Quality control procedure for cardboard packaging and associated device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for quality control of boxes (2) folded and glued along a conveyor path (T), the method comprising the following steps: - downstream of a box folding and gluing station (2), acquisition of at least one parameter (30) of a quality indicator (3) for at least one box (2) folded and glued, - analysis of the parameter (30) acquired with a reference of said parameter (30) by a control unit, - acquisition of said parameter (30) is done using image acquisition means (11) (13) to acquire at least one image (13) of at least one region (20) of said at least one box (2), the analysis step comprising a processing step of said image (13) acquired to determine the conformity of said parameter (30) of the quality indicator (3) with its reference.The invention also relates to a control device for implementing the process of the invention and a box manufacturing installation comprising said control device. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Quality control method for cardboard packaging and associated device

[0001] Technical Field: The invention relates to the field of packaging products by case packing, and relates to a method and an associated device for controlling the quality of folded and glued cardboard boxes or cases on a packaging line for products of the container type, for example a bottle or a vial, or even a cardboard carton or a can, or even of the sachet, pouch, etc. type.

[0002] Such products are obtained along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments by passing through dedicated stations, such as, for example, blowing plastic bottles or flasks, 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 crate, which is a box or container. More precisely, the products can be placed grouped inside a crate through a case packing operation, or wrapped by folding around the groups of products to create the filled crate through an operation commonly called "wrapping" (for "packaging").

[0003] 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 box may be closed at the top or open, forming a tray also called a "cardboard tray."

[0004] As is known, the automated assembly of cardboard boxes is carried out by folding from pre-cut and pre-formed cardboard sheets, also called "cutouts." Such cutouts comprise several sections and flaps, connected to each other by folding lines. In particular, a cutout includes flaps, each flap having a folding area to be brought into contact with a gluing area.

[0005] These cardboard boxes are obtained from flat cardboard sheets which are erected within a box forming means. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "box" or "crate" encompasses a partially formed cutout created by folding and gluing, which may partially surround the products. to pack them in "wrap", as well as a cut already formed into an open crate, for example of the American type, in which the products can be packed.

[0006] Further on, once the box already contains products or is intended to receive them internally during a case-packing operation, each box is moved by a suitable conveying device, transporting said box along a packaging line for said products.

[0007] In particular, the present invention makes it possible to achieve improved quality control of formed or partially formed boxes. State of the art

[0008] In this field, it is known to perform quality control, for example, quality control of the cutting process, i.e., before the case forming stage. A known alternative is to check the appearance of the case after forming, i.e., after folding and gluing. However, it is difficult to detect certain defects related to the forming stage itself, as some defects do not appear immediately, but later. For example, poor gluing of a box cannot be identified immediately after its production, but only when the poorly glued flaps are opened. The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the quality control of a formed box or crate in order to reduce problems which may occur later on the line, while allowing the detection of a large number of defects.

[0009] The invention advantageously proposes a quality control method for detecting defects, including bonding defects that are difficult to detect.

[0010] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a method and a control device enabling the simple and reliable detection of defects on folded and glued boxes.

[0011] The invention relates first to a method for quality control of folded and glued boxes along a conveyor path, the method comprising the following steps: - downstream of a box folding and gluing station, acquisition of at least one parameter of a quality indicator for at least one folded and glued box, - analysis of the acquired parameter against a reference of said parameter by a control unit. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the parameter acquisition is carried out using image acquisition means to acquire at least one image of at least one area of ​​said at least one box, and in that the analysis step comprises a step of processing said acquired image to determine the conformity of said parameter of the quality indicator with its reference.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inspection method is implemented on each folded and glued box. In particular, according to one variant, the inspection method is characterized in that: - The step of acquiring the parameter of a quality indicator is carried out for each folded and glued box, - the image acquisition methods are implemented to successively acquire at least one image of at least one area of ​​each box and - The analysis step includes a processing step for each acquired image to determine the conformity of the quality indicator parameter with its reference. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it ensures that all produced boxes conform to the quality criteria.

[0013] According to one possible variant, the control method further includes a step of storing, in memory means, references for the box folding quality indicator which must be respected by a folded and glued box and, optionally, the respective tolerance values ​​of said references.

[0014] In embodiments, the control process includes a step of determining the reference for a parameter of a quality indicator as a function of characteristics of the box format, these characteristics, in particular its dimensions, said characteristics being optionally entered or selected from a list of possible characteristics.

[0015] According to one possible variant, at least one quality indicator relates to the gluing of the box and the image acquisition means are configured to acquire at least one image of at least one gluing area of ​​the box area.

