Packaging manufacturing process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing packaging, comprising successive steps of: - cutting at least one opening (110) through a first sheet (100) of cardboard or paper, - laminating a second sheet (200) of cardboard or paper onto at least a portion of the first sheet, - cutting the two sheets along a contour that passes through said opening, and - folding the two sheets to obtain said packaging. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Method for manufacturing packaging Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the manufacture of paper or cardboard packaging.

[0002] It relates more particularly to a method of manufacturing packaging comprising several superimposed sheets of paper or cardboard.

[0003] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the production of packaging for cosmetic products, spirits, or more generally for products with high added value.

[0004] It also relates to packaging obtained according to the aforementioned process. State of the art

[0005] It is known to use cardboard boxes of all kinds and shapes to protect articles of varying sizes during transport. These boxes may have a rough or more finished appearance, particularly when they contain valuable items.

[0006] For valuable and fragile items, thick, shock-resistant packaging is generally used.

[0007] We know from document FR3118949 a cardboard package made of two sheets of cardboard glued together.

[0008] In this document, the two sheets of cardboard are cut to the desired shape before being glued together flat. Then, these two sheets are folded to form a package comprising an outer frame and an inner lining.

[0009] One disadvantage of this type of packaging is that it is difficult to fold it into volume, given the multiple layers of cardboard.

[0010] Another drawback is the difficulty of gluing the two layers together in the desired position, perfectly centered relative to each other. Such a gluing operation cannot be performed on conventional machines, given that the contours of the two layers are neither rectangular nor even of equal dimensions. Consequently, this gluing operation is sometimes done manually, which is costly and does not guarantee precise centering of the two layers. If the two layers of cardboard are not sufficiently centered, it will not be possible to fold them to create the packaging.

[0011] It is therefore understood that the manufacture of the packaging described in this document is not easy.

[0012] Consequently, such packaging is generally delivered assembled (i.e. put into volume), which proves to be expensive. Presentation of the invention

[0013] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention proposes a method for manufacturing packaging comprising successive steps of: - cutting at least one opening through a first sheet of cardboard or paper, - laminating a second sheet of cardboard or paper onto at least part of the first sheet, - cutting the two sheets along a contour that passes through said opening, and - folding the two sheets so as to obtain said packaging.

[0014] Here, it will be noted that each sheet can be formed of one or more layers.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the opening makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the packaging in particular areas, which facilitates its folding and aesthetically improves its final appearance.

[0016] In addition, the invention proposes to cut the two sheets once they have been laminated, which makes it possible to carry out this cutting step as well as the previous steps in conventional machines (in particular when the sheets have rectangular contours), with high precision.

[0017] Consequently, the packaging thus obtained is less expensive to manufacture and deliver. Indeed, it is easier to fold and assemble into volume, so that it can be delivered flat and assembled into volume by a customer.

[0018] Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the manufacturing process according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: - part of the second sheet located opposite said opening belongs to a gusset between two walls of said packaging; - part of the second sheet located opposite said opening belongs to a folded edge (preferably at 180 degrees) against a wall of said packaging; - the second sheet has exactly one layer of paper or cardboard and the first sheet has exactly two layers of paper or cardboard, one of which is corrugated and sandwiched between the other layer and the layer of the second sheet; - the first sheet has exactly three layers of paper or cardboard, one of which is corrugated and sandwiched between the other layers, and the second sheet has exactly one layer of paper or cardboard; - during the cutting stage of said at least one opening, the first sheet has a rectangular outline; - during the lamination stage, the second sheet has an outline that overlaps the outline of the first sheet entirely or at least in three distinct and non-coaxial areas; - during the cutting stage of said at least one opening, it is planned to cut at least one slit through the first sheet, along a fold line between two walls of said packaging; - before the laminating stage, a stage of printing decorations on the second sheet and / or on the first sheet is planned; - the cutting step of said at least one opening is carried out on an autoplating machine and the laminating step is carried out on a display machine; - each opening has a closed contour; - at the laminating stage, the two sheets are flat; - where a gusset is provided between two walls of said packaging, the folding step includes an operation of gluing one panel of the gusset against one of the two walls followed by other operations, said gluing operation preferably being carried out in the same place as the steps preceding the folding step while the other operations are carried out in a separate place.

