Method for reducing the initial height of a package such as a container with slots according to its contents and apparatus for implementing such a method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method 100 for reducing the initial height of a package that houses at least one batch of objects. The method 100 includes the following successive phases: - A priority step 200a in which an operator determines a priority volume and three secondary volumes, where the priority volume houses a priority batch of the tallest objects, a priority step 200c in which a feeler moves an arm having the feeler within the package to a position where the feeler contacts the priority batch of objects to determine a priority height according to the maximum height of the priority batch of objects, a priority step 200e in which a marking tool supported by the arm deforms the sides along two priority fold lines in contact with the priority volume, and a priority step 200f in which a cutting tool supported by the arm separates the sides in contact with the priority volume, the priority phase 200; - Three secondary phases 201, 202, 203 including a secondary step 201c, 202c, 203c in which the arm is moved by a priority distance, a secondary step 201e, 202e, 203e in which a marking tool deforms the sides in contact with the secondary volumes along two secondary fold lines, and a secondary step 201f, 202f, 203f in which a cutting tool separates the sides in contact with the secondary volumes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the present invention is the field of methods for reducing the initial height of a package, such as a container with slots, according to its contents. The field of the present invention relates to such methods. The field of the present invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing such methods.

Background Art

[0002] In the order preparation, in other words, the distribution field, it is common to have to transport an order containing a plurality of objects of different shapes and sizes. To do this, a package such as a container with slots is used, which includes a bottom where four sides, joined in pairs by edges and each provided with a flap, are in contact, and the objects of the order are accommodated therein. Then, the flaps are folded over the objects, and finally the flaps are fixed with adhesive tape. The package includes a basic format corresponding to the width and length of the bottom, which defines the overall volume for accommodating the package, and an initial height.

[0003] Since each order is unique, it is rare for the overall volume for accommodating the package to be adapted to the volume of the objects in that order. Therefore, the objects in the order are likely to move within the package and deteriorate during transportation. As a result, the recipient of the order has an unpleasant impression that the package is inappropriate for that order and does not take into account the guidelines for environmentally friendly activities, especially due to being too bulky. An effective solution to this problem is to reduce the initial height of the package to the final height and adapt the final height to the maximum height of the tallest object in the order. This is a method used by everyone at home and done by hand, and is also the subject of automatic machines for companies that transport hundreds or even thousands of orders every day.

[0004] Therefore, an automatic method is known which involves measuring the maximum height of a batch of objects contained in a package using a mechanical feeler having substantially the same dimensions as the bottom of the package, then horizontally marking the four sides of the package simultaneously just above the feeler, then simultaneously tearing the four edges of the package from the level of the feeler to the upper side of the package, then folding the four flaps thus formed by the marking and cutting, and finally closing and holding them by heat fusion bonding. This method requires different machines for each basic format of the package, especially for each dimension and shape of the bottom of the package, and has the drawback of creating expensive machines that are not financially justified for the production of less than 1000 packages per day.

[0005] Another automatic method is known which involves measuring the maximum height of a batch of objects contained in a package using a non-contact sensor, then horizontally marking the four sides of the package at the measurement level in the same movement, then simultaneously cutting the four edges of the package from the height of the highest point detected by the non-contact sensor to the upper side of the package, then folding the four flaps formed by the marking and cutting, and finally closing and holding the flaps using adhesive tape. This method has the drawback of inaccurately measuring the maximum height of the contents and also creating expensive and bulky machines that are not financially justified for the production of less than 1000 packages per day. For example, reference may be made to International Publication No. WO 2016 / 151310 which describes a method and apparatus of the aforementioned type.

[0006] Furthermore, JP 2013 / 216055 proposes an apparatus for reducing the initial height of a package, which includes four knives for simultaneously cutting the four edges of the package. This apparatus has been found to be bulky, heavy, difficult to handle, and expensive to manufacture.