[0016] According to an additional feature, the parameters of the quality indicator relating to the bonding include at least one of the following parameters: joint size, number of bonding joints and quantity of glue for at least one area of ​​the box.

[0017] In some embodiments, advantageously, the inspection method is characterized in that at least one image of the box is acquired by using an infrared camera. In this case, it is possible to obtain very precise images of certain areas of the box, particularly with regard to the quality of folding and / or gluing.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one image of the box is an acoustic image, said image being acquired by means of an ultrasonic camera. This variant also makes it possible to obtain certain information on the quality of the folded and glued box, which cannot be obtained by a conventional camera.

[0019] According to a possible additional feature, the control process includes a step of ejecting the box from the conveyor path in case of detection of a quality problem of at least one indicator.

[0020] The invention also relates to a device for controlling the quality of folded and glued boxes, said control device comprising image acquisition means, said device being characterized in that it comprises a control unit configured to implement the control method described above.

[0021] In some embodiments, the image acquisition means of the device include an infrared camera.

[0022] In possible embodiments, the image acquisition means of the device include an ultrasonic camera.

[0023] Advantageously, in embodiments, the control device includes at least two means for acquiring images along the conveying path, to perform a second control of a folded and glued box.

[0024] According to a possible additional feature, at least one of the at least two image acquisition means is an infrared camera or an ultrasonic camera.

[0025] Finally, the invention also relates to an installation for manufacturing folded and glued boxes from cutouts, the installation comprising: - a control device as described above, - a folding and gluing station, said station comprising a gluing device for applying glue to a gluing area of ​​each cutout and a folding device configured for folding flaps of said cutout, each of said flaps having a folding area to be brought into contact with a corresponding gluing area, - a conveying system configured to bring each die-cut into the gluing device, then into the bending device along a conveying path, - said control device being disposed downstream of said folding device, -optionally, an ejection device to remove defective boxes from the conveying path.

[0026] Brief description of the figures: The invention will be better understood from the description below, which is based on possible embodiments, explained in an illustrative and in no way limiting manner, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically represents the steps of the control process according to one possible embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically represents the steps of the control process according to a possible embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.3] schematically represents a simplified view of the installation of box forming according to the invention; - [Fig. 4] schematically represents a simplified view of bonding joints before and after crushing. - Detailed description: In the following description, elements with an identical structure or analogous functions will be designated by the same reference.

[0027] The invention relates firstly to a method for controlling the quality of boxes 2 folded and glued along a conveyor path T. For the purposes of this invention, the terms box 2 and case are used interchangeably, referring to a cutout 200 that is at least partially folded and glued. In other words, the invention relates to a cutout that is at least partially formed in the form of a partial box 2, a fully formed but open cutout in the form of an open box 2, and a fully formed and closed cutout in the form of a closed box 2. After forming, that is to say after folding and gluing, box 2 is moved by a suitable conveying device, transporting said box 2 along a box 2 manufacturing installation, within a product packaging line, and more particularly along a conveying path T.

[0028] A product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular. Such products are produced 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, and sterilization or pasteurization. Once processed, the finished products are grouped into batches through a packaging stage, specifically within a box, which is a crate or container. More precisely, the products may be introduced, grouped or not, into a box through a case packing operation, or wrapped around the groups of products to create the filled box through a packaging operation commonly known as "wrap-around."

[0029] Such a box 2, dedicated to the packaging of said products, 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, 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 in the upper part or open, then forming a tray also called a "cartonnette".

[0030] In a known manner, the automated assembly of cardboard boxes is carried out by folding and gluing from pre-cut and pre-formed cardboard sheets, also called "cutouts". Such cutouts comprise several sections and flaps, connected to each other by folding lines.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "box" or "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 2, for example of the American type, defining an internal volume within which the products can be packed. In addition, once the products have been cashed in, box 2 can be closed by folding two or four flaps, then sealed. A box 2 has at least one region 20 which will be subject to quality control. In some embodiments, region 20 is a flap, or a face, or includes several folding and gluing areas.

[0032] The crates or boxes 2 circulate on a motorized cardboard crate conveyor which transports the crates resting on their bottom from an upstream end to a downstream end. In addition, means are generally 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 of the conveying path T.

[0033] The control method according to the invention includes a step of acquiring at least one parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3 for at least one folded and glued box 2, this step being carried out downstream of at least one box 2 folding and gluing station, i.e. on a cut 200 at least partially folded and glued to form a box 2, along the conveyor path T. For example, the control process may provide for the acquisition of an image 13 of at least one region 20 of a box 2, the acquisition step being carried out every ten boxes 2, or even every thirty boxes 2. However, preferably, the acquisition step of at least one parameter 30 of a quality indicator is carried out for each box 2 produced.

