Pushing device and conveyor for cardboard boxes, as well as product packaging installation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (5) for pushing cardboard boxes (2), comprising a push cleat (50) with a face (51) bearing against each box (2); A system (52) for fixing each cleat (50) is provided to be articulated rotationally at a fixed point (100) with a belt (31) of a conveyor (3), and to rotate and slide relative to a cam track (6) equipping said conveyor (3), for internal guidance of each cleat (50) ensuring pivoting of said cleat (50) as it passes over a downstream end (33) of said conveyor (3), so as to maintain support of said downstream face (51) against each of the crates (2). The invention also relates to the conveyor (3) with an internal cam track (6) cooperating with the articulation of each cleat (50), as well as a product packaging installation (7) for crates (2), by crate or package, equipped with said conveyor (3). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Pushing device and conveyor for cardboard boxes, as well as product packaging installation. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of product packaging, in particular in the conveying of cardboard boxes.

[0002] For the purposes of this invention, the term "product" encompasses an individual object. Such a product may be a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a can, or a pouch or bag, particularly one equipped with a gusseted bottom of the "doypack / pouch" type, or a tube, or even a cardboard carton. A product may be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite materials, metal, cardboard, or glass. A product may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. The container is intended to hold, but is not limited to, a fluid, a liquid, powders, or granules, particularly of the food or cosmetic type, or intended for personal care or hygiene. A product may have any type of shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, regular or irregular.

[0003] Such products are obtained along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments as they pass through dedicated stations, such as plastic bottle or flask blowing, filling and capping, labeling, or even sterilization or pasteurization. Once processed, the finished products are grouped into batches through a packaging step, specifically inside a case, i.e., a box or container. More precisely, the products can be introduced grouped together into a case through a case-filling operation, or wrapped by folding around the groups of products to create the filled case through an operation commonly called "wrapping" (for "packaging").

[0004] Such a box, designed for packaging said products, is made of cardboard and is often called a "cardboard box." This cardboard box may, in particular, have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with an internal volume capable of holding at least one group of products, staggered or not, but preferably arranged in a matrix according to columns and rows, in a single layer or several superimposed layers of products. A cardboard box may be closed at the top or open, forming a tray also called a "cardboard tray."

[0005] As is known, the automated manufacturing of cardboard boxes is carried out by folding from cardboard sheets that have been previously pre-cut and pre-formed, also called "cutouts". Such cutouts include several sections and flaps, connected to each other by folding lines.

[0006] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cardboard box" includes a partially formed cutout by folding, which can partially surround the products to wrap them, as well as a cutout already formed into an open box, within which the products can be placed.

[0007] Further on, once the cardboard box already contains products or is intended to receive them internally during a case-filling operation, each box is moved by a suitable conveying device, transporting said box along a packaging line for said products. The invention relates particularly to such a conveyor for cardboard boxes, as well as to the product packaging installation equipped with such a conveyor. State of the art

[0008] Currently, a cardboard box conveyor is motorized and comprises at least two endlessly mounted parallel belts, forming, on the one hand, an outward path transporting the boxes resting on their bottom on the upper face from an upstream end to a downstream end and, on the other hand, a return path in the lower part of said conveyor from the downstream end to the upstream end.

[0009] In addition, means are provided to ensure the indexed positioning of each of the crates, namely that each cut or each crate, empty or filled with products, is spaced from the previous and the next according to a regular interval. In addition, these indexed positioning means are provided at least to ensure a push of the crate from upstream to downstream, but also, where appropriate, to maintain it downstream by framing the said crate, as well as the correct positioning of each cut before forming and assistance during the forming of said cut, in particular by providing at least a partial imprint or counter-imprint to ensure the folding of this cut in the crate, around the products or before their crate packing.

