Method and device for packaging cardboard boxes

Abstract

A method for packaging a corrugated box with a packaging sheet is provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing a corrugated box (100) having a continuous edge (103), the continuous edge (103) defining an opening (104) of the corrugated box (100), providing a packaging sheet (200), bonding the box (100) to the sheet (200), placing the box (100) bonded to the sheet (200) on a support surface (11) whereby the opening (104) of the box (100) is located on a side opposite the support surface (11), placing a closure system (20) on the continuous edge (103) of the box (100), whereby a closed chamber is defined between the box (100) and the closure system (20), and supplying air to an interior of the closed chamber such that the box (100) adheres to the sheet (200).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of automatic machines for producing wrapped rigid boxes, more particularly to an apparatus and method for wrapping preformed rigid corrugated boxes, as well as an automatic production line including such an apparatus and / or capable of implementing such a method.

[0002] In particular, the invention finds application preferably, but not exclusively, in the field of automatic machines for forming cartons packed with pre-glued packaging sheets intended for use in the luxury goods sector, as mentioned below without loss of generality. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, wrapped corrugated boxes are manufactured in an automatic production line with different stations including respective working machines operating in two different steps including an initial forming step where a box is formed from appropriately formed and folded paper or cardboard, and a subsequent wrapping step where a pre-glued wrapping sheet is applied to the pre-formed box and the box is wrapped. The paper or cardboard blank sheet generally consists of a bottom and a number of foldable flaps connected to the bottom to form the side walls of the box itself. The wrapping sheet is a flat blank sheet having a main part with the same shape as the bottom of the paper or cardboard blank sheet and foldable flaps connected to the main part to wrap the side walls of the pre-formed box.

[0004] An automated production line for wrapped rigid boxes typically consists of a forming machine for forming boxes from precut blanks, a gluing device for gluing the packaging sheets, a pointing device which receives the boxes formed by the forming machine and the corresponding pre-glued packaging sheets from the gluing device and bonds them by centering the bottom of the box on the main part of the packaging sheet, and a packaging machine which receives sets of boxes, each bonded to its respective packaging sheet, from the pointing device and makes the finished boxes available at an exit for refining the packaging.

[0005] In this specification and the appended claims, certain terms and phrases, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are intended to have the meanings set forth in the following definitions.

[0006] The term "parallel" refers to substantial parallelism between two elements, and includes both the ideal case in which the elements are positioned relative to one another so that they form a null angle, and the more common case in which the two elements are positioned relative to one another so that they form an angle that is not null, but which is negligible or irrelevant to the operation of the solution.

[0007] The "outer surface" of a packaging sheet refers to the surface of the sheet that is visible to a user of the wrapped box. The "inner surface" of a packaging sheet refers to the surface of the sheet opposite the surface of the sheet that is visible to a user of the wrapped box.

[0008] A packaging sheet is "pre-glued" when one of its surfaces, in particular the surface intended to be bonded to the box to be packaged, is at least partially treated with a tacky substance such as an adhesive.

[0009] "Pure rolling", where one object rolls on another, refers to the kinematic state in which the relative velocity at the point of contact between the two objects is zero, i.e., the two objects do not slide relative to each other.

[0010] Before reaching the packaging machine, the set consisting of the box and the packaging sheet leaving the pointing device passes through a transition area where a pressure element is placed on the box to compress it, for example on the top edge of the box, on the inside of the box itself, on the bottom surface of the box, or on the inner surface of the bottom surface of the box, so that the action of the pressure element can improve the adhesion of the packaging sheet to the box. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The applicant has noted that when using a pressing element that presses against the upper edge of the box to compress the box from above, the pressure is not evenly distributed on the bottom of the box, which affects the adhesion between the box and the packaging sheet, mainly in the peripheral area of ​​the bottom of the box. As a result, the undesirable phenomenon of partial or no adhesion of the packaging sheet in the remaining innermost area of ​​the bottom frequently occurs. This drawback becomes more pronounced as the size of the bottom increases, especially in the case of boxes with large bottoms.

