MANUFACTURE OF CARDBOARD CONTAINERS WITH COLLARS FORMED BY SECTIONS OF THE SIDE WALLS OF THESE CONTAINERS FOR THE INSERTION OF VERTICAL UPRIGHTS

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: MANUFACTURE OF CARDBOARD CONTAINERS WITH COLLARS FORMED BY SECTIONS OF THE SIDE WALLS OF THESE CONTAINERS FOR THE INSERTION OF VERTICAL UPRIGHTS. A cardboard container forming machine (100) for cardboard containers (10) with collars (11) formed by sections (5, 6) of the side walls (1, 2) formed from the containers (10) in question in their flat folded state, comprising a folded container loader (20), a deployment mechanism (30), and an operating space (39) delimited at the top by means of an upper pusher (91) movable by means of a pusher actuator (86) positioned at the top, delimited at the bottom by means of one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52) for pressing the lower flaps (3, 4) of the bottom of the container (10) with the upper pusher (91) in a position lower, and delimiting the perimeter by a collar formation mechanism (60).

Description

Title of the invention: MANUFACTURE OF CARDBOARD CONTAINERS WITH COLLARS FORMED BY SECTIONS OF THE SIDE WALLS OF THESE CONTAINERS FOR THE INSERTION OF VERTICAL UPRIGHTS Technical field

[0001] The technical field of the present invention relates to devices for forming boxes made of semi-rigid laminated material, for example cardboard. Summary of the invention

[0002] The object of the present invention is a machine for forming cardboard containers with collars formed by sections of the side walls of these containers, from these containers in a flat folded state, for the insertion of vertical uprights.

[0003] By cardboard, we mean any type of semi-rigid fiber-based material which tends to retain its shape in the event of external stresses, for example, a cardboard of the type flat cardboard, compact cardboard, laminated cardboard, tensioned cardboard, as well as corrugated cardboard, mixed cardboard (combination of layers of paper and plastic), cardboard with an internal and / or external plastic sheet glued on, among others. Technological background

[0004] The manufacture of cardboard containers with collars formed from parts / sections of the side walls of the container itself to receive vertical uprights, from the initially folded state of the container, is carried out entirely manually.

[0005] Containers equipped with such collars are illustrated in documents US3054505A, ES2169629A1 and ES1057509U.

[0006] Documents US4170929A, ES1010585U, ES2660059A1 (see link https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=OpKXogRnFoM&t=6s), FR3085881B1 (see link https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=KHbLPn2FpXw) and EP3795345A1 illustrate respectively machines for forming cardboard containers, for forming a cardboard container from a flat folded state to a folded state of the container with four opposing side walls in pairs, and four lower extension flaps of the side walls which form a bottom of the container by joining the lower flaps in question together.

[0007] However, none of the aforementioned documents and internet links address the issue of automating such cardboard containers with collars on a machine. formed by folding integral parts of the side walls of the container itself, prepared for the subsequent insertion of the vertical uprights.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved is the reduction of manufacturing costs of cardboard containers, initially flattened, with collars formed from parts / sections of the side walls of the container itself to receive vertical uprights. Presentation of the invention

[0009] To resolve the drawbacks mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the present invention relates to a cardboard container forming machine, configured to form four collars, each located in one of the four corners of the container, and to position a vertical post passing through the empty space inside the collar in each corner.

[0010] In this document, the term "vertical upright" means a column or post, that is to say an element elongated in the vertical direction, added to the container, which has an extension corresponding preferably to the distance between the upper mouth of the container and the bottom of the container in order to reinforce the structure of the container against stresses, for example compressive stresses.

[0011] The container forming machine includes a folded container loader, consisting of two side structures between which flat folded containers can be introduced, with many side panels parallel to many other side panels for forming the side walls of the container.

[0012] Similarly, the container forming machine includes a deployment mechanism with a forming device, and a deployment actuator attached to at least one suction cup configured to move the individually folded containers towards the forming device to deploy the container.

[0013] In this document, the term “actuator” means a device consisting of two parts whose relative movements can be controlled by control signals, for example with a control device (a control device based on relays and contactors, a control device including a programmable logic controller (PLC), or a combination of these options, for example).

[0014] The drive may include a two-part pneumatic cylinder: a body and a rod with relative motion, and / or a two-part rotary electric motor (a motor stator and rotor fixed to a relative motion output shaft), and / or a two-part rotary pneumatic actuator (a support and a rotating shaft, among others).

[0015] Similarly, the container forming machine includes an operating space, dimensioned to accommodate a container deployed with two first vertical side walls opposite each other facing each other and two second vertical side walls opposite each other, joined one after the other by vertical folds and forming the four corners of the container.