[0010] To achieve this, a known solution consists of cleats fixedly mounted on each belt at regular intervals. These cleats protrude from the conveyor surface, particularly orthogonally. In particular, upstream cleats include a downstream protruding wall extending orthogonally, and, during the movement of the cleats, the downstream face provides at least one thrust by bearing against a lateral wall located upstream of the conveyor body.

[0011] One of the drawbacks of this fixed mounting of the cleats on the belts lies in their tilting during the transfer of the crates at the downstream end. Indeed, each cleat extends substantially orthogonally with respect to the tangent of the The curve formed by the belt as it moves over the downstream end limits the support of the downstream face against the upstream side wall of the crate, creating damaging point pressures that can harm the crate. The cartons become marked, which is undesirable not only aesthetically, but also for their integrity and physical strength, especially when these crates are subsequently stacked for palletizing and transport. Furthermore, this tilting of the cleat which follows the curve of the belt reduces the support of each crate during the transfer and no longer allows the intervals between the crates to be maintained. Description of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a conveyor-type cardboard box pushing device, in which at least the upstream lugs are rotationally articulated relative to the belt. Such rotational articulation ensures that the downstream side of each lug remains pressed against the upstream lateral face of each box during transfer.

[0013] To achieve this, the thrusting device comprises - at least one push cleat with a downstream face configured to bear against a side wall of each of the boxes; - a system for securing each cleat with a belt fitted to said conveyor. Advantageously, said pushing device is characterized in that said securing system is provided to be articulated - rotating at least at one fixed point with said belt, - in rotation and sliding relative to a cam track equipping said conveyor, for internal guidance of each of the cleats along a trajectory, thus ensuring a pivoting of said cleat at least when passing at a downstream end of said conveyor, so as to maintain said support of the downstream face against the upstream side wall of each of the boxes.

[0014] According to additional, non-limiting features, each of the cleats includes a joint in the form of a connecting rod and link system.

[0015] According to one embodiment, said joint comprises at least one connecting link connecting a rotating point of each stop to a rotating sliding point relative to the cam track.

[0016] According to one embodiment, said joint comprises at least one connecting rod linking said rotating sliding point and a second fixed point on said belt, said connecting rod being mounted in rotation with respect to said rotating sliding point and with respect to said second rotating fixed point.

[0017] According to one embodiment, said second rotating fixed point is located downstream of said at least one fixed point.

[0018] The invention also relates to a conveyor for cardboard boxes, comprising - at least one motorized transport surface transporting said cardboard boxes from upstream to downstream along a transport route, with their bottoms resting on said transport surface, - at least one drive belt for said transport surface, said belt being endlessly mounted, i) on the one hand, with a forward path from an upstream end to a downstream end for transferring crates downstream, and ii) on the other hand, with a return path from the downstream end to the upstream end; each belt comprising pushing means ensuring at least one push from the upstream to the downstream end of each of the boxes by bearing against a lateral wall located upstream of each of said boxes, said thrusting means being mounted in fixed and protruding at regular intervals on each belt. Advantageously, the said conveyor is characterized in that - said thrusting means are in the form of at least one thrusting device according to the invention; and in that the conveyor still understands - at least one endlessly mounted cam track extending internally along a trajectory following the paths of said at least one belt; the cooperating articulated fastening system - rotating and sliding relative to said cam track for internal guidance of each of the lugs along said trajectory, ensuring a pivoting of said cleat at least when passing through the downstream end, so as to maintain said support of the downstream face against the upstream side wall of each of the crates during their transfer.

[0019] The invention further relates to a product packaging installation in cardboard boxes, characterized in that it is of the form-case-packing type for cuts in cardboard boxes and includes at least one conveyor according to the invention.

[0020] According to additional, non-limiting features, said packaging installation includes means for forming the cuts into said crates, as well as means for packing said products into said crates.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the packaging installation includes means for forming the cuts into crates by packaging around said products.