[0012] The Applicant has also noted that the pressing elements operating inside the box and compressing its internal surface are subject to geometric constraints that depend on the box configuration, in particular the size of the bottom. This solution therefore requires that the pressing elements to be installed on the machine be selected according to the configuration of the box to be produced before production begins, and that if the configuration is changed, the original pressing elements must be removed from the machine in order to select another pressing element suitable for the new configuration and install it on the machine, resulting in poor flexibility and long downtimes and reduced productivity.

[0013] The applicant has realized that the pressure on the bottom of the box can be distributed evenly, regardless of the size of the box, by a pressure element that does not have a fixed shape and volume, but rather can be adapted appropriately to the shape of the box each time. The applicant has thus realized that the gas pressure element can exert an even pressure on both the peripheral area and the remaining innermost area of ​​the bottom of the box, regardless of the specific geometric shape of the bottom of the box.

[0014] Finally, the Applicant has found that the box itself, more particularly when it is substantially airtightly connected to a closed system forming a closed chamber supplied with pressurized gas, may contribute to defining the aforementioned gas element of the pressing element, which pressurized gas expands in the closed chamber, i.e. in the box connected to the closed system, and acts with a constant pressure on the entire bottom of the box, whatever the form of the box manufactured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] Thus, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for packaging boxes with a preferably pre-glued packaging sheet.

[0016] Preferably, the method includes providing a box having a bottom, a sidewall connected to the bottom, and a continuous edge defined by the sidewall. Preferably, the box is formed from corrugated cardboard or a similar material. Preferably, the continuous edge defines an opening in the box. Preferably, the sidewalls are connected to one another. Preferably, the opening is opposite the bottom.

[0017] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a packaging sheet having a main portion having opposed inner and outer surfaces.

[0018] Preferably, the method includes the step of joining an inner surface of the main portion and a bottom of the box, preferably from the outside of the bottom of the box, to bond the box to the sheet.

[0019] Preferably, the method includes the step of placing the box coupled to the sheet on a support surface, with an opening of the box located opposite the support surface. Preferably, an outer surface of the main portion is at least partially on the support surface.

[0020] Preferably, the method includes the step of placing a closure system on the continuous edge, thereby defining a closed chamber between the box and the closure system.

[0021] Preferably, the method includes the step of supplying a gaseous substance inside the closed chamber such that the bottom of the box adheres to the main part of the packaging sheet.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for wrapping boxes with a wrapping sheet.

[0023] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a main frame having a support surface, preferably designed to support a box coupled at its bottom to a packaging sheet.

[0024] Preferably, the device comprises at least one closure system. Preferably, the closure system is arranged to face the support surface. Preferably, the closure system is movable relative to the support surface. Preferably, the closure system is configured to be arranged on a continuous edge of the box, thereby defining a closed chamber between the box and the closure system. Preferably, the continuous edge defines an opening opposite the support surface.

[0025] Preferably, the device comprises an air pressure blower. Preferably, the air pressure blower is connected to the closed system.

[0026] Preferably, the pneumatic blower is configured to supply a gaseous substance to the interior of the closed chamber.

[0027] Due to the present solution, in which the closure system together with the box defines a closed chamber, the gaseous substance provided inside the closed chamber tends by its nature to occupy the entire closed chamber, i.e. the entire volume defined between the box and the closure system arranged thereon. If the size of the box is changed, for example due to a change in form, the same box with the new form coupled to the closure element defines both a new closed chamber as well as the volume defined between the box with the new form and the closure system arranged thereon. The present solution is therefore surprisingly flexible and suitable for any form produced in an automated production line. Furthermore, due to Pascal's principle that the pressure exerted by the liquid in the container is transmitted with the same strength to all surfaces of the container in contact with the liquid, regardless of its orientation, the pressure exerted by the gaseous substance inside the box is distributed evenly on the inner walls of the box and increases as the supply of the gaseous substance increases. In particular, the gaseous substance exerts an equal pressure on both the peripheral area of ​​the bottom of the box and the remaining innermost area, regardless of the geometric shape and size of the bottom of the box, so that the packaging sheet can be glued to the entire bottom of the box.