[0016] In addition, the container forming machine includes one or more lower surfaces positioned at the bottom, adjacent to the operating space.

[0017] Similarly, the container forming machine includes an upper pusher that can be moved vertically by a pusher actuator, tilting between upper and lower positions.

[0018] In the upper position, the upper pusher is positioned at the top, adjacent to the operating space.

[0019] In the lower position, the upper pusher is configured to press, against one or more lower surfaces, lower flaps of the bottom of the container arranged horizontally and connected by horizontal folds to the side walls.

[0020] The container forming machine further includes a collar forming mechanism comprising four folding devices positioned to delimit the perimeter of the operational space.

[0021] Each folding device includes a folding element, positioned in an angle of the operating space, below the upper pusher in the raised position and above one or more lower surfaces.

[0022] Similarly, in the container forming machine, the four folding elements are mobile by means of folding actuators, switching between retracted position and folding position.

[0023] In the retracted position, the folding elements are adjacent to the operational space or are located outside of it.

[0024] In the folded position, the folding elements are at least partially inserted into the operational space and configured to fold, inwards towards the container and at each of the corners, two sections of two adjacent side walls, joined by hinges by a portion of one of the vertical folds and delimited by two parallel horizontal cuts, in order to form the four collars mentioned above. Each collar comprises the two sections folded around three vertical folding portions to position a vertical post passing through the empty space inside the collar at the corner of the container.

[0025] The present invention provides an automated solution for the manufacture of containers with collars folded inwards in the corners, which are produced from a pair of parallel horizontal cuts made in each of the four corners, largely assembled manually until now.

[0026] The container with its collars is thus manufactured automatically on a machine by introducing the flat-folded containers into the loader.

[0027] The present invention provides a solution which makes it possible to considerably reduce production times and container formation costs with collars.

[0028] The present container forming machine with collars allows a very significant reduction in production costs: it is a compact and high-productivity unit, because the collar forming mechanism is strategically positioned in the machine, with the folding devices around the operating space, which makes it possible to take advantage of the container's downtime in the operating space due to the vertical movement of the upper pusher relative to one or more lower surfaces, further reducing production times.

[0029] Optionally, the strategic arrangement of the folding devices surrounding the operational space allows the collar sections to be folded inwards with precision and reliability, the upper pusher being introduced into the internal volume of the container, limiting the position of the side walls of the container, for example immediately before, after and / or during the pressure of the lower flaps of the bottom by the upper pusher and / or by the lower surfaces.

[0030] The uprights can be inserted into the internal volume of the container manually, using a machine, by a combination of these options, or in any other way, the four vertical uprights being positioned stably between the inner faces of the side walls and the empty spaces of the four collars.

[0031] Other optional features and their associated advantages will be described later, in relation to the figures, in the section on preferred embodiments. Brief description of the figures

[0032] The above advantages and features, as well as those to be described below, will be better understood through the following detailed relationships to the embodiment examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are to be considered illustrative and not limiting. In these drawings: [Fig.1] is a top perspective view of a container deployed by the deployment mechanism of the container forming machine of the present invention; [Fig.2] is a top perspective view of a container obtained with the container forming machine of the present invention, and where also shown are the uprights which can be inserted manually or by the machine; [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of the collar forming mechanism of one of the embodiments of the container forming machine of the present invention, and in which a container has been placed in the operational space; [Fig.4] is a top rear perspective view of one of the four folding devices of the collar-forming mechanism of [Fig.3]; [Fig.5] is a top perspective front view of [Fig.4]; [Fig.6] is a plan view associated with [Fig.3], with the folding elements in the retracted position, and where some elements have been omitted for clarity; [Fig.7] is the plan view of [Fig.3], with the folding elements in the folding position; [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] are plan views of a first and a second embodiment, respectively, of the container forming machine of the present invention; [Fig. 10] is a top perspective view of part of the container forming machine of [Fig.9]; [Fig. 11] and [Fig. 12] are plan views of an embodiment of the collar-forming mechanism alternative to that shown in [Fig.3] to 10; [Fig. 13] is a plan view of a third embodiment of the container forming machine of the present invention; [Fig. 14] is a top perspective view of [Fig. 13]; [Fig. 15] shows part of the machine in [Fig. 13] and 14; [Fig. 16] is a view analogous to [Fig. 15], with the container located in the operational space; [Fig. 17] is a top perspective view of the forming head (which incorporates the upper pusher) of the collar forming mechanism and the actuators thereof, included in [Fig. 15]; [Fig. 18] is a lower perspective view of [Fig. 17]; [Fig. 19] and [Fig. 20] respectively show a side view and a lower perspective view of the collar formation mechanism of [Fig. 13] to 18; [Fig.21] shows a top front perspective view of the container forming machine of [Fig. 13], where some elements have been omitted for clarity; [Fig.22] is a top perspective view of the folding and pressing device included in [Fig.21] and 15; [Fig.23] shows a top rear perspective view of [Fig.21]; and [Fig.24] is a top rear perspective view of [Fig.23]. Description of the implementation methods

[0033] In the figures, reference 100 generically designates the cardboard container (100) forming machine (10) of the present invention, configured to form containers (10) with four collars (11), located in each of the four corners of the container (10), to position four vertical uprights (15) passing through the respective empty spaces (12) of the four collars (11).