[0034] The quality of the boxes 2 is measured, for example, by evaluating compliance with tolerances on the geometry of the bent box produced. In the prior art, the box 2 is For simplicity, quality control is typically performed before the folded box exits the folder-gluer, meaning before the gluing process is complete. In other words, standard practice is to perform quality control on a die-cut (200 pieces) before forming, making it impossible to guarantee that the finished box will conform to the predefined geometry and dimensions.

[0035] Within the framework of the invention, a quality indicator 3 is, for example, in a non-exhaustive manner, an indicator 3 of the quality of folding, of the quality of gluing, of the absence of aesthetic defects on the faces of the box 2, etc.

[0036] A parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3 is one of the elements allowing the evaluation of the quality of said indicator 3. For example, for a folding quality indicator 3, a parameter 30 is the alignment of the flaps 20, or the alignment of the gluing area 400 with the folding area 410. For a bonding quality indicator 3, a parameter 30 could be the quantity of glue applied, the number of glue joints, the temperature of the glue joint after application, etc. Specifically, for bonding quality, a parameter 30 could be the compression of the glue joint. Compression can be measured by measuring the surface area of ​​the glue after application, measuring the thickness of the joint after compression (i.e., after forming), or by measuring the dimensions of the glue joint. Figure 4 shows a cutout 200 onto which glue has been applied to a bonding area 400, and a view of the formed box 2 during folding. The applied glue then undergoes compression, meaning it spreads over a more or less large area and maintains a certain thickness depending on the quantity applied and the application temperature.

[0037] The control method also includes a step of analyzing the parameter 30 acquired previously, said analysis step being implemented by a control unit 12. This analysis step corresponds to a processing and comparison step of the acquired parameter 30 with a reference of said parameter 30. Indeed, it is possible to store data in memory 10, or access online a database, which contains references or reference values ​​for each of the parameters 30 of one or more box quality indicators 3. Thus, the control unit 12 can perform a comparison of the acquired parameter(s) 30 with a respective reference for each of said parameters 30. In some embodiments, the control unit 12 accesses online, for example via a computer server, a database which includes the respective references of the parameters 30 of the quality indicators 3. According to one possible variant, the respective references of the parameters 30 of the quality indicators 3 are stored in memory means 10 of the control unit 12.

[0038] In embodiments, the control unit 12 performs a processing and comparison of at least one parameter 30 with its respective reference.

[0039] In some embodiments, the control unit 12 compares an average of the parameters 30, said average being representative of the quality of an indicator 3, with an average of the respective reference values ​​of said parameters 30. Indeed, for example, for the indicator 3 of bonding quality, several parameters 30 may interact, such as the number of bonding joints, the size of the joints, or the quantity of adhesive. It is then the average of these parameters 30 that determines whether or not the expected quality level for indicator 3 is achieved.

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the control unit 12 performs additional processing of the parameter(s) 30 prior to comparison with a reference. This may, for example, be mathematical processing. The control unit 12 includes a processing unit for performing the image processing 13, for example, digital processing.

[0041] The control method according to the invention is characterized in that the parameter 30 acquisition step is implemented by image acquisition means 11 13, to successively acquire at least one image 13 of at least one region 20 of at least one box 2, preferably for each box 2, and in that the analysis step includes the analysis of each image 13 acquired to determine the parameter 30 of the quality indicator 3. In other words, the control unit 12 is configured to process the acquired images 13 in such a way as to measure one or more parameters 30 of at least one quality indicator 3 in order to verify, based on the measured parameters 30, whether one or more boxes 2 have defects such that said boxes 2 cannot conform to the predefined tolerances. The control unit 12 therefore processes the acquired images in such a way as to measure, for each folded and glued box 2, at least one parameter 30 of at least one quality indicator 3 of the folded and glued box 2.

[0042] In embodiments, this analysis step includes the calculation by said control unit 12, for at least one folded and glued box 2, of the actual value of a parameter 30 of an indicator 3. Preferably, this analysis step is implemented for each folded and glued box 2.

[0043] According to a possible additional feature, the control unit 12 calculates the actual value of at least one quality indicator 3 as a function of at least two acquired parameters 30.

[0044] The control unit 12 then performs a comparison, for at least one folded and glued box 2, of the actual values ​​with the reference values ​​of the quality indicators 3, in order to verify whether said folded and glued box 2 conforms. Preferably, this comparison step is carried out for each folded and glued box 2.