[0022] In summary, this packaging installation can be used for forming cardboard boxes from cutting, as well as for case packing or "wrap" packaging of products. Presentation of the drawings

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0024] [Fig.1] schematically represents a simplified view of an example of the architecture of a carton box packaging line for can-type products, showing in particular different successive stages for forming cuts into carton boxes for the "wrap" packaging of said products;

[0025] [Fig.2] schematically represents a simplified view of an example of the architecture of a carton box packaging line for can-type products, showing in particular different successive steps for forming cuts into carton boxes and then packing them into such a box;

[0026] [Fig.3] schematically represents a simplified perspective view showing an embodiment of a conveyor with articulated cleats;

[0027] [Fig.4] schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of an embodiment of a conveyor belt, showing in particular an embodiment of a push device in the form of a lug mounted articulated with respect to said belt and with respect to a cam track;

[0028] [Fig.5] schematically represents a side view of a hinged cleat in a first position, along the forward path, ensuring the push downstream against an upstream lateral face of a box;

[0029] [Fig.6] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.5] of said hinged cleat in a second position, at the downstream end, showing in particular, during the transfer of the crate to another conveyor located downstream, the maintenance of the thrust exerted by the cleat with a flat support against said upstream side wall; and

[0030] [Fig.7] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.6] of said hinged cleat in a third position, after release of the crate, during the passage of said cleat towards the return path. Detailed description

[0031] The present invention relates to the packaging of products 1 and in particular the conveying of cardboard boxes 2.

[0032] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "product" encompasses an individual object. Such a product 1 is a container, such as a bottle or a flask, or a A can, a pouch, or a bag, particularly one equipped with a gusseted bottom like a doypack / pouch, a tube, or a cardboard carton. Product 1 can be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite materials, metal, cardboard, or glass. Product 1 can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. The said product 1 is intended to contain, but not limited to, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of an agri-food or cosmetic type, or dedicated to maintenance or personal hygiene. A product 1 can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.

[0033] Such products 1 are obtained along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments by passing through dedicated stations, such as, for example, blow molding of plastic bottles or flasks, filling and capping, labeling, or even sterilization or pasteurization. Once processed, the finished products 1 are grouped into batches through a packaging step, in particular inside a case 1, namely a box or container. More precisely, the products 1 can be introduced, grouped or not, into a case 2 through a case packing operation, or wrapped by folding around the groups of products 1 to make the filled case 2 through a packaging operation, commonly called "wrapping".

[0034] Such a box 2, dedicated to the packaging of said products 1, is made of cardboard and is often called a "cardboard box." This cardboard box 2 may, in particular, have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with an internal volume capable of holding at least one group of products 1, staggered or not, but preferably arranged in a matrix according to columns and rows, in a single layer or several superimposed layers of products. A cardboard box 2 may be closed at the top or open, forming a tray also called a "cardboard tray."

[0035] In a known manner, the automated assembly of cardboard boxes 2 is carried out by folding from pre-cut and pre-formed cardboard sheets, also called "cutouts". Such cutouts 20 comprise several sections and flaps, connected to each other by folding lines.

[0036] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cardboard box" includes a partially folded die-cut 20 that can partially surround the products 1 for wrap-around packaging, as well as a die-cut 20 already formed into an open box 2, defining an internal volume within which the products 1 can be placed. Furthermore, once the products 1 have been placed in the box, the box 2 can be closed by folding two or four flaps and then sealed.

[0037] That being said, each cardboard box 2, already containing products 1 or intended to receive them internally during a case-packing operation, is transported along a transport route C from upstream to downstream along a production line, through different stations intended for the processing of said boxes 2, such as packaging or case-packing, closing the box 2 and sealing its closure (i.e., the flaps folded in closure), but also handling and stacking during palletizing.

[0038] To carry out this transport, according to a first aspect, the invention aims at a conveyor 3 of cardboard boxes 2.