[0007] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020 / 110978 proposes an apparatus for reducing the initial height of a package, including a lifting plate for arranging the side surface of the package at a desired height, and the side surface circulates with respect to a plate having a horizontal upper edge. The user manually cuts the edge of the package using a knife that substantially contacts the horizontal upper edge. Then, the user manually presses the side outward, whereby the side tends to bend along the horizontal edge of the plate. Such bending is irregular, often difficult, or even impossible to achieve depending on the nature of the material forming the package. These arrangements result in packages whose cutting and bending are usually of low quality. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to propose a method and an apparatus for reducing the initial height of a package that are simple, effective, and quickly implemented, the method being completely mechanical, completely implemented by an operator, or at least partially automated, the method enabling the use of the same package for batches of a large number of objects of different shapes and dimensions without any adjustment to the apparatus capable of implementing the method, the apparatus being able to eliminate electronic and automatic components and elements in a simple embodiment, and nevertheless optimizing the adaptation of the package to the batch of objects contained in the package, minimizing the feeling of waste of materials in accordance with environmentally friendly order preparation activities, and at the same time optimizing the certainty of the transportation and distribution of the batch of objects.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to propose a method that enables processing of several individual basic formats of packages without the need to make adjustments to the apparatus for carrying out this method; in other words, the present invention aims to propose the same method and the same apparatus operable for a number of packages, each having a bottom and an initial height that differ from one another in shape and dimensions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to propose a simpler, less bulky and less expensive apparatus than prior art machines, which optimize the use of the elements that make up the apparatus and as a result include a large number of sensors and electronic components that frequently malfunction.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to propose a method that includes a simple, continuous phase that includes a limited number of movements carried out by an operator in an apparatus capable of carrying out the method.

[0012] The main object of the present invention is to propose a method for reducing the initial height of a package and an apparatus capable of carrying out such a method, which method is the best compromise for obtaining a final package with regular and clean cuts and bends from a simple and space-saving apparatus in which its elements are reused a plurality of times in order to minimize the cost of manufacturing the apparatus, which is desired to be as low as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] The present invention pertains to this context and proposes a method for reducing the initial height of a package such as a container with slots, the package including a bottom with four sides in contact and edges in contact with two sides and forming the respective corners of the package, the package accommodating at least one batch of objects, preferably a patch of a plurality of objects, in particular four batches of objects distributed at each of the four corners of the package.

[0014] The method according to the invention is advantageously carried out regardless of the number of batches of objects contained in the package, which number can exceed 4, i.e. the number of corners of the package, and it should be noted that the batches of objects are distributed on the bottom of the package, in particular at least at 4 corners of the package.

[0015] It should be understood that the batches of objects may consist of one object or of a plurality of objects stacked on top of each other or side by side.

[0016] In its general concept, as will be explained below, the method of the present invention has a cycle including four phases assigned to each corner of the package, and these phases determine the cutting height and the marking height assigned to all corners of the package regardless of the actual height of the batch of objects contained in the secondary volume. It includes a priority phase that includes the step of determining, by the operator, a priority volume and a secondary volume that accommodate a batch of objects of maximum height in order to determine the cutting height and the marking height assigned to all corners of the package. According to the fully mechanical approach of the present invention, each phase includes a vertical downward thrust of the gripping member for moving the arm of the device supporting the cutting tool and the marking tool towards the package, and a horizontal thrust for simultaneously operating the tool for cutting the edge and the tool for marking the side. It includes only two movements applied by the operator to the gripping member that constitutes the device. Then, the device returns to the initial position using a counterweight to reduce the operator's effort. According to the partially automated approach of the present invention, these movements are applied by at least one motor member such as an electric motor. Thus, each corner of the package is marked and cut at the same cutting height and the same marking height, and this height corresponds to the height determined for the batch of objects of maximum height, and these cutting heights and marking heights are also assigned to the secondary volume that accommodates a batch of secondary objects of a height smaller than the maximum height. A package that is adapted to maintain a batch of objects with a final height that is the maximum height while satisfactorily accommodating other batches of objects is thus obtained, and such final packaging has regular, clean, and properly formed cuts and markings in order to obtain high-quality final packaging.

[0017] According to the present invention, the method includes the following successive phases: - A priority phase including the following steps: - A priority step in which an operator determines a priority volume and three secondary volumes, where the priority volume houses a priority batch of the tallest objects, the priority volume is in contact with a priority edge and two side faces, and each secondary volume is in contact with a secondary edge and two side faces. This determination is made, for example, by a visual inspection performed by the operator within the package. - A priority step of pressing two side faces in contact with the priority volume against fixed stops, where the priority pressing step is performed before the priority moving step. - A priority step of moving, within the package, an arm supporting a feeler by a priority distance to a final position where the feeler returns in contact with the priority batch of objects, in order to determine a priority height according to the maximum height of the priority batch of objects. - A priority step of deforming two side faces along two priority fold lines by a marking tool supported by the arm, where the two priority fold lines in contact with the priority volume are arranged at a marking height according to the priority height. - A priority step of separating, by a cutting tool supported by the arm, two side faces in contact with the priority volume to a cutting height according to the priority height. - A priority step of returning the arm to its initial position. - Three secondary phases including the following steps: - A secondary step of pressing two side faces in contact with the secondary volume against fixed stops. - A secondary step of moving the arm by the priority distance to the final position. - A secondary step of deforming two side faces in contact with the secondary volume by a marking tool at the marking height along two secondary fold lines. - A secondary step of separating, by a cutting tool, two side faces in contact with the secondary volume to the cutting height. - A secondary step of returning the arm to its initial position.