[0045] In embodiments, the control unit 12 applies a tolerance threshold to the reference values ​​of the parameters 30 of the quality indicators 3. This tolerance threshold can, in particular, be determined during a step in the implementation of the control process on a sample of boxes 2.

[0046] In some embodiments, the inspection process includes a step of determining the respective reference values ​​of the parameters 30 of an indicator 3. This step involves carrying out the inspection process on a sample of boxes 2. Advantageously, this step can also allow the operating parameters of the folding and gluing station to be determined. In particular, it is possible to determine the operating parameters of the gluing device 4 and / or the folding device 5, and their associated modules 40, 41, 50, 52. The operating parameters are, for example, the glue application temperature for the gluing device 4, or the folding pressure for the folding device 5.

[0047] In embodiments, the control process includes a step of storing references for the indicator 3 of folding quality of boxes 2 and optionally the respective tolerance values ​​which must be respected by a folded and glued box 2 in memory means 10, in order that said folded and glued box 2 is of satisfactory quality. Of course, the storage of references for each parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3 can be done locally, in memory resources 10 belonging to the control unit 12, or online. Online storage is a model of computer data storage in which the data, said to be "online," is stored remotely in logical pools and is accessible to users via a network, usually the Internet.

[0048] The references for the parameters 30 are preferably individual values ​​for at least one parameter 30 of an indicator 3, or an average of individual reference values ​​of several parameters 30 in order to establish a reference value for a quality indicator 3. The tolerance values ​​correspond to a tolerance threshold, for which parameter 30 will be considered to meet the reference standard. Beyond this threshold, parameter 30 of quality indicator 3 will be considered non-compliant, and box 2 may have defects and therefore be considered defective. In other words, when parameter 30 deviates from the reference, outside the tolerance values, quality indicator 3 shows a quality defect on the folded and glued box 2.

[0049] Further, in some embodiments, during the analysis step, the control unit 12 performs a comparison of the acquired images 13 with a reference image of said parameter 30. In this case, it is not necessary to perform extensive computer processing of the image 13 in order to obtain the actual value of the parameter 30. In other words, it is then possible to interpret the image 13 without determining the value of the parameter 30.

[0050] A schematic view of the control process according to one embodiment is visible in [Fig.1], on which one can see the acquisition of images 13, either on a partially open box 2, or on a closed box 2, and then the processing of these images by a control unit 12, said control unit 12 being configured to determine whether at least one parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3 conforms to a reference.

[0051] As shown in [Fig. 1], a die 200 is introduced onto a conveyor path T to undergo a gluing step, performed by a gluing device 4, followed by a folding step, performed by a folding device 5. The die 200s and boxes 2 travel on a conveyor means 6, from upstream to downstream, along a conveyor path T.

[0052] According to the invention, the reference of a parameter 30 can be represented by a value, or by an image of said parameter 30. The analysis step can therefore consist of processing the image 13 to obtain the value of at least one parameter 30, or consist of superimposing an acquired image 13 with a reference image 13.

[0053] Image processing 13 is carried out after the acquisition step and includes a digitization substep and, optionally, a calculation substep.

[0054] In embodiments, the image processing step 13 allows the processed image 13 to be interpreted in order to determine the value of a parameter 30.

[0055] According to a possible additional feature, the control process includes a step of determining the reference based on characteristics of the box format 2. These characteristics include its dimensions, and are optionally entered or selected from a list of possible characteristics, via an interface of the control unit 12. This reference determination step can be applied to a parameter 30 of an indicator 3, or to the average of several parameters 30, to establish a reference value for an indicator 3. It is also possible to perform a calculation of a reference for several parameters 30 by assigning coefficients to each of said parameters 30, according to their importance in the calculation of the quality indicator 3.

[0056] According to one possible variant, the control unit 12 is further configured to compare, for at least one box 2, the actual values ​​of the parameters 30 with the corresponding reference values ​​in order to check whether the box 2 being checked is compliant, i.e. whether the actual values ​​of the parameters 30 are compliant with the corresponding references, including possibly compliant with said references to which a tolerance range is applied. Preferably, this step is performed for each box 2 that has been folded and glued. In particular, according to one possible variant, the control unit 12 checks whether the absolute value of the deviations between the actual values ​​of the parameters 30 and the respective reference values ​​is less than the respective tolerance values.