[0034] The vertical upright (15) of the figures is a thin and elongated element in the vertical direction, the extension of which preferably corresponds to the vertical distance between the upper mouth and the bottom of the container (10) in order to reinforce its structure against stresses, for example compression stresses and / or lateral forces during the handling and transport thereof.

[0035] The vertical uprights (15) can be of different shapes (with a circular, square or triangular cross-section) and of different materials (based on fibers - for example, paper, cardboard, etc. - or plastic, among others).

[0036] As with all embodiments, [Fig.8], 9, 13 and 14 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) includes a folded container loader (20), consisting of two side structures (23), for example plates or bars, between which flat folded containers (10) can be introduced, with several side panels parallel to other side panels (1, 2) of the container (10), for their positioning.

[0037] Preferably, [Fig.8], 9, 13 and 14 show that the folded container loader (20) further includes a support surface (22) disposed between the two lateral structures (23) on which the flat-folded containers (10) can rest.

[0038] As with all embodiments, [Fig.8], 9, 13 and 23 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) includes a deployment mechanism (30).

[0039] This deployment mechanism (30) includes a shaping device (31) and a deployment actuator (32) connected to at least one suction cup (33). The deployment actuator (32) is configured to move the individually folded containers (10) by suction towards the shaping device (31) in order to deploy the container (10).

[0040] The shaping device (31) can be a plate, bars or rollers, among others.

[0041] In these [Fig. 8], 9, 13 and 23, the deployment actuator (32) is a rotary electric motor that moves a belt or chain (36) mounted on two rotating elements. A carriage (35) is attached to the belt or chain (36) on which the suction cup(s) (33) are mounted.

[0042] Figures 6, 8 to 11 and 15 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) includes an operational space (39), dimensioned to accommodate a container (10) deployed with two first vertical side walls (1) opposite each other facing each other and two second vertical side walls (2) opposite each other, joined one after the other by vertical folds and forming the four corners of the container (10).

[0043] Similarly, [Fig.8] to 10, 15, 16 and 21 to 24 show that the container (10) forming machine (10) includes one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52) positioned below and adjacent to the operating space (39).

[0044] In the first embodiment of [Fig.8], the container (10) forming machine (10) has two lower surfaces (42, 42) positioned below and adjacent to the operating space (39).

[0045] In the second embodiment of [Fig.9] and 10, the container (10) forming machine (10) has a lower surface (52) positioned below and adjacent to the operational space (39).

[0046] In the third embodiment of [Fig. 13] to 24, the container (10) forming machine (10) has four lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) facing each other in pairs.

[0047] Each of these achievements will be detailed later.

[0048] As with all embodiments, [Fig.8] to 10, 15, 17 and 18 show that the container (10) forming machine (10) includes an upper pusher (91) that can be moved vertically by a pusher actuator (86), tilting between upper and lower positions.

[0049] The upper pusher (91) of [Fig. 8] to 10 consists of a plate, while the upper pusher (91) of [Fig. 15] to 18 consists of four lower pressure surfaces integrated into the four corners of a head (90) to adapt to the spacing between these corners depending on the different grades of cardboard and / or the dimensions of the container (10), thus reducing production downtime and therefore production costs. The upper pusher (91) can have a variable geometry.

[0050] The pusher actuator (86) in the figures is a rotary electric motor or a servomotor, although it could also be a vertical pneumatic cylinder (not shown in the figures).

[0051] In [Figs. 13] to 24, the pusher actuator (86) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontally oriented toothed wheel (not shown) coupled to a respective vertical linear rack (87) fixed to the main support (75), so that the rotation of the reducer's output shaft causes the vertical movement of the collar-forming mechanism (60).

[0052] Alternatively, the pusher actuator (86) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontally oriented toothed wheel coupled to a respective vertical endless belt or chain (not shown) fixed to the main support (75), so that the rotation of the reducer's output shaft causes the vertical movement of the collar-forming mechanism (60).

[0053] In the upper position, as illustrated in [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] and [Fig.10], the upper pusher (91) is positioned above, adjacent to the operating space (39).