[0028] The applicant has also surprisingly found that the present solution makes it possible to overcome the undesirable phenomenon of air bubbles forming between the packaging sheet and the outer surface of the bottom of the box, especially when the formed box is centred and the outer surface of the bottom of the box is glued to the main part of the pre-glued sheet. Such a phenomenon is particularly noticeable in the case of large boxes and has the double drawback of being unpleasant and impairing the strength of the packaging. This is partly countered by one or more operators working quickly with the boxes coming off the production line manually stretching and smoothing the packaging sheet to disperse the air bubbles before the adhesive acts and the gluing is finally completed. According to the present solution, the uniform pressure exerted by the gaseous substance on the bottom of the box ensures that the air bubbles formed between the packaging sheet and the outer surface of the bottom of the box are pushed towards the peripheral area of ​​the bottom and can easily escape there, especially at a stage when the adhesive has not yet acted firmly and the gluing is not yet final, for example due to an increase in the pressure exerted thereon.

[0029] In at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, the present invention may have at least one of the preferred features described below.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the support surface is movable, and in particular operable to move the boxes coupled to the sheet in the feed direction, and the method preferably includes the step of operating the support surface to move the boxes coupled to the sheet in the feed direction.

[0031] By relying on the support surface to move objects placed on it, the box attached to the sheet can pass from the pointing device to the packaging machine without the need for manual intervention by an operator to physically grip the box, thereby avoiding the risk of damage to the box and / or packaging sheet due to an inaccurate or overly strong or weak grip by the operator.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the closure system is movable in a movement direction parallel to the feed direction. Preferably, the movement of the box coupled to the sheet is performed at least partially while the closure system is disposed on the continuous edge, preferably while a gaseous substance is supplied to the interior of the box.

[0033] In this way, the definition of the closed chamber and the pressure of the gaseous substance inside the box can be performed simultaneously with the movement of the box coupled to the sheet, in particular from the pointing device to the packaging machine, whereby the movement of the box does not have to be stopped, thereby shortening the production time and increasing the output of the automatic production line.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the method includes a step in which a smoothing means acts at least partially on an outer surface of the sheet relative to the closure system, particularly when the closure system is positioned on a continuous edge of the box.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the step of acting with the smoothing means includes the step of reciprocating the smoothing means and a box coupled to the sheet in a direction parallel to the main portion of the sheet.

[0036] The action of the smoothing means on the closure system arranged on the continuous edge of the box exerts a force on the outer surface of the sheet bonded to the box, the force having a component perpendicular to said outer surface and preferably parallel thereto, which causes the sheet to be automatically stretched and smoothed by the smoothing means, improving the adhesion of the sheet to the bottom of the box, improving the aesthetic appearance of the final box and further forcing the dispersion of any remaining air bubbles, especially at a stage when the adhesive is not yet firmly acting and the bonding is not final.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the step of applying the smoothing means comprises rolling at least one roller on the outer surface of the sheet. Preferably, the step of rolling at least one roller comprises operating at least one roller in a pure rolling motion on the outer surface of the sheet.