[0057] In embodiments, at least one quality indicator 3 relates to the bonding, and at least one parameter 30 relates to a bonding joint, and the image acquisition means 11 13 are configured to acquire at least one image 13 of at least one bonding area 400 of the region 20 of at least one box 2. In other words, in this case, the region 20 of the box 2 corresponds to at least one bonding area 400 and an image 13 of said area 400 is acquired in order to check the conformity of said box 2. Preferably, this acquisition step is implemented for each folded and glued box.

[0058] According to a possible additional feature, the parameters 30 of the quality indicator 3 relating to the bonding of the box 2 include at least one of the following parameters: dimensions of the joint when the latter is crushed, number of bonding joints and quantity of bonding for at least one region 20 of said box 2, and in particular for at least one bonding zone 400.

[0059] In some embodiments, during the image acquisition step 13, at least one image 13 of the box 2 is acquired by means of an infrared camera, or so-called thermal camera. In other words, the image acquisition means 11 include an infrared camera. Indeed, the inventors observed that acquiring an image 13 using an infrared camera made it possible to gather particularly relevant information for evaluating the quality of an indicator 3, for example, for bonding. It is then possible to obtain information concerning the compression of the bond joint, or even concerning the temperature of the joint after the forming stage, that is, after the bonding and folding of the cut 200 to form a box 2. All objects emit infrared energy, known as a "thermal signature." Using an infrared camera in the inspection process allows for the detection and measurement of the infrared energy of objects, particularly the bonded joint. The camera then converts this infrared data into an electronic image that indicates the Apparent surface temperature of the inspected object. The surface temperature parameter 30 is an important parameter for the bond quality indicator 3. For example, it has been observed that, in the case of insufficient temperature, the bonding compound does not spread properly, resulting in a poor bond. Other factors and parameters 30 can influence the quality of the bond indicator 3, such as insufficient pressure, an incorrect amount of adhesive, an incorrect application temperature, incorrect positioning of the box 2, etc. The infrared camera allows, in particular, the acquisition of an image 13, which corresponds to a color map of the apparent temperature of the bonded joint. A different color is assigned to each temperature value. The resulting color matrix is ​​sent to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 can then either establish an average joint temperature and compare this value to the reference value for parameter 30 of the bonded joint, or overlay this map onto a reference map. In particular, a temperature that is too high after pressing can cause bonding defects in box 2. Monitoring the temperature after pressing and / or the crushing of the bonding joint are therefore particularly relevant parameters 30 of the bonding quality indicator 3.

[0060] In some embodiments, the infrared camera also includes a visible light camera, which automatically captures a standard digital image. The control unit 12 can then combine the two images in order to more accurately measure the parameters 30 relating to the bonding quality indicator 3.

[0061] In some embodiments, during the image acquisition step 13, at least one image 13 of the box 2 is acquired by implementing an ultrasonic camera, the image 13 then being an acoustic image. In other words, the image acquisition means 11 include an ultrasonic camera. The acoustic image 13 translates the sounds it hears into a visual representation in order to quickly locate the problem area(s) 20. In particular, the ultrasonic camera makes it possible to identify differences in material and thus, for example, to locate the glue joint or a fold in the box 2.

[0062] According to one possible variant, the image acquisition means 11 13 comprise an infrared camera and an ultrasonic camera.

[0063] In embodiments, the quality control process for folded and glued boxes 2 includes a step of ejecting the box 2 from the conveying path T if a quality problem is detected in at least one indicator 3. This step is visible in particular in [Fig.1], the ejection being implemented by an ejection device 7. In any case, during the image analysis step 13 by the control unit 12, if for example the parameter 30 exceeds its respective reference value, possibly including taking into account an allowed tolerance range, then the control unit 12 issues a negative control diagnosis. In this case, with boxes 2 traveling on a conveyor equipped with indexing means, the control unit 12 sends an ejection signal to any box 2 exhibiting a defect in the conveyor path T, and the defective box 2 is ejected. Any known box ejection device can be used to perform this step.

[0064] Fig. 2 schematically represents a possible embodiment in which the quality control of the boxes 2 is carried out after packing the products by a packaging module 51, for example of the wrap-around type. A die-cut 200 is introduced onto a conveyor path T, on a conveyor means 6, for example from a stack of die-cuts. The die-cut is then processed by a first gluing module 40 and then by a first folding module 50. As shown in [Fig. 2], the products are grouped into batches and then placed in a packaging module 51. The flaps 20 of the box are then folded in a second folding module 52. Following this folding, the data acquisition means 11 are implemented; that is, the inspection step is carried out immediately after the folding step by the second folding module 52, which folds the box 2 around the products after they have been placed in the case. Thus, it is possible to check the quality of the boxes 2 before they are sealed by a sealing station 53 located downstream. [Fig. 2] also shows a second gluing module 41.