[0054] In the lower position, as illustrated in [Fig.8] and [Fig. 9] and [Fig. 15], the upper pusher (91) is configured to press, against one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), lower flaps (3, 4) of the bottom of the container (10) arranged horizontally and connected by horizontal folds to the side walls (1,2) illustrated in [Fig.1] and [Fig. 6 to 9].

[0055] As with all embodiments, [Fig.3] to 12, 14 to 21 and 23 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) further includes a collar forming mechanism (60) comprising four folding devices (61) positioned so as to delimit the perimeter of the operational space (39).

[0056] Following these figures, each folding device (61) comprises a folding element (62), positioned in an angle of the operating space (39), under the upper pusher (91) in the high position and above one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52).

[0057] Figures 3 to 12 and 15 to 20 show that the four folding elements (62) are mobile thanks to folding actuators (65), switching between retracted position and folding position.

[0058] In the retracted positions of [Fig.6], 8, 9 and 11, the folding elements (62) are adjacent to the operational space (39) or are outside of it.

[0059] In the folding positions of [Fig.3], 10, 12, 15 to 21 and 23, the folding elements (62) are at least partially introduced into the operational space (39) and configured to fold, towards the inside of the container (10), in each of the corners, two sections (5, 6) of two contiguous side walls (1, 2), illustrated in detail in [Fig.1] to 3. Each of these sections (5, 6) is connected in an articulated manner by a part of one of the vertical folds (8) and delimited by two parallel horizontal cutouts (7).

[0060] Thus, after the manufacture of the container (10) of [Fig.3] with the container (10) forming machine (10) of the present invention, the vertical uprights (15) can be positioned between the inner faces of the side walls (1, 2) and the four collars (11) as shown in [Fig.2], either manually, or with the aid of a machine, a combination of these two methods, or in any other way.

[0061] Thus, with the movement of the folding elements (62) between the retracted and folded positions, the four aforementioned collars (11) are formed, each comprising the two sections (5, 6) folded around three vertical folding parts (9, 8, 9) to allow the positioning of a vertical upright (15) passing through the empty space inside (12) of the collar (11) in the corner of the container (10), as shown in [Fig.2].

[0062] Thus, the container forming machine (200) produces the container (10) illustrated in [Fig. 3], in which the collars (11) are formed from parts or sections (5, 6) of the side walls (1, 2) of the container (10), folded inwards into positions stables, in which preferably one section (5) is perpendicular to the other section (6), for the subsequent reception of the vertical uprights (15).

[0063] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 3] to 12 and 13 to 20, each folding device (61) includes one of the folding actuators (65) in question operationally connected to the folding element (32). Thus, the collar forming mechanism (60) comprises four folding actuators, acting individually in each corner of the container (10), configured to exert independent folding strokes for each collar (11), ensuring the correct folding of the four collars (11), thereby reducing downtime and production costs of containers (10) with collars (11).

[0064] Alternatively, in an option not shown in the figures, the collar forming mechanism (60) comprises two bending actuators (65), each bending actuator (65) being configured to move two bending elements (62). This can be achieved by means of a gear connected to a bending actuator (55) which meshes with two auxiliary racks, each auxiliary rack moving one bending element (62).

[0065] Optionally, [Fig.3], 10 to 12, 15 to 21 and 23 show that the collar-forming mechanism (60) further comprises at least two facing lateral surfaces (66), the lateral surfaces (66) being opposite each other on two opposite sides of the cavity (39), one on each side.

[0066] Each lateral surface (66) is oriented vertically, at least a part of a lateral wall (1, 2) of the container (10) being likely to be in contact with it.

[0067] The lateral surfaces (66) allow better positioning of the container (10), by centering it, to perform the operation of pressing the lower flaps (3, 4) with the movement of the upper pusher (91) against one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), while precisely positioning the container (10) to perform the folding of the collars (11) with the folding elements (62).

[0068] Optionally, as shown in [Fig.3], 10 to 12, 15 to 21 and 23, the collar-forming mechanism (60) comprises four lateral surfaces (66) facing each other in pairs, the lateral surfaces (66) being opposite each other on two opposite sides of the cavity (39), two on each side.

[0069] In addition, [Fig.3], 7, 10 to 12 and 20 show that the collar forming mechanism (60) comprises four supports (67), each folding device (61) being mounted on a respective support (67).

[0070] These four supports (67) allow the position of certain folding devices (61) to be modified relative to the others in the event of a change in the shape and / or size of the containers (10), for example containers (10) with four or eight side walls (1,2), all in a reduced setup time, with no waiting time for spare parts, thus reducing production costs.

[0071] Preferably, Figures 7, 10 to 12 and 20 show that the collar-forming mechanism (60) comprises four supports (67), each folding device (61) being mounted on a respective support (67). Each folding device (61) comprises one of these folding actuators (65) connected to the folding element (62), and a side surface (66), all of which is supported by a respective support (67).