[0019] The invention also relates to packaging obtained according to a process as described above.

[0020] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0021] The following description with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0022] On the attached drawings:

[0023] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of two sheets used in the framework of the manufacturing process for packaging according to the invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the two sheets, after a step of cutting out one of these sheets;

[0025] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the two sheets, after a step of lamination of these sheets;

[0026] [Fig.4] is a homologous view of that of [Fig.3], on which is represented the pattern of a cutting and embossing die for the two sheets;

[0027] [Fig.5] is a schematic flat view of the two sheets, after a cutting step of these sheets;

[0028] [Fig.6] is a schematic flat view of the two sheets, after a step of gluing and folding these sheets;

[0029] [Fig.7] is a schematic perspective view of the resulting packaging.

[0030] Figure 7 shows an example of packaging 300 intended to receive any article.

[0031] This 300 package is illustrated as an example only.

[0032] It has a parallelepiped shape and is open on top.

[0033] It comprises a rectangular base 310, bordered on top by four side walls, including two large opposite side walls 330 and two small opposite side walls 320.

[0034] This packaging 300 is made from sheets of paper and / or cardboard.

[0035] A sheet of paper or cardboard is a thin, opaque and flexible wall, made up of Made from pressed and dried plant fibers (mainly cellulose), such a sheet can consist of one or more superimposed layers. These layers can be flat or corrugated.

[0036] A sheet of paper is distinguished from a sheet of cardboard by its thickness and density (we speak of grammage).

[0037] In practice, a sheet of paper has a single thin layer (generally about 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm thick).

[0038] A sheet of cardboard is thicker than a sheet of paper (over 2 mm thick approximately) and has a higher basis weight (over 224 g / m²). It can be made up of several layers of paper.

[0039] Such sheets of paper or cardboard serve as raw material for making the packaging 300 and can be processed automatically by machines designed for this purpose, typically by an autoplatine and / or a display machine.

[0040] An autoplatine refers to an automatic machine used for cutting and / or embossing cardboard or paper (embossing consisting of creasing the cardboard). It is equipped with specific cutting and / or creasing dies and, through a pressure process, creates a blank 300' ([Fig. 5]) which can be easily folded to obtain the packaging 300. An autoplatine generally operates in combination with an automatic sheet loading system that precisely positions the sheets for cutting and creasing operations, thus optimizing productivity and the quality of the finished products.

[0041] An example of an autoplatinum usable within the framework of the present invention is marketed by the company BOBST under the reference EXPERCUT145PER.

[0042] A laminating machine, also called a mounting machine, is an automatic machine used to assemble several sheets of paper and / or cardboard by gluing them together to create a stronger and more durable packaging product. The laminating machine generally operates in combination with an automatic sheet loading system.

[0043] It is designed to apply an adhesive (typically a film of glue of constant thickness) to a sheet, then to place another sheet on top and press them together with uniform pressure, so as to ensure perfect adhesion between the two sheets.

[0044] Such a machine is equipped with stops to precisely align and center the two sheets in order to guarantee the most accurate superposition possible.

[0045] An example of a display unit usable within the framework of the present invention is marketed by the company GREVE under the reference PROLINER VKM.

[0046] It is understood here that these two machines only work with sheets of paper or cardboard of predetermined contours, preferably rectangular contours, to allow their automatic loading.

[0047] At this stage, we can describe how the 300 package is manufactured.

[0048] In practice, the process is carried out in six successive steps.

[0049] The first step consists of manufacturing or acquiring two separate sheets of paper or cardboard.

[0050] These two sheets could both be single-layered. Alternatively, they could both be multi-layered.

[0051] In practice, as shown in [Fig. 1], the first sheet 100 is a multi-layered cardboard panel. Here, it comprises exactly three layers 100A, 100B, 100C of paper, including a corrugated layer 100B sandwiched between two flat layers 100A, 100C. Alternatively, it could comprise more layers (for example, five layers, two of which are corrugated).

[0052] This first sheet is manufactured here on the laminating machine, from rolls of paper. It then preferentially has a rectangular contour.