[0039] Such a conveyor 3 comprises at least one transport surface 30, or "surface 30". This surface 30 transports said cardboard boxes 2 from upstream to downstream along a transport path C. During their transport on the conveyor 3, the boxes 2 rest on their bottoms on said transport surface 30.

[0040] According to embodiments, the conveyor 3 can comprise several abutting transport surfaces 30, namely one after the other, or several juxtaposed surfaces 30, namely one next to the other.

[0041] In addition, said at least one transport surface 30 is provided motorized. To do this, the conveyor 3 includes at least one drive belt 31 for said transport surface 30. According to one embodiment, the conveyor 3 comprises at least two belts 31, arranged parallel to each other, along the length of said conveyor 3. It should be noted that said surface 30 can be of any type, in particular in the form of at least one mat mounted as a unit on each belt 31. Said surface 30 can also be constituted by the outer face of each belt 31.

[0042] Furthermore, said belt 31 is endlessly mounted, that is to say, it forms a loop. To achieve this, said belt 31 comprises: i) on the one hand, a forward path A from an upstream end 32 to a downstream end 33 for transferring crates 2 downstream, and ii) on the other hand, a return path R from the downstream end 33 to the upstream end 32.

[0043] Further on, in order to improve the transport of the crates 2, the conveyor 3 provides means ensuring a push against the crates 2. To achieve this, each belt 31 includes thrusting means 4 that provide at least one thrust from the upstream to the downstream end of each of the boxes 2. Furthermore, this thrust is exerted by bearing against a lateral wall located upstream of each of said boxes 2. In other words, the thrusting means 4 come into contact with the downstream wall 21 of each box 2, and, during the movement of said at least one belt 31, the means 4 bear against it and provide a thrust. longitudinal, along the direction of the transport path C, from upstream to downstream, to accompany each crate 2.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to ensure the transport of several crates 2, said pushing means 4 are mounted fixed and protruding at regular intervals on each belt 31. In short, the pushing means 4 are distributed along each belt 31, to come into contact and support each crate 2 transported on the surface 30 of the conveyor 3. To achieve this, the thrust means 4 include at least one thrust cleat 50 with a face 51 configured to bear against a lateral wall 21 of each of the crates 2. In short, the face 51 of each cleat 50 located downstream comes into contact with the wall 21 located upstream of each crate 2. In particular, the 4 thrust means include several 50 cleats, mounted at regular intervals.

[0045] It should be noted that the interval between the pushing means 4 is determined according to the dimensions of the crates 2 to be transported. In other words, the space between the pushing means 4 generally corresponds to the length of a crate 2, namely the longitudinal distance extending along the direction of the transport path C.

[0046] It will be noted that the width of a crate 2 corresponds to the dimension extending transversely, preferably perpendicularly and horizontally (or substantially horizontally) with respect to said direction of the transport path C, while the height of a crate 2 is the dimension extending vertically or substantially vertically with respect to said direction of the transport path C.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the conveyor 3 can also include at least one additional cleat, arranged opposite each cleat 50, so as to frame each crate 2 during its transport. Each additional cleat is spaced from cleat 50 by a given length, corresponding at least to the length of a crate 2, preferably equal to or substantially equal to the length of a crate 2, so as to frame each crate 2 during its transport by said conveyor 3 along the outward path A. In addition, such an additional cleat combined with cleat 50 can constitute an impression or counter-impression of a forming die, to ensure the total or partial folding of a cut 20 when it is positioned between these cleats, in particular by inserting the bottom of the box 2 between said cleats and folding two of the side walls.

[0048] Furthermore, the thrust means 4 are provided to protrude from the transport surface 30, i.e., they extend beyond it externally. In particular, the thrust means 4 extend at least above the transport surface 30 at the level of path A, namely that they are in a deployed position along the upper part of conveyor 3. In addition, the pushing means 4 can be partially or totally retracted or stowed away at other locations of the conveyor 3, for example along the return path R or at the upstream and / or downstream ends 32;33.