[0065] In embodiments, the control process includes a second step of acquiring at least one parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3 for at least one folded and glued box 2, by implementing image acquisition means 11 13, to perform a second control of said box 2. This second control is carried out downstream of the conveying path T. Preferably, this second check is carried out for each successive box 2, each box 2 then undergoing two successive checks.

[0066] Figure 2 shows an example of an embodiment in which a second inspection is carried out after the box 2 has passed through a second gluing module 41. It is particularly advantageous to perform a second quality control check to verify the accuracy of the references and, where applicable, the tolerance values. Indeed, since the first inspection is carried out, for example, directly after the first gluing and folding modules 40 and 50, respectively, the folding and gluing step is not yet completely finished. For example, the glue applied to a region 20 of a box 2 has not yet dried. Thus, by carrying out a second control, it is possible to evaluate the relevance of said references and / or tolerance ranges for at least one parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3.

[0067] In embodiments, the method includes a step of transmitting control instructions by the control unit 12. In particular, the control unit 12, after the image processing step 13, and in the event of non-conformity of one or more parameters 30 of a quality indicator 3, is configured to transmit folding and / or gluing instructions. In other words, the control unit 12, according to one possible variant, determines the causes of the deviation of one or more parameters 30 of a quality indicator 3 from its respective reference and transmits instructions concerning the folding and / or gluing parameters. For example, the control unit 12 may transmit instructions concerning the gluing temperature.

[0068] The invention further relates to a device 1 for quality control of folded and glued boxes 2, said device 1 comprising image acquisition means 11, and a control unit 12 configured to implement the control method described above.

[0069] In some embodiments, the image acquisition means 11 include an infrared camera. Obtaining a thermal image 13 of a region 20 of a box 2 is particularly advantageous because the infrared camera makes it possible to obtain information not accessible to a camera in visible light.

[0070] In some embodiments, the image acquisition means 11 include an ultrasonic camera. Obtaining an acoustic image 13 of a region 20 of a box 2 is particularly advantageous because the ultrasonic camera makes it possible to obtain an image that allows for the identification of material differences and thus the localization, for example, of a bonding joint. Thus, in the event of quality control, it is possible to easily identify a bad setting of the pressers, or a bad position of box 2, if it is observed that the gluing joint is not correctly positioned.

[0071] According to a possible additional feature, the control device 1 includes a display screen to indicate, by specific messages and / or images and / or visual signals in general, that at least one box 2 is defective. In addition, in this case, the control unit 12 is configured to control the display screen so that it displays a message and / or image and / or visual signals in general to signal to an operator that the box 2 which has just been inspected does not conform to at least one of the tolerance values.

[0072] In some embodiments, the control device 1, and more particularly the control unit 12, is further configured to store in memory means 10, for each box format 2, the corresponding actual values ​​for at least one parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3, the indication of these quality indicators 3 as well as the reference values ​​and possibly the respective tolerance values.

[0073] The invention also relates to an installation 100 for manufacturing folded and glued boxes 2, said installation 100 comprising a control device 1 as described above. Installation 100 according to the invention also includes: - a folding and gluing station, said station comprising a gluing device 4 for applying glue to a gluing area 400 of a cut 200 and a folding device 5 configured for folding flaps 20 of said cut 200, each of said flaps 20 having a folding area 410 to be brought into contact with a corresponding gluing area 400 and - a conveying means 6 configured to bring each cut 200 into the gluing device 4 and then into the folding device 5, along a conveying path T. The folding and gluing station corresponds to a machine called a case former and the embodiments represented here are purely illustrative and not limiting. Furthermore, according to the invention, the control device 1 is located downstream of the folding device 5.

[0074] The gluing device 4 can include different gluing modules, including a first gluing module 40 and a second gluing module 41, depending on the needs of the installation 100 and the type of boxes 2 to be formed.

[0075] Similarly, the folding device 5 may include different folding modules, including a first folding module 50 and a second folding module 52.

[0076] The conveying means 6, according to a possible additional feature, includes means for ensuring the indexed positioning of each of the boxes 2, namely that each cut 200 or each box, empty or filled with products, is spaced from the preceding and following ones at regular intervals. Furthermore, these indexed positioning means are provided at least to ensure that the box is pushed from the upstream to the downstream end of the conveying path T. To this end, the positioning means may include a sensor, for example, an infrared sensor, to detect the passage of each cut 200 and / or each box 2 over the conveying means 6.