[0038] This pure rolling motion, i.e., the rollers do not slide on the outer surface of the sheet, avoids any scratches, scuffs, or abrasions to the sheet that could be caused by rollers that are not perfectly smooth.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the step of applying a smoothing means includes providing at least one air blade.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the step of acting with the smoothing means comprises a step of moving the box attached to the sheet such that an elongated element, preferably fixed relative to the support surface, such as a rod arranged below and in contact with the support surface, in particular a rod arranged transverse to the feed direction of the box attached to the sheet, acts on the outer surface of the sheet.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the method includes adjusting the distance of the smoothing means from the support surface, thereby adjusting the force, i.e., pressure, exerted by the smoothing means on the outer surface of the sheet.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the gaseous substance includes an odorant, preferably a customizable substance, so that the finished box can have a distinctive scent that can be unique to the product or manufacturer contained within the box itself, and the purchaser can recognize the quality and value of the product they have purchased based on the scent, not just the visual.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the gaseous substance is supplied at a pressure in the range of 0.3 bar to 4 bar, preferably in the range of 0.5 bar to 4 bar. Preferably, the gaseous substance is supplied at a pressure in the range of 0.7 bar to 1.5 bar. Preferably, the gaseous substance is supplied at a pressure of 1 bar.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the gaseous substance is applied with a fluctuating pressure. Preferably, the pressure is increasing. Also preferably, the pressure is decreasing. Also preferably, the pressure has a periodic trend over time. This allows the pressure inside the closed chamber to be controlled, preventing deformation of the box due to an instantaneous pressure of the gaseous substance being too high, or controlling the pressure so that the pressure is gradually increased to a suitable level, for example depending on the strength of the box, preventing deformation of the box due to an instantaneous pressure of the gaseous substance being too low, which is ineffective.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the gaseous substance is supplied at a time interval ranging from 0.5 seconds to 3 seconds. Preferably, the time interval is in the range of 0.7 seconds to 1.5 seconds. Preferably, the time interval is 1 second. The ability to vary the time interval at which the gaseous substance is supplied allows the box configuration, i.e. the production rate, to be taken into account.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the method includes controlling the position of the closure system as a function of at least one physical magnitude of the distance of the closure system from the support surface, the distance of the closure system from the continuous edge, and the pressure exerted by the closure system on the continuous edge. By controlling the distance of the closure system from the support surface and / or the continuous edge, the movement of the closure system closer can be appropriately controlled to optimize the time required to place the closure system on the continuous edge and avoid the possibility of crushing the box. By controlling the pressure of the closure system on the continuous edge, the force exerted on the continuous edge and the side wall of the box can be appropriately adjusted to control the effectiveness of the system while preventing excessive pressure from damaging the box and preventing air bubbles trapped between the packaging sheet and the outer surface of the bottom of the box from easily escaping from the peripheral area of ​​the bottom.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the method includes controlling the position of the closure system according to a speed difference between the closure system and the support surface, such that the closure system and the box coupled to the sheet and moved by the support surface are moved at approximately the same speed, especially when the closure system is placed on a continuous edge of the box. The speed difference between the closure system and the box coupled to the sheet, whether positive or negative, can prevent deformation and damage of the box.

[0048] In one embodiment, the wrapping sheet comprises one or more flaps connected to the main portion and foldable thereagainst. Preferably, the method includes the step of folding the flaps to at least partially wrap the side walls of the box.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the closing system comprises a carrier assembly that is preferably movable in a moving direction parallel to the feed direction. In one or more embodiments, the closing system comprises a flat main element that is designed to be placed on and abut against the continuous edges of the box. Preferably, the main element is coupled to the carrier assembly and is movable in the moving direction with a limit relative to the carrier assembly. The movement of the closing system in the moving direction is left to the carrier assembly. Due to the limited mobility of the main element relative to the carrier assembly of the closing system, even small speed differences between the closing system and the box coupled to the sheet and moved by the support surface can be compensated when the main element is placed to abut against the continuous edges of the box.

[0050] Preferably, the carrier assembly comprises a central element. Preferably, the carrier assembly comprises a sub-element. The sub-element is preferably flat and preferably substantially parallel to the main element. Preferably, the sub-element has a feed-through opening. Preferably, the central element is inserted in the feed-through opening with play. Preferably, the central element is rigidly connected to the main element. Preferably, the sub-element is connected to the main element such that it is movable with a limit in the direction of movement. Preferably, the sub-element is connected to the central element such that it is movable with a limit in the direction of movement.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the closure system comprises a protective element made of an elastic material. Preferably, the protective element is intended to be placed against a supporting surface and on a continuous edge of the box. Preferably, the hardness of the elastic material of the protective element is in the range of Shore A25-85, preferably in the range of Shore A35-65. In particular, the elastic material is one of latex, hard rubber, and soft rubber. Preferably, the elastic material is a synthetic rubber, preferably EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber. Preferably, the elastic material is one of a closed cell foam material and a semi-closed cell foam material.