[0072] Preferably, [Fig.3] to 7, 11, 12, 15 and 20 show that the four supports (67) are mounted on a main support (75). In addition, each folding device (61) includes a lateral positioning device (70, 71), consisting of a linear guide (70) and a fixing and release element (71) of the support (67) on the main support (75) to position the support (67) in the desired position along the linear guide (70) towards or away from the working space (39) in the lateral direction (L).

[0073] In the figures, the linear guide (70) is an elongated hole and the fixing and release element (71) is a fixing element whose position is modifiable along the elongated hole.

[0074] Alternatively, the linear guide (70) includes many holes (not shown) aligned along the lateral direction (L).

[0075] In another embodiment, the linear guide (70) may be a recess / projection (not shown) in which a combined recess or projection can slide along the recess / projection.

[0076] Optionally, [Fig.3] and 20 show that each folding device (61) includes a second lateral positioning device (71, 72), consisting of a linear guide (73) and the fixing and release element (71) of the support (67) on the main support (75) to position the support (67) in the desired position along the second linear guide (73) towards or away from the operational space (39), according to the parallel direction (P) of [Fig.3] and 20.

[0077] In addition, [Fig.3] and 4 show that each folding device (61) further includes a folding adjustment device (68, 69) which includes a second linear guide (68) and a second fixing and release element (69) to modify the folding and / or retraction position of the folding element (62).

[0078] On [Fig.3] and 4, with the release of the second fixing and releasing element (69) and its movement along the second linear guide, one of the two relative movement parts of the folding actuator (65) is moved along the second linear guide (68), thus changing the position of the folding element (62).

[0079] The lateral positioning device (70, 71) and / or the second lateral positioning device (71, 72) and / or the folding adjustment device (68, 69) each or in combination allow precise positioning of the folding elements (62) and / or side surfaces (66), preventing production stoppages and reducing production costs. Indeed, it provides robustness against the different qualities and thicknesses of cardboard to be folded, absorbs the cardboard's wide tolerances (curves and deformations), while adapting to variations in the dimensions and / or shapes of the containers (10).

[0080] Optionally, [Fig.3] to 7 show that each folding device (61) further includes a vertical joint (63) operationally connected to the folding element (62), the folding elements (62) being mobile between the retracted and folded positions by pivoting around the vertical joints (63).

[0081] These four vertical joints (63) provide reliability and robustness to the folding of the collars (11) by the folding elements (62), avoiding production stops and reducing production costs, in the face of the different qualities and thicknesses of cardboard to be folded, absorb the variations in tolerance of the cardboard (curves and deformations thereof), in the event of variations in the dimensions and / or shapes of the containers (10).

[0082] In [Fig.3] to 7, each vertical joint (63) connects one of the folding actuators (65) to the folding element (65).

[0083] In [Fig.3] to 5, each folding device (61) further includes a lever (64) with two joints, articulated by one axis on the folding actuator (65) and by another axis on the folding element (62).

[0084] In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), in each folding device (61), one of the parts having a relative movement of the folding actuator (65) is articulated on the support (67), and the other part (for example, the rod of a pneumatic cylinder) has a toothed rack that meshes with the teeth of a gear fixed to one of the vertical joints (63) in question. The folding elements (62) are movable between the retracted and folded positions by pivoting around the vertical joints (63) before the gears rotate due to the back-and-forth movement of the racks.

[0085] In the first embodiment of the container (100) forming machine (10) of [Fig. 8], the container (10) is deployed by the movement of at least one suction cup (33) moved by a deployment actuator (32), for example a rotary electric motor, which interferes with the forming device (31) in its movement. The movement of the suction cup (33) takes place from a position adjacent to the folded container loader (20) shown in dashed lines in [Fig. 8], to an adjacent position where at least one suction cup (33), shown in solid lines in [Fig. 8], is positioned on one side of an auxiliary operating space which has two first folding surfaces (41, 41) facing each other and adjacent underneath.

[0086] The movement of the suction cups (33) can be linear along the first direction (X), possibly horizontal, from the position of the suction cup (33) in dotted line to the position of the suction cup (33) in solid line of [Fig.8].

[0087] Next, in [Fig. 8], the partially formed container (10) is moved from the auxiliary operating space with the first lower flaps (3) folded by an auxiliary transfer device, consisting of a transfer actuator (37a). This can be an electric motor, which moves the second suction cups (not shown but similar to the suction cups (33)) in the second direction (Y). Thus, the container (10) can be positioned by the auxiliary transfer device in the operating space (39) shown in [Fig. 8], which is delimited at the top by the upper pusher (91) in the raised position and at the bottom by the lower counter-pressure surfaces (42, 42) to press the lower flaps (3, 4) of the container (10) against each other, against the upper pusher (91) in the lowered position.