[0049] Advantageously, said thrusting means 4 are in the form of at least one specific thrusting device 5, as described below according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0050] Furthermore, the conveyor 3 also includes at least one endlessly mounted cam track 6 extending internally along a path T following the paths A, R of said at least one belt 31. In other words, the conveyor 3 is provided with the cam track 6 following the belt(s) 31 inside the conveyor 3. This cam track 6 serves as a guide for each thrust device 5 through a hinged mounting system 52. For this purpose, the track 6 may include a slide or a rail, allowing the system 52 to follow the path T of said cam track 6.

[0051] Advantageously, the articulated fastening system 52 cooperates in rotation and sliding relative to said cam path 6 for internal guidance of each of the cleats 50 along said trajectory T. In particular, the fastening system 52 cooperates in free rotation within the slide or the cam track rail 6, notably by means of a roller or idler wheel equipping said system 52.

[0052] Therefore, the forced displacement of each cleat 50 by this specific articulation, through its fixing system 52 with the cam track 6, thus ensures a pivoting of said cleat 50 at least when it passes through the downstream end 33, so as to maintain said support of the downstream face 51 against the upstream lateral wall 21 of each of the crates 2 during their transfer, namely at the end of the conveyor 3. In summary, the articulation of the fixing system 52 of each cleat 50 gives said cleat 50 a salient hold, transverse with respect to the direction of the transport path C, preferably vertically or substantially vertically, along the outward path A (and preferably also along the return path R), while at the downstream end 33, the cleat 50 is guided internally along the cam path 6 to remain transverse at least at the beginning of its movement induced by the belt 31 along the curvature of the downstream end 33, until it passes into a partially or totally retracted position. In short, the cleat 50 remains vertical and aligned with the face 51 of the crate 2, against which it presses to push it. As progress is made longitudinal, during the curve of the downstream end 33, the surface 51 of the cleat 50 then slides vertically downwards, while maintaining a support plane for as long as possible (i.e. until the end of the transfer of the crate 2 and the taking over by another module or processing station located downstream).

[0053] It should be noted that in the retracted position, each cleat 50 is either flush with the surface 30 or inclined relative to a tangent at a point of said fixing system 52 relative to the curve followed by the belt 31. In particular, the cleat 50 in the retracted position is inclined upstream (i.e. at an angle less than 90°), namely backward relative to the direction of movement of the conveyor 3.

[0054] Further, according to a second aspect, the invention relates to the device 5 for pushing cardboard boxes 2 for conveyor 3, in particular its system 52 for fixing each of its cleats 50.

[0055] Such a thrust device 5 therefore includes at least one thrust cleat 50 with a face 51 configured to bear against a lateral wall 21, preferably located upstream, of each of the boxes 2.

[0056] Said pushing device 5 also includes a system 52 for fixing each cleat 50 with a belt 31 equipping said conveyor 3.

[0057] Advantageously, said fastening system 52 is provided articulated, preferably at several points. First, the fastening system 52 is rotationally articulated at at least one fixed point 100 of said belt 31. In particular, rotation is provided to be free around the fixed point 100. The latter is connected and fixed to a location of said belt 31, namely that it cannot move along said belt 31, either upstream or downstream. According to one embodiment, as seen in [Fig.3], the fixing system 52 includes a plate 53 secured to said belt 31 at said fixed point 100. Furthermore, the system 52 is articulated in rotation and sliding relative to a cam track 6 equipping said conveyor 3, for internal guidance of each of the cleats 50 along a trajectory T. In particular, the rotation is provided free.

[0058] Thus articulated, the fixing system 52 ensures a pivoting of said cleat 50 at least when it passes at the level of a downstream end 33 of said conveyor 3, so as to keep said support of the downstream face 51 against the upstream lateral wall 51 of each of the crates 2. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the articulated cleat 50 in these ways can retract partially or totally, even coming flush with the transport surface 30, when passing through the ends 32, 33 of the conveyor 3.