[0052] A protective element made of elastic material can cushion the impact between the closure system and the edge of the box and reduce deformations in the side walls. By selecting the appropriate hardness of the plastic material, a protective element can be made that can quickly restore its shape when moving from one box to another. It can have an appropriate porosity to retain gaseous substances that must not penetrate the protective element itself and diffuse out of the closed chamber, reducing the pressure inside the closed chamber.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus comprises a drive unit coupled to the closure system to move the closure system relative to the support surface.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the device comprises a control unit coupled to the closure system and designed to control the position of the closure system.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the device comprises a smoothing means that is coupled to the support surface and at least partially acts on the sheet, preferably coupled to the box with respect to the closure system. Preferably, the smoothing means is movable relative to the support surface. In one or more embodiments, the smoothing means is movable toward and away from the support surface. In one or more embodiments, the smoothing means is movable to brush the support surface.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the smoothing means is disposed between the support surface and the closure system.In one or more embodiments, the support surface is disposed between the smoothing means and the closure system.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the smoothing means comprises at least one of a roller and an air blade.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the smoothing means is removable.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the pneumatic blower is directed towards the support surface to supply and exert pressure on the gaseous material primarily on the inner surface of the box, in one or more embodiments, the pneumatic blower faces away from the support surface to direct the gaseous material and any undesirable material away from the box, particularly away from the inner surface of the closure element, to prevent contamination of the box itself.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the device comprises two closure systems having the above-mentioned characteristics. Preferably, the closure systems are intended to operate alternately and on one box of the series. Preferably, the closure systems are intended to operate simultaneously on one box of the series.

[0061] It should be noted that certain steps of the methods described above may be independent of a given order of execution, unless succession or concurrency between two or more steps is expressly required. Furthermore, certain steps may be performed repeatedly or in series or parallel with other steps of the method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the box and packaging sheet. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view, seen from above, of a portion of an apparatus for wrapping boxes with a wrapping sheet according to the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view from above of a system included in an apparatus according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] 1 shows a box 100, for example made from cardboard. The box 100 has a rectangular bottom 101 and four side walls 102. The side walls 102 are connected to the bottom 101 and to each other to define a continuous edge 103 that defines an opening 104 in the box 100. In this way, the opening 104 is provided on the side opposite the bottom 101.

[0064] 1 also shows a packaging sheet 200 having a main portion 201 having opposed inner and outer surfaces 211 and 221. The sheet 201 also includes four flaps 202 connected to the main portion 201 and foldable relative thereto.

[0065] An automated production line for producing wrapped rigid boxes comprises at least one device for wrapping a cardboard box 100 with a wrapping sheet 200 .

[0066] The apparatus comprises a main frame 10 having a movable support surface 11, a closure system 20 arranged opposite the support surface 11 and movable relative thereto, and a pneumatic blower 40 connected to the closure system 20 and configured to supply a gaseous substance such as air.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 4, the closing system 20 comprises a carrier assembly 21 movable in a movement direction M and a flat main element 22, such as a plate. The carrier assembly 21 comprises a central element 24 and a flat secondary element 23, substantially parallel to the plate 22 and provided with a feed-through opening 25. The central element 24 is inserted with play into the feed-through opening 25 of the slab 23 and rigidly connected to the plate 22. The slab 23 is connected to the plate 22 with a movement in the movement direction M with a limit, for example by a ball or cylinder accommodated in a suitable seat of the slab 23 and in a corresponding seat of the plate 22. The slab 23 is also connected to the central element 24 with a limit, for example by an elastic system comprising a pair of springs 27 compressible and extensible in the movement direction M. In particular, each spring 27 is fixed at one end to the central element 24 and connected at the other end to the slab 23 by a respective pin 28.

[0068] The closure system 20 also comprises a protective element 26, for example a layer of elastic material, in particular a layer of latex, which is connected to the plate 22 facing the support surface 11.

[0069] A drive unit 50 for moving the closure system 20 relative to the support surface 11 and a control unit for controlling the position of the closure system 20 are coupled to the closure system.

[0070] The device also comprises smoothing means 30, which are connected to the support surface and in particular comprise a roller 31 housed in a recess in the support surface 11 so as to be located between the support surface 11 and the closing system 20. The roller 31 may be idle or driven to rotate. The roller 31 is also linearly movable relative to the support surface 11, so that for example the distance of the roller 31 itself from the support surface 11, i.e. the height of the roller 31 in the device, can be adjusted, or the roller 31 can be moved in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement M.

[0071] In an operating system, the box 100 emerging from a forming machine (not shown) is joined to a pre-glued packaging sheet 200 by a gluing device (not shown), in particular by joining the inner surface 211 of the main portion 201 of the sheet 200 with the bottom 101 of the box 100.