[0053] The second sheet 200 comprises exactly one layer 200A of paper or cardboard, with a basis weight of between 180 and 380 g / m2. It is, for example, taken from a roll of paper from which a piece is cut to the desired size. It then preferably has a rectangular shape.

[0054] This second sheet 200 is intended to be on the outside of the packaging 300, while the first sheet 100 is intended to be turned towards the inside.

[0055] The second step of the manufacturing process for packaging 300 is optional.

[0056] It consists of printing patterns on the second sheet 200, on one of its two sides (its external side intended to be turned to the outside of the packaging 300).

[0057] In practice, this involves printing 200 designs on this second sheet. It is also possible to print technical markings such as crosses, which could prove useful when handling this sheet.

[0058] This step can for example be carried out on the second sheet 200 once it has been cut out to present a rectangular outline.

[0059] As shown in [Fig.2], in a third step, it is planned to cut at least one opening 110 through the first multilayer sheet 100.

[0060] Preferably, at least two separate openings 110 are to be cut. In practice, four can be cut, distributed so as to be at the four corners of a rectangle centered on the first sheet 100.

[0061] Here, "opening" means a cut through the first layer with a closed contour.

[0062] Here, and preferably, each opening 110 has two straight sides inclined at right angles. Each opening could thus have the shape of a right triangle. Preferably, each opening 110 has a rectangular or even square shape.

[0063] In practice, this step is carried out on the autoplatform, automatically (no human operator comes to handle the first sheet).

[0064] Here, only the first sheet 100 is to be cut so as to form the openings 110, but it is not yet planned to score it.

[0065] The second sheet 200 is not cut at this stage.

[0066] The fourth step consists of gluing the two sheets together (see [Fig.3]).

[0067] This operation is carried out on the display machine. It consists of applying a film of glue to one of the two sheets 100, 200, before bringing the two sheets into contact and pressing them together.

[0068] The adhesive film is applied to the second sheet 200, since it has no opening. The first sheet 100 is then placed on top of the second sheet 200.

[0069] It is understood that at this stage, the glue film is unnecessary at the openings 110 made in the first sheet 100. However, it is applied over the entire surface of the second sheet 200 since the display machine used does not necessarily allow the glue to be applied only in certain areas.

[0070] The glue film applied here is thin enough not to overflow the openings 100 when the two glues are compressed against each other, which therefore does not compromise the cleanliness of the display and that of the packaging 300.

[0071] Generally, this operation is carried out by grasping the first sheet 100 using suction cups, then moving it to place it on the second sheet 200 coated with glue. Preferably, the openings 110 are then distributed at a distance from the gripping areas of the first sheet 100 by the suction cups.

[0072] During this step, the second sheet 200 preferably has an outline that completely overlaps the outline of the first sheet 100. This makes it easier to center the two sheets. However, a centering defect at this stage would not compromise the manufacturing quality of the packaging 300.

[0073] In a fifth step, it is planned to simultaneously cut the two laminated sheets 100, 200.

[0074] This operation is preferably carried out on the autoplatinum, again in an automatic manner.

[0075] For this purpose, a Mat matrix is ​​used, an example of whose shape is illustrated here in [Fig.4], in projection onto the two sheets 100, 200.

[0076] It is preferably made by cutting the two sheets 100, 200 from the inside, that is to say from the side of the first sheet 100.

[0077] The cut is such that it passes through the openings 110. In other words, the contour along which the two sheets 100, 200 are cut leads into each of the openings 110.

[0078] Thus, the resulting 300' blank ([Fig.5]) is such that it has on its edge areas formed from an overlap of the two sheets 100, 200 and areas formed from the second sheet 200 only (at the level of the openings 110).

[0079] This die-cutting machine is special in that the thickness of the cardboard or paper to be cut is not the same at the openings 110 as elsewhere. It is therefore important to carefully adjust the die-cutting machine accordingly. However, a standard die-cutting machine can be used for this purpose.

[0080] During this step, it is preferably planned to jointly cut and score the sheets so as to form pre-folding lines (facilitating the subsequent folding of the 300' blank).

[0081] The creasing is preferably carried out at this stage, and not previously (for example at the time of cutting the openings 101), which ensures good centering of the cutting lines in relation to the folding lines.