[0018] The method advantageously includes at least any one of the following features, performed alone or in combination: - The priority phase includes a priority step of arranging a variable stop at a priority height on an arm support that supports the arm, and the priority arrangement step is performed between the priority movement step and the priority deformation step. - The priority positioning step at the priority height of the priority movement step and the variable stop is performed continuously from the same first priority movement executed by the operator. Such a first priority movement is, for example, a vertical downward thrust. - The priority step of deforming two side surfaces and the priority step of separating two side surfaces are performed from the same second priority movement executed by the operator or by a cylinder. In the case of a fully mechanical approach of the present invention, such a secondary priority movement is, for example, a horizontal thrust. In the case of a partially automated approach of the present invention, such a second priority movement is assisted by a cylinder. - The secondary step of moving the arm by a priority distance is performed from the same first secondary movement as the first priority movement. - The secondary step of deforming two side surfaces and the secondary step of separating two side surfaces are performed from the same second secondary movement as the second priority movement. - The method includes at least one intermediate phase of rotating the package by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the bottom. More specifically, the rotation phase is performed between the priority phase and the first secondary phase, and between two consecutive secondary phases. It should be understood that as long as three secondary volumes are processed, the rotation direction of the package is not important, nor is the fact that it starts with a 90° or 180° rotation. - The method includes at least one final phase of removing the variable stop from the priority height. - The priority step of arranging the variable stop at the priority height is a step that prevents the arrangement of the arm at a height lower than the priority height.

[0019] The present invention relates to an apparatus for implementing such a method, the apparatus comprising a frame including a tray for accommodating a package provided with a fixed stop, the frame comprising an arm support to which an arm is attached so as to be translatable, the arm support comprising a variable stop capable of stopping the movement of the arm in a final position, in which final position a marking tool can form a crease at a marking height and a cutting tool can cut an edge up to a cutting height.

[0020] The apparatus advantageously includes at least one of the following features, carried out alone or in combination: - The apparatus includes a carriage movable in translation on a carriage rail, the carriage being clamped on a carriage belt, the carriage belt driving a first return shaft, the first return shaft driving an arm belt to which the arm is clamped. - The apparatus includes a movement transmission member extending between a gripping member and the arm, the movement transmission member including a cable and a sheath for accommodating the cable, the cable extending between a first connection point of the cable formed on a carriage support supporting the carriage and a second connection point of the cable formed on the arm, the sheath extending between a first fixing point of the sheath formed on the gripping member and a second fixing point of the sheath formed on a first lever rotatably attached to the arm. - The apparatus includes a motor member for moving the arm. - The apparatus includes a cylinder associated with the first lever. - The apparatus includes means for controlling a jack in relation to a sensor provided with a feeler for actuating the jack. - A first rod and a second rod are rotatably attached to the first lever for actuating the cutting tool and the marking tool respectively. - The device includes means for locking / unlocking a marking tool and a cutting tool, the means being movable between a locked position where the locking / unlocking means enables the deformation step and the cutting step, and an unlocked position where the locking / unlocking means prevents the deformation step and the cutting step. - The device includes a cycle sequencer that can count the phases performed by the operator, regardless of whether they are priority phases and secondary phases. - The device includes means for holding the flaps of the package against a fixed stop.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent, on the one hand, from the following description and, on the other hand, from some examples of embodiments given for information purposes without limitation with respect to the attached schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] In Figure 1, there is shown a package 1, such as a slotted container of the Fefco 0201 type or equivalent, formed from, for example, solid cardboard or corrugated cardboard. The package 1 is shown in a rectangular coordinate system Oxyz, whose axis Oz is the vertical axis and whose plane Oxy is the horizontal plane. The package 1 includes a bottom 2 extending in a bottom plane P1 parallel to the plane Oxy against which four side faces 3 are in contact. The side faces 3 extend in respective planes orthogonal to the bottom plane P1, whereby the package 1 defines an internal volume 4, preferably a parallelepiped volume. Two consecutive side faces 3 are separated by edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d extending in an edge direction D orthogonal to the bottom plane P1. Thus, there are four edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, including a first edge 5a, a second edge 5b, a third edge 5c and a fourth edge 5d, parallel to each other and parallel to the edge direction D. Each side face 3 is provided with a flap 6, which projects from the side face 3 to which the flap 6 is assigned and is connected to this side face 3 by a fold line 7 perpendicular to the edge direction D. The package 1 has an initial height Hi measured between the bottom 2 and the fold line 7 in a direction parallel to the edge direction D.