[0072] The set consisting of box 100 and sheet 200 is then placed on support surface 11 such that outer surface 221 of sheet 200 is placed on support surface 11 and opening 104 is on the opposite side of support surface 11 .

[0073] The support surface 11 is driven to move the boxes 100, joined to the sheet 200, in a feed direction F towards a packaging machine (not shown). The movement direction M is parallel to the feed direction F.

[0074] In the transition area, the box 100 coupled to the sheet 200 is stopped at an appropriate distance from the rollers 31 and from the recess in which it is housed.

[0075] The plate 22 of the closing system 20, in cooperation with the protective element 26 coupled thereto, is then actuated by the drive unit 50 and moved closer to the support surface. In order to position it properly on the continuous edge 103 of the box, the control unit controls the position of the closing system 20, for example depending on the distance of the closing system 20 from the support surface or the continuous edge 103 of the box. Due to the elasticity of the protective element 26, the closing system 20 is perfectly coupled to the continuous edge 103 so as to define a closed chamber between the box 100 and the closing system 20.

[0076] The control unit continues to control the position of the closure system 20, for example depending on the pressure it exerts on the continuous edge 103, to prevent the box 100 from being damaged.

[0077] At this stage, the support surface 11 is again actuated to move the box 100 coupled to the sheet 200 towards the rollers 31 in the feed direction F, and the drive unit 50 actuates the closing system 20 to move it in a movement direction M parallel to the feed direction F. In this step, the control unit controls the position of the closing system 20 in particular depending on the speed difference between the closing system 20 and the support surface 11, so that the closing system 20 and the box 100 are moved substantially together. As mentioned above, even small speed differences can be compensated for, since the mobility between the carrier assembly 21 and the main element 22 of the closing system 20 is limited.

[0078] While the closure system 20 is placed on the continuous edge 103, the pneumatic blower 40 supplies air into the closure chamber, for example for a time interval of 0.5 seconds. The air may be supplied with increasing pressure, for example in the range of 0.5 bar to 1 bar, after a short initial transient of the pneumatic blower 40. The air supplied into the closure chamber spontaneously occupies the entire closure chamber and exerts an even pressure on the bottom 101 and the side walls 102 of the box 100, which together with the closure system 20 define the closure chamber itself. The bottom 101 of the box 100 is subjected overall to an even force that bonds the bottom 101 to the main part 201 of the packaging sheet 200.

[0079] While proceeding in the feed direction F, the box 100 joined to the sheet 200 reaches a roller 31. The roller 31 rotates in a pure rolling motion on the outer surface 221 of the sheet 200, and the box 100 joined to the sheet 200 continues to move towards the packaging machine. The roller 31 thereby acts on the outer surface 221 of the sheet 200 against the closure system 20 arranged on the continuous edge 103 of the box 100, stretching and smoothing the main part 201 of the packaging sheet 200 on the bottom 101 of the box 100, improving the adhesion between the sheet 200 and the box 100 and allowing it to have a neat and elegant appearance.

[0080] Proceeding further in the feed direction F, the box 100 coupled to the sheet 200 passes over the roller 31 and the recess in which it is housed. At this stage, the drive unit 50 drives the closing system 20 moving away from the support surface and the control unit controls the position of the closing system 20, for example depending on the distance of the closing system 20 from the support surface or from the continuous edge 103 of the box. The box 100 coupled to the sheet 200 can then freely proceed towards the packaging machine.

Claims

1. 1. A method for wrapping a box with a wrapping sheet, comprising: - providing a cardboard box (100), said cardboard box (100) having a bottom (101), a side wall (102) connected to said bottom (101), and a continuous edge (103) defined by said side wall (102) and defining an opening (104) of said cardboard box (100); - providing a packaging sheet (200) having a main portion (201) with opposed inner (211) and outer (221) surfaces; - joining the inner surface (211) of the main portion (201) with the bottom portion (101) of the cardboard box (100) to connect the cardboard box (100) to the packaging sheet (200); - placing the cardboard box (100) coupled to the packaging sheet (200) on a support surface (11) so that the opening (104) of the cardboard box (100) is located on the side opposite the support surface (11); - placing a closure system (20) on said continuous edge (103), thereby defining a closed chamber between said carton (100) and said closure system (20); - supplying a gaseous material inside the closed chamber so that the bottom (101) of the carton (100) adheres to the main part (201) of the packaging sheet (200); A method comprising:

2. The support surface (11) is movable; and operating the support surface (11) to move the cardboard box (100) coupled to the packaging sheet (200) in a feed direction (F). The method of claim 1.