[0088] In [Fig.8], the lower surface(s) (41, 42, 52) mentioned above are many lower surfaces (42, 42) movable via bottom actuators (43), between pressure positions, where they are positioned adjacent to the upper pusher (91) in the lower position and configured to press the lower flaps (3, 4) arranged horizontally, and rest positions, where the many lower surfaces (42, 42) are away from the position of the upper pusher (91) in the lower position.

[0089] In [Fig. 8], while the container (10) is housed in the operating space (39) without moving the latter, the folding elements (62) moved by the folding actuators (65) fold sections (5, 6) of [Fig. 1] and 3 inwards towards the container 10 as shown in [Fig. 3]. When the upper pusher (91) is moved to the upper position, the containers (10) which are moved individually by the transfer actuator (37a) push the containers (10) with collars (11) successively formed in the operating space (39), expelling them from it.

[0090] In [Fig. 9] and 10, the container (10) is deployed by the deployment mechanism (30) from the folded container loader (20) to an auxiliary operating space which has two first dedicated folding surfaces (46, 46) facing each other and adjacent. Each first dedicated folding surface (41) is movable by means of a bottom actuator (43), the first dedicated folding surfaces (46, 46) folding the first lower flaps (3).

[0091] Next, in [Fig. 9] and 10, the partially formed container (10) is moved by an auxiliary transfer device comprising a transfer actuator (37a) that moves second suction cups (37) mounted on a second support carriage (38), preferably linearly along the second direction (Y), and optionally horizontally. Thus, the container (10) can be positioned in a second auxiliary operational space shown in [Fig.9] and 10, where two second dedicated folding surfaces (42, 42) facing each other, each being movable by means of a bottom actuator (43), fold the second lower flaps (4).

[0092] In [Fig.9] and 10, the second suction cups (37) moved by the transfer actuator (37a) position the container (10) with the lower flaps (3, 4) folded essentially horizontally on the surface of a conveyor belt (52).

[0093] The second embodiment of the container forming machine (100) of [Fig.9] and 10 includes a folding device formed by dedicated folding surfaces (46, 46, 47, 47) movable by bottom actuators (43), and where the lower surface(s) (41, 42, 52) of counter-pressure of the upper pusher (91) correspond to the surface of a conveyor belt (52).

[0094] The operational space (39) of [Fig.9] and 10 is delimited at the top by the upper pusher (91) in the high position and at the bottom by the counter-pressure conveyor belt (52) to press the lower flaps (3, 4) of the container (10) against each other, against the upper pusher (91) in the low position.

[0095] After the formation of the collars (11) of the container (10) by the folding elements (62) with the container (10) housed without displacement inside the operational space (39), the container (10) is moved by the conveyor belt (52) operated by a transport actuator (51), for example a motor, in a transport direction (T) for its evacuation.

[0096] The supports (67) can be fixed in fixed positions during the cyclic operation of the container (100) forming machine (10), as shown in [Fig.3] to 10.

[0097] Alternatively, the supports (67) of [Fig.3] to 10 can be moved laterally so as to approach the sides of the operating space (39) or away from it by auxiliary actuators (55) which move secondary supports (76), illustrated in [Fig. 11] and 12, to perform each cycle of pressure of the lower flaps (3, 4) and folding of the collars (11).

[0098] It is noted that the first embodiment of [Fig.8] occupies less floor space than the embodiment of [Fig.9], which reduces production costs.

[0099] As can be seen in [Fig.8], 9 and 13, the third embodiment of [Fig. 13] described below occupies less floor space, which reduces production costs, compared to the first ([Fig.8]) and the second embodiment ([Fig.9]) described previously.

[0100] In the following embodiments, the container (100) forming machine is configured to bend all parts of the containers (10) with collars without vertical movement of the container (10), which reduces downtime and increases production costs.

[0101] In the third embodiment of the container forming machine (100) of [Fig. 13] to 24, the lower surface(s) (41, 42, 52) are numerous lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) included in a folding and pressing device (45) located below and adjacent to the operating space (39). The folding and pressing device (45) further includes bottom actuators (43) operationally connected to numerous lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) to fold the lower flaps (3, 4) to their horizontal position and press them against the upper pusher (91), as shown in [Fig. 16].

[0102] Figures 15 and 16 and 21 to 24 show that the folding and pressing device (45) includes four lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) of counter-pressure against the upper pusher (91), a first pair of lower surfaces (41, 41) facing each other and associated with two sides of the operational space (39) and a second pair of lower surfaces (42, 42) being mutually opposed and associated with the other two sides of the operational space (39) to fold and press the lower flaps (3, 3, 4, 4) against each other forming the bottom of the container (10).