[0082] In a sixth and final step, the resulting blank 300' is folded to obtain the package 300 ([Fig.7]). This operation can be carried out automatically on a folding machine, or manually.

[0083] It consists of folding the panels of the blank 300', separated by fold lines, relative to each other, into the desired shape. These panels can be held in this position either by means of specific shapes of the blank or by using glue.

[0084] During this operation, the first single-layer areas (those located opposite the openings 110) form bellows SI between the side walls 320, 330 adjacent to the packaging 300 and / or the rims.

[0085] The term "folding edge" refers to two panels folded 180° against each other so that the folded area is visible and aesthetically pleasing, rather than formed by the unsightly edge of the cardboard. Such a folding edge also makes the packaging more resistant to moisture, as moisture cannot penetrate between the layers of cardboard.

[0086] The fact that the flanges and / or bellows are formed from single-layer parts makes it possible to avoid over-thicknesses and to facilitate the folding of the blank.

[0087] The embodiment illustrated in the figures can be described in more detail so as to give an illustrative example of the invention (with overhangs and bellows).

[0088] In this example, as shown in [Fig.5], the flan 300' has a cross shape, with a rectangular central panel 340 and four branches Bl, B2 extending from the four sides of this central panel 340.

[0089] Each branch Bl, B2 has a pseudo-rectangular shape, with one side which is attached to the edge of the central panel 340 and an opposite edge whose two corners are cut obliquely.

[0090] Due to the rectangular shape of the central panel 340, the Bise branches connecting to the long sides of the central panel 340 (hereinafter referred to as wide branches Bl) are identical but different from the other two branches (hereinafter referred to as narrow branches B2). Specifically, the oblique cutouts at the corners of the wide branches Bl are spaced apart, whereas these cutouts meet for the two narrow branches B2.

[0091] Each broad branch Bl is here formed of three panels, of which: - a first rectangular panel 341, of identical length to that of the central panel 340, hinged on the corresponding long side of the central panel 340 by a first folding line Ll, - a second rectangular panel 342 of similar size to the first panel 341, which is hinged to the first panel 341 by a second folding line L2 (this second folding line extending parallel to the first folding line L1), and - a third panel 343 in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, articulated on the second panel 342 by a third folding line L3 (this third folding line L3 extending parallel to the first folding line L1).

[0092] Each narrow branch B2 is here formed of three similar panels, of which: - a first rectangular panel 345, of identical length to the width of the central panel 340, hinged on the corresponding short side of the central panel 340 by a first folding line L5, - a second rectangular panel 346 of similar size to the first panel 345, which is hinged to the first panel 345 by a second folding line L6 (this second folding line extending parallel to the first folding line L5), and - a third panel 347 in the shape of an isosceles triangle, articulated on the second panel 346 by a third folding line L7 (this third folding line L7 extending parallel to the first folding line L5).

[0093] The four bellows SI extend respectively to the four corners of the central panel 340, between each pair of adjacent branches. They have, for example, square shapes with widths identical to the distance separating the first and second fold lines L1-L2 and L5-L6.

[0094] Each bellows SI is formed of two panels 351, 352 which are each attached to one of the first panels 341, 345 by a fold line L4, L8 and which are joined together by an oblique fold line L9 which extends from the corner attached to the central panel 340 to the opposite corner.

[0095] Here, to facilitate folding, this opposite corner is cut out. An oblique cut could be used (perpendicular to the oblique fold line L9). Here, the cut instead has two perpendicular edges.

[0096] In summary, the blank 300' has a contour Cl along which it is cut (shown as a solid line in [Fig. 5], as opposed to the fold lines which are shown as dashed lines). This contour Cl is such that the bellows SI are located at the openings 110. The fold lines L4, L8 provided between the panels 351, 352 of each bellows SI and each first panel 341, 345 are located here at two of the edges of each opening 110.

[0097] The volume formation of this 300' flan to obtain the 300 packaging illustrated in [Fig.7] is then carried out in the following way.

[0098] During a first operation (preferably carried out in the factory, where the two machines for manufacturing the blank 300' are located), a dot of glue is deposited on one of the two panels 351 of each bellows SI, the one located on the side of the wide branches Bl.