3. the closing system (20) being movable in a movement direction (M) parallel to the feed direction (F); the movement of the cardboard box (100) coupled to the packaging sheet (200) is at least partially performed while the closure system (20) is positioned on the continuous edge (103) and while the gaseous material is being supplied to the interior of the cardboard box (100); The method of claim 2.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of: a smoothing means (30) at least partially acting on the outer surface (221) of the packaging sheet (200) against the closure system (20) when the closure system (20) is placed on the continuous edge (103) of the corrugated box (100).

5. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of acting on the smoothing means (30) includes a step of reciprocating the smoothing means (30) and the corrugated box (100) coupled to the packaging sheet (200) in a direction parallel to the main portion (201) of the packaging sheet (200).

6. 6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the step of acting with the smoothing means (30) comprises the step of rolling at least one roller (31, 32) on the outer surface (221) of the wrapping sheet (200).

7. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of rotating the at least one roller (31, 32) comprises the step of operating the at least one roller (31, 32) in a pure rolling motion on the outer surface (221) of the wrapping sheet (200).

8. A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the step of acting with the smoothing means (30) comprises the step of providing at least one air blade.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising the step of adjusting the distance of the smoothing means (30) from the support surface (11).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the gaseous material comprises an odorant.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising controlling a position of the closure system (20) as a function of a magnitude of at least one of the following: a distance of the closure system (20) from the support surface (11), a distance of the closure system (20) from the continuous edge (103), a pressure exerted by the closure system (20) on the continuous edge (103), and a speed difference between the closure system (20) and the support surface (11).

12. An apparatus for wrapping a cardboard box (100) with a wrapping sheet (200), comprising: a main frame (10) having a support surface (11) designed to support the cardboard box (100) connected to the packaging sheet (200) at the bottom (101) of the cardboard box (100); at least one closure system (20) arranged against said support surface (11), movable relative to said support surface (11) and adapted to be placed on a continuous edge (103) of said cardboard box (100), said continuous edge (103) defining an opening (104) opposite said support surface (11) to define a closed chamber between said cardboard box (100) and said closure system (20); a pneumatic blower (40) connected to said closed system (20) and configured to supply a gaseous material to the interior of said closed chamber; An apparatus comprising:

13. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the support surface (11) is operable to move the cardboard box (100) coupled to the packaging sheet (200) in a feed direction (F), and the closing system (20) comprises a carrier assembly (21) movable in a movement direction (M) parallel to the feed direction (F) and a flat main element (22) arranged on and designed to abut the continuous edge (103) of the cardboard box (100), the main element (22) being connected to the carrier assembly (21) and movable in the movement direction (M) so as to have a limit relative to the carrier assembly (21).

14. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the carrier assembly (21) comprises a central element (24) and a secondary element (23) that is flat, substantially parallel to the main element (22) and has a feed-through opening (25), the central element (24) being inserted into the feed-through opening (25) with play and rigidly connected to the main element (22), and the secondary element (23) being connected to the main element (22) and to the central element (24) so ​​as to be movable with a limit in the movement direction (M).

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the closure system (20) comprises a protective element (26) made of elastic material, the protective element (26) facing the support surface (11) and intended to be placed on the continuous edge (103) of the cardboard box (100).

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a drive unit (50) coupled to the closure system (20) for moving the closure system relative to the support surface (11).

17. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, further comprising a control unit coupled to the closure system (20) and designed to control the position of the closure system (20).

18. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising smoothing means (30) connected to the support surface (11) and acting at least partially on the packaging sheet (200) connected to the cardboard box (100) relative to the closure system (20).

19. 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the smoothing means (30) is movable relative to the support surface (11).

20. 20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the smoothing means (30) is arranged between the support surface (11) and the closure system (20).

21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the smoothing means (30) comprises at least one of a roller (31, 32) and an air blade.

Images