[0103] Thus, for example, in [Fig. 14] to 16 and 21 to 24, the first pair of lower surfaces (41, 41) folds the lower flaps (3). Then the second pair of lower surfaces (42, 42) folds the lower flaps (4) and presses the lower flaps (3, 4) against each other against the upper pusher in the lower position.

[0104] Following these figures, each lower surface (41, 41, 42, 42) is movable by means of at least one bottom actuator (43), for example a pneumatic cylinder.

[0105] Optionally, on the sides where pressure is applied to assemble the flaps together, each lower surface (42, 42) is movable by means of two bottom actuators (43). This improves the joining, for example by gluing or interlocking, of the lower flaps (3, 4), improving the positioning and formation of the collars (11), facilitating the subsequent insertion of the uprights (15) manually or automatically, thus obtaining a robust and reliable solution that mitigates production stoppages, thereby reducing production costs.

[0106] Optionally, [Fig. 14] and 21 to 24 show that on the side of the operating space (39) facing the folded container loader (20), the folding and pressing device (45) further includes a lifting actuator (44) which is connected to a forklift (48), where are mounted the two bottom actuators (43) capable of moving the lower surface (42), optionally guided by fixed guides (49) and combined guide pads attached to the forklift (48).

[0107] In addition, [Fig.13], 14, 21 and 23 show that the deployment mechanism (30) is configured to position the deployed container (10) in a partially formed working position inside the operational space (39), with at least one suction cup (33) positioned laterally adjacent to the operational space (39).

[0108] In addition, [Fig.13], 14, 21 and 23 show that the container (10) forming machine (100) further includes pusher side surfaces (92) integral with the upper press (91).

[0109] In these figures, the container (100) forming machine (10) comprises a head (90) with four sets of corners, the side surfaces of the pusher (92) being connected by bolts to the corner surfaces of the upper pusher (91).

[0110] Optionally, the lateral surfaces of the pusher (92) and the upper pusher (91) can be moved horizontally in the laterally (L) direction by pneumatic cylinders (93) mounted on the head (90), as illustrated in [Fig. 18].

[0111] Alternatively, the lateral surfaces of the pusher (92) and the upper pusher (91) of [Fig.15] to 18 can be part of a single piece, as shown in [Fig.8] to 10.

[0112] Optionally, [Figs. 13] to 24 show that the container (10) forming machine (10) further comprises a secondary actuator (81) and a vertical guide (82). The secondary actuator (81) is configured to move the collar forming mechanism (60) along the vertical guide (82), between a lower operating position, in which the four folding devices (61) are positioned by delimiting the perimeter of the operating space (39), and a higher operating position, in which the four folding devices (61) are located above the operating space (39).

[0113] The secondary actuator (81) in the figures is a rotary electric motor.

[0114] The vertical guide (82) in the figures is a guide rail coupled to a carriage fixed to a structural point of the machine, for example to its chassis.

[0115] In [Fig. 13] to 24, the secondary actuator (81) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontally oriented toothed wheel coupled to a respective vertical rack (83) fixed to the main support (75), so that the rotation of the reducer's output shaft causes the vertical movement of the collar-forming mechanism (60).

[0116] Alternatively, the secondary actuator (81) is a rotary electric motor coupled to a reducer, which moves a horizontally oriented toothed wheel coupled to a respective vertical endless belt or chain fixed to the main support (75), so that the rotation of the reducer's output shaft causes the vertical movement of the collar-forming mechanism (60).

[0117] In another option not shown, the secondary actuator (81) is a vertical fluid dynamic cylinder connected to the main support (75).

[0118] Optionally, once the uprights (15) are inserted into the collars (11) of the container (10) resting on the bottom as shown in [Fig. 2] (either manually or via the machine), the containers (10), for the formation of the reinforced mouth on the above by upper reinforcing flaps (13, 14) (initially vertical as illustrated in [Fig. 1] and 2 and connected by horizontal slots to the upper part of the side walls (1, 2)), can be formed by the upper shaping device 240 of the reinforced mouths of document ES1306046U of the same inventor as the present application: - either by installing the constituent assemblies 245 on the main support (75) of the third embodiment of the forming machine (100) of [Fig. 13] to 24 of the present invention; - either by means of an additional machine to the present invention which incorporates the upper shaping device 240 of this document ES1306046U.

[0119] The scope of the present invention is given by the following claims.