[0099] During a second operation, the narrow branches B2 are folded against the central panel 340, around the first fold lines L5, so that the glue can make each panel 351 adhere with the first corresponding panel 341, in a position illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0100] In this position, several 300' blanks can be easily stacked, in order to be delivered in this position to customers.

[0101] When the customer wishes to form a package 300 from one of these blanks 300', the customer can then raise the first two panels 345 of the narrow branches B2 at right angles to the central panel 340, which will have the effect, thanks to the glue, of also raising the wide branches B1 at right angles to the central panel 340.

[0102] It should be noted that this step and the following ones can be carried out manually by the customer or using a dedicated machine (outside the factory).

[0103] The second panels 342, 346 can then be folded 180° against the first panels 341, 345, on the inside side of the packaging 300, so that the third panels 343, 347 apply against the central panel 340 and together with the latter form the bottom 310 of the packaging 300.

[0104] This 180-degree fold prevents the edge of the cardboard sheets from being visible on the upper edge of the side walls 320, 330 of the packaging 300. The first and second panels 341, 342, 345, 346 are then said to form rims.

[0105] Thanks to the openings 110, the thickness of the 300' blank is low at the bellows panels SI, so that the latter do not form large overthicknesses in the flanges.

[0106] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and represented, but a person skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with the invention.

[0107] Typically, the first sheet could comprise exactly two layers of paper or cardboard, and not three, including a flat layer and a corrugated layer fixed to the flat layer. In this embodiment, the second sheet would be glued to the corrugated layer, so that the whole forms a corrugated cardboard panel.

[0108] According to another variant of the invention, it would be possible to cut at least one slot through the first sheet, along one of its fold lines, at the time of cutting the openings 110 or at the time of cutting the two sheets according to the contour CL. This slot would then make it easier to fold the blank.

[0109] Alternatively, the two sheets could have different outlines when they are laminated. In this case, it would be preferable for their outlines to coincide in at least three distinct (and not coaxial) areas, so as to facilitate their centering relative to each other.

[0110] As a further alternative, the fold lines could be formed not by creasing but by kiss-cutting or by dotted cutting. It should be recalled here that the creasing operation consists of pressing the multi-layered cardboard sheet along the folding line, while the half-cutting operation consists of cutting only a portion of the cardboard sheets along this line.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for manufacturing a package (300), comprising successive steps of: - cutting at least one opening (110) through a first sheet (100) of cardboard or paper, - laminating a second sheet (200) of cardboard or paper onto at least part of the first sheet (100), - cutting the two sheets (100, 200) along a contour (Cl) which passes through said opening (110), and - folding the two sheets (100, 200) so as to obtain said package (300).

2. A manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the second sheet (200) located opposite said opening (110) belongs to a bellows (SI) between two walls (320, 330) of said packaging (300).

3. A manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the second sheet (200) located opposite said opening (110) belongs to a rim folded against a wall of said packaging (300).

4. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second sheet comprises exactly one layer of paper or cardboard and the first sheet comprises exactly two layers of paper or cardboard, one of which is corrugated and sandwiched between the other layer and the layer of the second sheet.

5. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first sheet (100) comprises exactly three layers (100A, 100B, 100C) of paper or cardboard, of which one layer (100B) is corrugated and sandwiched between the other layers (100A, 100C), and the second sheet (200) comprises exactly one layer (200A) of paper or cardboard.

6. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, during the cutting step of said at least one opening (110), the first sheet (100) has a rectangular contour.

7. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, during the laminating step, the second sheet (200) presents a contour which overlaps the contour of the first sheet (100) entirely or at least in three distinct areas.

8. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, prior to the laminating step, a printing step of decorations is provided on at least the second sheet (200).

9. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cutting step of said at least one opening (110) is carried out on an autoplater and the laminating step is carried out on a display machine.

10. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, having a bellows (SI) between two walls (320, 330) of said packaging (300), the folding step comprises a gluing and folding operation of a panel of the bellows against one of the two walls (320, 330) followed by other folding operations, said gluing and folding operation preferably being carried out in the same place as the steps preceding the folding step, while the other operations are carried out in a separate place.

11. Packaging obtained according to a process in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 10.

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