[0059] In addition, such a retention of the protruding cleat 50, orthogonally (i.e. vertically) during the passage at least along the beginning of the rounded portions of the ends 32, 33, preferably of the downstream end 33, makes it possible to maintain a contact surface parallel to the plane of the face 51 of the crate 2, regularly distributing the support and the thrust force, avoiding any deterioration of the material by a point or linear support, but also limiting the risks of shifting said crate 2, that is to say limiting the risks of modification of its relative position with respect to the downstream and / or upstream crate 2.

[0060] According to one embodiment, each of the cleats 50 includes an articulation in the form of a connecting rod 54 and connecting rod 55 system. More specifically, according to a preferred embodiment, as seen in [Fig.3], said joint includes at least one connecting rod 55 linking a rotating point 101 of each stop 50 to a rotating sliding point 102 relative to the cam path 6. As mentioned previously, according to the corresponding embodiment, the rotating sliding point 102 is provided with a roller or a free-spinning wheel cooperating freely within a slide or a rail of the cam track 6, thus ensuring sliding, as well as free rotation around said point 102.

[0061] It should be noted that the rotating point 101 is rigidly connected to the fixed point 100, in particular by means of a rigid plate 56. Furthermore, such a plate 56 can serve as a support for a buffer forming the downstream face 51 of the cleat 50. A preferred example of the realization of said plate 56 is visible in [Fig.4].

[0062] In some embodiments, said fixed point 100 and said rotating point 101 may be the same. Therefore, the connecting rod 55 is directly connected to and mounted for rotation with said fixed point 100, in particular mounted for free rotation on the plate 53 and / or the plate 56.

[0063] In embodiments, as seen in [Fig.4], said joint comprises at least one connecting rod 54 linking said rotating sliding point 102 and a second rotating fixed point 103 on said belt 31. In addition, this second fixed point is connected and fixed to a location on said belt 31, namely that it cannot move along said belt 31, either upstream or downstream.

[0064] In addition, the connecting rod 54 is preferentially free to rotate around this second rotating fixed point 103.

[0065] Furthermore, said connecting rod 54 is mounted in rotation with respect to said rotating sliding point 102 and with respect to said second fixed point 103.

[0066] Preferably, as seen in [Fig.4], said second fixed point 103 is located downstream of said at least one fixed point 100, namely that it is located downstream or in front of it with respect to the direction of movement of the belt 31 according to the direction of the transport path C. Conversely, according to an alternative configuration, not shown, the said second fixed point 103 is located upstream of the said at least one fixed point 100.

[0067] In embodiments, as seen in [Fig.4], each cleat 50 comprises a single articulation, located on one side of the belt 31, preferably on the lateral side outside the conveyor 3. In some embodiments, each cleat 50 comprises a pair of similar joints mounted symmetrically on each side of the belt 31.

[0068] According to one possible embodiment, the advancement along the cam path 6 of the rotating sliding point 102 can be motorized and controlled, so as to manage at any time, by acceleration or deceleration, the inclination of the cleat 50 and its bearing face 52. Such motorization makes it possible, in particular, to improve the support, or even to apply flat pressure against the downstream wall 51 of the housing 2, ensuring better grip in the case of framing by an additional fixed cleat on the belt 31.

[0069] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an installation 7 for packaging products 1 in cardboard boxes 2.

[0070] Advantageously, such an installation 7 is a case-forming and case-packing machine for die-cuts 20 into cardboard boxes 2. Furthermore, said installation 7 comprises at least one conveyor 3 according to the invention, according to one or both of the embodiments described above. In particular, the conveyor(s) 3 include pushing means 3 provided with one or more pushing devices 5 according to the invention, according to one and / or the other of the embodiments previously described.

[0071] In embodiments, the installation 7 includes means for forming the cuts 20 into said crates 2, as well as means for packing said products 1 into said crates 2.