[0077] In some embodiments, the installation 100 also includes an ejection device 7 for removing defective boxes 2 from the transport path T. In this embodiment, the signaling by the control unit 12 of the non-boxes 2 conforming is followed by the activation of means for diverting the ejection device 7 to divert the defective box 2 from the conveying path T.

[0078] According to one possible variant, the control device 1 of the installation 100 comprises two image acquisition means 11 13 along the conveying path T, the second image acquisition means 11 13 being located downstream of the first acquisition means 11. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it allows for a second inspection. The second acquisition means 11 are connected electronically, physically or otherwise, to the control unit 12. Thus, if defects are detected only in the second acquisition means 11, the control unit 12 is configured to modify the tolerance values ​​of the parameter(s) 30 of the relevant quality indicator 3. For example, if the first acquisition means 11 of the control device 1 acquires an image 13 of a box 2 deemed compliant, for example, through the analysis of a glue joint on a box 2, but the analysis of the second image 13 obtained by the second acquisition means 11 reveals that the box 2 in question is now non-compliant, for example, due to a flap 20 coming loose, then it is necessary to update the reference values, and in particular the tolerance values.

[0079] In embodiments, the control unit 12 exchanges information with the various stations of the installation 100, and in particular with the gluing device 4 and / or with the folding device 5, including with their respective modules 40, 41, 50, 52. In particular, according to a possible additional feature, the control unit 12 is set to automatically configure the folding device 5 and / or the gluing device 4, depending on the format of the box 2.

[0080] By way of illustrative example, the control unit 12 is configured to transmit to the gluing device 4, and / or to each of its modules 40, 41, the quantity of glue, the temperature of the glue, the location of the gluing joints, according to the format of the box 2. Indeed, the acquired image 13 can help identify a large number of problems, such as incorrect application temperature, incorrect joint location, excess glue, etc. The control unit 12, in the event of a deviation of one or more parameters 30 of an indicator 3 from its respective reference value, can carry out a causal analysis and transmit, via a communication network, instructions to the gluing device 4 and / or the folding device 5 of the installation 100. To facilitate diagnosis, according to one possible variant, the control unit 12 can store a number of faults related to a deviation of a parameter 30 from a reference value.

[0081] In some embodiments, the control unit 12 comprises: - a database in which are recorded control programs for the gluing device 4 and / or the folding device 5, said database being recorded in a memory device or stored on an independent server, - a processor connected to the memory to apply the instructions of the programs and - a communication interface connected to the processor for communication at least with the electronic unit of the gluing device 4 and / or the folding device 5.

[0082] According to one possible variant, the control unit 12 includes a calculation unit enabling the generation of real-time instructions based on the actual value of at least one parameter 30 of a quality indicator 3, for example the application temperature of the glue in the gluing device 4. The electronic control unit then acts as a slave controller controlled by unit 12, known as the master unit. According to a possible additional feature, the electronic control unit is programmed to transmit the instructions necessary for the proper execution of the folding and gluing process.

[0083] The control unit 12 may include a control screen for the installation 100 with a dedicated human-machine interface allowing the entry of information, in particular the entry of information concerning the type of boxes 2.

[0084] In embodiments, the installation 100 further comprises a packaging module 51 and / or a case-packing module 54, i.e., product packaging, said installation 100 being located in a product packaging line. The packaging module 51 and the case-filling module 54 are configured to package a product or batch of products using a cardboard die-cut 200, in the form of a box 2. A wrap-around module is possible, which forms the die-cut 200 into a box 2 around the product or batch of products, or a module that allows the product(s) to be inserted into the partially formed box 2. The products can be containers, bags, or pouches. They are designed to hold liquids, granules, or powders. Specifically, the products are primary packaging, each product being counted individually and packaged with other products in batches.

[0085] Fig. 3 schematically represents an installation 100 for manufacturing folded and glued boxes 2, said installation 100 further comprising a box-packing module 54.

[0086] The 200 die-cuts are conveyed along a path T from upstream to downstream, to be formed into boxes 2. To do this, each die-cut 200 is processed by a first pre-folding module 50. Then, a first gluing module 40 applies glue to gluing areas 400. A second folding module 52 will perform the folding of the folding areas 410 onto the gluing areas 400. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the installation 100 also includes a case-filling module 54. It is after the case-filling module 54 that the final folding and gluing is carried out, by a second gluing module 41 and a closing station 53, in order to completely close the folded and glued box 2. The conveying means 6, in certain embodiments, and particularly when the installation 100 includes a packaging module 51 or a case-packing module 54, can be replaced, after said modules 51 and 54, by a second conveying means. For example, for a wrap-around type module, the die-cuts 200 are introduced onto the product conveying path, not shown here. The boxes 2 containing the products then travel on another conveying means, in particular the product conveying means. Installation 100, according to one possible variant, therefore includes a means of conveying products, not shown. The conveying means 6 transports 200 cuts and 2 boxes at least partially formed at least from upstream to downstream of a folding and gluing station, that is to say that the conveying path T extends at least from upstream of a gluing device 4 to downstream of a folding device 5.