Claims

1. Demands Cardboard container forming machine (100), comprising: - a folded container loader (20) which includes two side structures (23) between which flat-folded containers (10) can be inserted, with many side panels parallel to other many side panels forming the side walls (1, 2) of the container (10); - a deployment mechanism (30) with a shaping device (31), and a deployment actuator (32) attached to at least one suction cup (33) configured to move the individually folded containers (10) against the shaping device (31) to deploy the container (10); - an operational space (39), dimensioned to accommodate a container (10) deployed with two first vertical side walls (1) opposite each other facing each other and two second vertical side walls (2) opposite each other, joined one after the other by vertical folds and forming the four corners of the container (10); - one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52) positioned below and adjacent to the operational space (39); - an upper pusher (91) that can be moved vertically by a pusher actuator (86), between an upper position, in which the upper pusher (91) is positioned at the top and adjacent to the operating space (39), and a lower position, in which the upper pusher (91) is configured to press, against one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), lower flaps (3, 4) of the bottom of the container (10) arranged horizontally and connected by horizontal folds to the side walls (1, 2); characterized in that: - that it further comprises a collar-forming mechanism (60), consisting of four folding devices (61) positioned to delimit the perimeter of the operational space (39), each folding device (61) comprising a folding element (62), positioned in a corner of the operational space (39), below the upper pusher (91) in the raised position and above one or more lower surfaces (41, 42, 52), and - that its four folding elements (62) are movable by means of folding actuators (65) allowing them to switch between retracted positions, where the folding elements (62) are adjacent to or outside the operational space (39), and folding positions, where the folding elements (62) are at least partially inserted into the operational space (39); said elements are also configured to fold, at each of the corners and inwards of the container (10), two sections (5, 6) of two contiguous side walls (1, 2), connected at a joint by a portion of one of the vertical folds (8) and delimited by two parallel horizontal cutouts (7), in order to form four collars (11); each collar comprises the two sections (5, 6) folded around three vertical folding portions (9, 8, 9) to position a vertical upright (15) passing through the empty space inside (12) of the collar (11) in the corner of the container (10).

2. Forming machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein each bending device (61) comprises one of the bending actuators (65) in question operationally connected to the bending element (32).

3. Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the collar forming mechanism (60) further comprises at least two lateral surfaces (66) facing each other on two opposite sides of the cavity (39).

4. Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the collar forming mechanism (60) comprises four supports (67), each bending device (61) being mounted on a respective support (67).

5. Forming machine (100) according to the combination of claims 2, 3 and 4, wherein each bending device (61) comprises one of the bending actuators (65) and one of the side surfaces (66) in question.

6. A forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the four supports (67) are mounted on a main support (75), and wherein each bending device (61) further comprises a lateral positioning device (70, 71), consisting of a linear guide (70) and a fixing and release element (71) for the support (67) on the main support (75) to position the support (67) in the desired position along the linear guide (70) towards or away from the operational space (39).

7. Forming machine (100) according to claim 6, wherein each bending device (61) further comprises a bending adjustment device (68, 69) which includes a second linear guide (68) and a second fixing and release element (69) for modifying the bending and / or retraction position of the bending element (62).

8. Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each bending device (61) further comprises a vertical joint (63) operationally connected to the bending element (62), the bending elements (62) being movable between the retracted and folded positions by pivoting around the vertical joints (63).

9. Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower surface(s) (41, 42, 52) are made up of many lower surfaces (42, 42) movable via bottom actuators (43), between pressure positions (where they are positioned adjacent to the upper pusher (91) in the lower position, configured to press the lower flaps (3, 4) arranged horizontally), and rest positions (where many lower surfaces (42, 42) are away from the position of the upper pusher (91) in the lower position).

10. Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a bending device formed by dedicated bending surfaces (46, 46, 47, 47) movable by bottom actuators (43), and wherein the lower surface(s) (41, 42, 52) of back pressure of the upper pusher (91) correspond to the surface of a conveyor belt (52).

11. Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower surface(s) (41, 42, 52) are numerous lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) included in a folding and pressing device (45) located below and adjacent to the operating space (39), further comprising bottom actuators (43) operationally connected to numerous lower surfaces (41, 41, 42, 42) to fold the lower flaps (3, 4) to their horizontal disposition and press them against the upper pusher (91).

12. Forming machine (100) according to claim 11, wherein the deployment mechanism (30) is configured to position the deployed container (10) in a partially formed working position inside the operating space (39), with at least one suction cup (33) positioned laterally adjacent to the operating space (39).

13. Forming machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising side press surfaces (92) integral with the upper pusher (91).

14. Forming machine (100) according to claim 11, further comprising a secondary actuator (81) and a vertical guide (82), the secondary actuator (81) being configured to move the collar forming mechanism (60) along the vertical guide (82), between a lower operating position (in which the four bending devices (61) are positioned by delimiting the perimeter of the operating space (39)), and an upper operating position, in which the four bending devices (61) are above the operating space (39).

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