[0072] In embodiments, the installation 7 includes means for forming the cuts 20 into boxes 2 by packaging around said products 1.

[0073] Thus, the push device 5 and the conveyor 3 equipped with such a device 5 allow the cleats 50 to be articulated at least at the level of the portion of the transport path C located at the end of the forward path A, in order to continue to ensure flat and regular support during the transfer of the crate 2 downstream, without risk of striking and marking the cardboard material. The crates 2 are then accompanied to the very end, facilitating their extraction from the conveyor 3. In addition, this freely articulated cleat 50 on the belt 31 facilitates the insertion of the cut 20 and its folding in the case of forming followed by packaging of the products 1. In a related way, such an articulation of the cleats 50 makes the installation 7 less noisy.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (5) for pushing cardboard boxes (2) for conveyor (3), comprising - at least one push lug (50) with a downstream face (51) configured to bear against a lateral wall (21) of each of the boxes (2); - a system (52) for fixing each cleat (50) with a belt (31) equipping said conveyor (3), characterized in that said fixing system (52) is provided articulated - in rotation at at least one fixed point (100) with said belt (31), - in rotation and sliding relative to a cam track (6) equipping said conveyor (3), for internal guidance of each of the cleats (50) along a trajectory (T), thus ensuring a pivoting of said cleat (50) at least when it passes at the level of a downstream end (33) of said conveyor (3), so as to maintain said support of the downstream face (51) against the upstream lateral wall (21) of each of the boxes (2).

2. Push device (5) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - each of the cleats comprises a joint in the form of a connecting rod (54) and connecting rod (55) system.

3. Push device (5) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said joint comprises at least: - a connecting rod (55) linking a rotating point (101) of each stop (51) to a rotating sliding point (102) relative to the cam path (6).

4. Push device (5) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said articulation comprises at least: - a connecting rod (54) linking said rotary sliding point (102) and a second fixed point (103) on said belt (31), said connecting rod (54) being mounted in rotation with respect to said rotary sliding point (102) and with respect to said second fixed rotary point (103).

5. Push device (5) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said second (103) rotating fixed point is located downstream of said at least one fixed point (100).

6. Conveyor (3) for cardboard boxes (2), comprising - at least one motorized transport surface (30) and transporting from upstream to downstream along a transport path (C), said cardboard boxes (2) resting on their bottoms on said transport surface (30), - at least one drive belt (31) for said transport surface (30), said belt (31) being endlessly mounted, i) on the one hand, with a forward path (A) from an upstream end (32) to a downstream end (33) for transferring the boxes (2) downstream, and ii) on the other hand, with a return path (R) from the downstream end (33) to the upstream end (32);each belt (31) comprising thrusting means (4) ensuring at least one thrust from upstream to downstream of each of the boxes (2) by bearing against a lateral wall (21) located upstream of each of said boxes (2), said thrusting means (4) being mounted fixed and projecting at regular intervals on each belt (31); characterized in that - said thrusting means (4) are in the form of at least one thrusting device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims; and in that the conveyor (3) further comprises - at least one endlessly mounted cam track (6) extending internally along a trajectory (T) following the tracks (A,R) of said at least one belt (31);the articulated fastening system (52) cooperating - in rotation and sliding relative to said cam path (6) for internal guidance of each of the cleats (50) along said path (T), thus ensuring a pivoting of said cleat (50) at least when passing through the downstream end (33), so as to maintain; said support of the downstream face (51) against the upstream lateral wall (21) of each of the crates (2) during their transfer.

7. Installation (7) for packaging products (1) in cardboard boxes, characterized in that it is of the form-case-packing type for cuts (20) in cardboard boxes (2) and includes at least one conveyor (3) according to the preceding claim.

8. Packaging installation (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means for forming the cuts (20) into said crates (2), as well as means for packing said products (1) into said crates (2).

9. Packaging installation according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means for forming the cuts (20) into crates (2) by packaging around said products (1).

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