[0087] The control device 1 can be seen in [Fig.3]. In some embodiments, the control device 1 of the installation 100 may include several image acquisition means 11 13 in order to perform multiple checks, located along the conveyor path T. In particular, it is conceivable, for example, to have first image acquisition means 11 13 to perform a first check of a box 2 after the second folding module 52, and then second image acquisition means 11 13 to perform a second check of said box 2 after the closing station 53, which will close said box 2 after the products have been packed. Preferably, the various image acquisition means 11 13 are implemented for each box 2 folded and glued in the installation 100.

[0088] Fig. 3 also shows an ejection device 7 for ejecting defective boxes 2.

[0089] Thus, the control method according to the invention makes it possible to detect a large number of defects on a folded and glued box 2, and possibly to resolve these by modifying the operating parameters of the installation 100.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for quality control of boxes (2) folded and glued along a conveyor path (T), the method comprising the following steps: - downstream of a box folding and gluing station (2), acquisition of at least one parameter (30) of a quality indicator (3) for at least one box (2) folded and glued, - analysis of the parameter (30) acquired with a reference of said parameter (30) by a control unit, the method characterized in that the acquisition of said parameter (30) is carried out using image acquisition means (11) (13) to acquire at least one image (13) of at least one region (20) of said at least one box (2), and in that the analysis step comprises a processing step of said image (13) acquired to determine the conformity of said parameter (30) of the quality indicator (3) with its reference.

2. A control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the step of acquiring the parameter (30) of a quality indicator (3) is carried out for each box (2) folded and glued, - the means (11) for acquiring the image (13) are implemented to successively acquire at least one image (13) of at least one region (20) of each box (2) and - the analysis step includes a processing step of each image (13) acquired to determine the conformity of said parameter (30) of the quality indicator (3) with its reference.

3. A control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a step of storing in memory means (10) the references for the indicator (3) of folding quality of boxes (2) which must be respected by a folded and glued box (2) and, optionally, the respective tolerance values ​​of said references.

4. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of determining the reference for a parameter (30) of a quality indicator (3) as a function of characteristics of the box format (2), these characteristics, in particular its dimensions, said characteristics being optionally entered or selected from a list of possible characteristics.

5. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one quality indicator (3) relates to the gluing of the box (2) and in that the image acquisition means (11) for (13) are configured to acquire at least one image (13) of at least one gluing area (400) of said region (20) of said box (2).

6. A control method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the parameters (30) of the quality indicator (3) relating to the bonding include at least one of the following parameters: joint dimensions, number of bonding joints and quantity of glue for at least one region (20) of the box (2).

7. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one image (13) of the box (2) is acquired by the implementation of an infrared camera.

8. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one image (13) of the box (2) is an acoustic image (13), said image (13) being acquired by the implementation of an ultrasonic camera.

9. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a step of ejecting the box (2) from the conveyor path (T) in the event of detection of a quality problem of at least one indicator (3).

10. Device (1) for quality control of folded and glued boxes (2), said control device (1) comprising image acquisition means (11), device (1) characterized in that it comprises a control unit (12) configured to implement the control method according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. Control device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the image acquisition means (11) comprise an infrared camera.

12. Control device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the image acquisition means (11) comprise an ultrasonic camera.

13. Control device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it comprises, along the path (T) of convoying, at least two means (11) of image acquisition (13), to carry out a second check of a folded and glued box (2).

14. Control device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the at least two image acquisition means (11) (13) is an infrared camera or an ultrasonic camera.

15. Installation (100) for manufacturing boxes (2) folded and glued from cutouts (200), said installation (100) comprising: - a control device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, - a folding and gluing station, said station comprising a gluing device (4) for applying glue to a gluing area (400) of each cutout (200) and a folding device (5) configured to fold flaps (20) of said cutout (200), each of said flaps (20) having a folding area (410) to be brought into contact with a corresponding gluing area (400), - a conveying means (6) configured to bring each die (200) into the gluing device (4), then into the folding device (5) along a conveying path (T), - said control device (1) being disposed downstream of said folding device (5), - optionally, an ejection device (7) to remove defective boxes (2) from the conveying path (T).

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