical below the upper block 601. The lower block 604 is connected to an actuator 605 which is able to move it along the vertical guide until it lifts the upper block 601. When the actuator 605 lowers the lower block 604, the upper block also moves downward until it comes into contact with the top of the flap 6 and finally holds the flap against the fixed stop.

[0127] In the rest position, the actuator 605 holds the lower block 603 and the upper block 601 in the raised position so as to allow the installation of a package of the greatest intended height against the fixed stop 11. The holding means 600 include at least one sensor for the presence of the package 1 against the fixed stop 11 to allow the lower block 604 to descend and the upper block 601 to be placed against the top of the flap 6.

[0128] It is understood that the descent of the lower block 604 along the vertical guide 602 is possible when the presence of the packaging 1 against the fixed stop 11 is detected, when the two flaps 6 are pressed against the fixed stop 11 and when the operator starts the actuator 605.

Claims

Demands

1. A method (100) for reducing the initial height (Hi) of a package (1) having a base (2) bordered by four sides (3), an edge (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53) bordering two sides (3), the package (1) housing at least one batch of objects (L1, L2, L3, L4, Lp, Ls1, Ls2, Ls3), characterized in that the method (100) comprises the following successive steps (200, 201, 202, 203): - a priority phase (200) comprising the following steps: a priority step of determination (200a) by an operator of a priority volume (Vp) and three secondary volumes (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3), the priority volume (Vp) housing a priority batch of objects (Lp) of a maximum height (Hmax), the priority volume (Vp) being bordered by a priority edge (50) and two flanks (3), each secondary volume (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) being bordered by a secondary edge (51, 52, 53) and two flanks (3), a priority step of shimming (200b) the two flanks (3) bordering the priority volume (Vp) against a fixed stop (11), the priority shimming step (200b) being carried out prior to the priority movement step (200c),a priority step of movement (200c) of a priority distance (Zp) of an arm (12) carrying a probe (13) inside the packaging (1) to a final position (Zf) in which the probe (13) comes into contact with the priority batch of objects (Lp) to determine a priority height (Hp) which is a function of the maximum height (Hmax) of the priority batch of objects (Lp), a priority step of deformation (200e) of the two sides (3) along two priority folding lines (20) by means of a marking tool (14) carried by the arm (12), the two priority folding lines (20) bordering the priority volume (Vp) being positioned at a marking height (Hm) which is a function of the priority height (Hp), a priority separation step (200f) by means of a cutting tool (15) carried by the arm (12) of the two sides (3) which border the priority volume (Vp) up to a cutting height (Hd) which is a function of the priority height (Hp), a priority return step (200g) of the arm (12) to the initial position (Zi), - three secondary phases (201, 202, 203) comprising the following steps: a secondary positioning step (201b, 202b, 203b) of two flanks (3) bordering the secondary volume (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) against the fixed stop (11), a secondary movement step (201c, 202c, 203c) of the arm (12) from the priority distance (Zp) to the final position (Zf), a secondary deformation step (201e, 202e, 203e) of two flanks (3) bordering the secondary volume (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) along two secondary folding lines (21, 22, 23) to the marking height (Hm) by means of the marking tool (14), a secondary separation step (201f, 202f, 203f) of the two sides (3) bordering the secondary volume (Vs1 , Vs2, Vs3) up to the cutting height (Hd) by means of the cutting tool (15), a secondary step of return (201g, 202g, 203g) of the arm (12) to the initial position (Zi).

2. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the priority phase (200) comprises a priority positioning step (200d) at the priority height (Hp) of a variable stop (17) on an arm support (16) carrying the arm (12), which is carried out between the priority displacement step (200c) and the priority deformation step (200e).

3. Method (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the priority step of displacement (200c) and the priority step of positioning (200d) at the priority height (Hp) of the variable stop (17) are carried out successively from the same first priority movement (P) performed by the operator.

4. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the priority step of deformation (200e) of the two flanks (3) and the priority step of separation (200f) of the two flanks (3) are carried out from the same second priority movement (P').

5. Method (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the secondary step of displacement (201c, 202c, 203c) of the arm (12) of the priority distance (Zp) is carried out from a first secondary movement identical to the first priority movement (P).

6. Method (100) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the secondary deformation step (201e, 202e, 203e) of the two flanks (3) and the secondary separation step (201f, 202f, 203f) of the two flanks (3) are carried out from the same second secondary movement identical to the second priority movement (P').

7. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) comprises at least one intermediate phase of rotating (301, 302, 303) the packaging (1) 90° around an axis perpendicular to the bottom (2).

8. Method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the method (100) comprises at least one final withdrawal phase (310) of the variable stop (17) of the priority height (Hp).

9. A method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the priority positioning step (200d) at the priority height (Hp) of the variable stop (17) is a step prohibition of positioning the arm (12) at a height lower than the priority height (Hp).

10. Device (10) for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a chassis (30) having a receiving platform (31) for the packaging (1) which is provided with a fixed stop (11), the chassis (30) being equipped with an arm support (16) on which an arm (12) is mounted movable in translation, the arm (12) being carrying a probe (13), a marking tool (14) and a cutting tool (15).

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the arm support (16) is equipped with a variable stop (17) which is able to stop a movement of the arm (12) in a final position (Zf) in which the marking tool (14) is able to make a bend line (20, 21, 22, 23) to a marking height (Hm) and in which the cutting tool (15) is able to cut an edge (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53) up to a cutting height (Hd).

12. Device (10) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a trolley (32) movable in translation on a trolley rail (33), the trolley (32) being clamped on a trolley belt (38) which drives a first return shaft (42) which drives an arm belt (44) on which the arm (12) is clamped.

13. Device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a first lever (61) mounted movably in rotation on the arm (12).

14. Device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a motion transmission member (46) extending between a gripping member (34) and the arm (12), the motion transmission member (46) comprising a cable (47) and a sheath (48) housing the cable (47), the cable (47) extending between a first attachment point (47a) of the cable (47) provided on a trolley support (36) carrying the trolley (32) and a second attachment point (47b) of the cable (47) provided on the arm (12), the sheath (48) extending between a first anchoring point (48a) of the sheath (48) provided on the gripping member (34) and a second anchoring point (48b) of the sheath (48) provided on the first lever (61).

15. Device (10) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that a first rod (71) and a second rod (72) are mounted movable in rotation on the first lever (61) to actuate respectively the cutting tool (14) and the marking tool (15).

16. Device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a locking / unlocking means (80) for the marking tool (14) and the cutting tool (15) which is movable between a locking position in which the locking / unlocking means (80) permits deformation and cutting of two flanks (3) and an unlocking position in which the locking / unlocking means (80) prohibits deformation and cutting of two flanks (3).

17. Device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a cycle sequencer (400) which is capable of counting the phases indifferently priority (200) and secondary (201, 202, 203) performed by the operator.

18. Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a drive element (501) for moving the arm (12).

19. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a cylinder (507) in relation to the first lever (61).

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the device (10) comprises control means (506) of the cylinder (507) in relation to a sensor (505) equipping the probe (13).

21. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the device (10) comprises means for retaining (600) the flaps (6) of the packaging (1) against the fixed stop (11).

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