[0024] At this stage of the description, it should be noted that the method of the invention also applies to packages without flaps, such as boxes of the Fefco 0200 type, such packages being thus associated with a lid surrounding the side faces to cover the internal volume.

[0025] In FIG. 2, each of the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and the two side faces 3 in contact with the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d together define the corners of the package 1 that include volumes V1, V2, V3, V4 for accommodating respective batches L1, L2, L3, L4 of objects disposed at the bottom 2 of the package 1, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the internal volume 4 includes at least one first volume V1 for accommodating the first batch L1 of objects, a second volume V2 for accommodating the second batch L2 of objects, a third volume V3 for accommodating the third batch L3 of objects, and a fourth volume V4 for accommodating the fourth batch L4 of objects, and the four batches L1, L2, L3, L4 of objects are, in the simple case of the package 1 that contains only one type of object, the same objects in some cases. It should also be understood that the package may accommodate more than the four batches L1, L2, L3, L4 of objects distributed at the bottom 2 of the package 1. It should also be noted that the package 1 may accommodate a single batch of objects without departing from the provisions of the present invention, as will be described below.

[0026] It should be understood that each of the accommodating volumes V1, V2, V3, V4 may have planes S1, S2, S3, S4 parallel to the bottom plane P1 and separate from the other faces. It should also be noted that the batches L1, L2, L3, L4 of objects may be of any shape and size and may in particular be longer than those shown in FIG. 2.

[0027] Each batch L1, L2, L3, L4 of the object extends between a lower surface Fi1, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4 on the bottom 2 of the package 1 and an upper surface Fs1, Fs2, Fs3, Fs4 on the opposite side of the lower surfaces Fi1, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4 in a direction parallel to the edge direction D. Each batch L1, L2, L3, L4 of the object may have an individual height H1, H2, H3, H4, and the heights H1, H2, H3, H4 are measured between the lower surfaces Fi1, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4 and the upper surfaces Fs1, Fs2, Fs3, Fs4 of the corresponding batches L1, L2, L3, L4 of the object in a direction parallel to the edge direction D. That is, the first batch L1 of the object has a first height H1 taken between the first lower surface Fi1 of the first batch L1 of the object and the first upper surface Fs1 of the first batch L1 of the object, the second batch L2 of the object has a second height H2 taken between the second lower surface Fi2 of the second batch L2 of the object and the second upper surface Fs2 of the second batch L2 of the object, the third batch L3 of the object has a third height H3 taken between the third lower surface Fi3 of the third batch L3 of the object and the third upper surface Fi3 of the third batch L3 of the object, and the fourth batch L4 of the object has a fourth height H4 taken between the fourth lower surface Fi4 of the fourth batch L4 of the object and the fourth upper surface Fs4 of the fourth batch L4 of the object. The four heights H1, H2, H3, H4 may be different from each other. Among these four heights H1, H2, H3, H4, there is a maximum height Hmax which is the largest of these four heights H1, H2, H3, H4. In the example shown and the remaining description, the tallest batch of the object is considered to be the first batch L1 of the object.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, one of the accommodation volumes V1, V2, V3, V4 containing a batch of objects having a maximum height Hmax is the priority volume Vp, and the other accommodation volumes V1, V2, V3, V4 are considered to be secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3. That is, the priority volume Vp accommodates the priority batch Lp of objects having a maximum height Hmax, and the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 accommodate the secondary batches Ls1, Ls2, Ls3 of objects having respective secondary heights Hs1, Hs2, Hs3 that are less than or equal to the maximum height Hmax. In the example shown and the remaining description, the priority volume Vp is the first volume V1, and the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 are the second volume V2, the third volume V3, and the fourth volume V4. That is, the priority volume Vp is in contact with the priority edge 50 formed by the first edge 5a in the example shown, while the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 are in contact with the secondary edges 51, 52, 53. In other words, the first secondary volume Vs1 is in contact with the first secondary edge 51, the second secondary volume Vs2 is in contact with the second secondary edge 52 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 3, and the third secondary volume Vs3 is in contact with the third secondary edge 53.

[0029] In FIG. 4, a method 100 for reducing the initial package height Hi is schematically shown. The method 100 includes at least four consecutive phases 200, 201, 202, 203 performed by operators associated with each of the four accommodation volumes V1, V2, V3, V4 respectively. More specifically, the priority phase 200 is associated with the priority volume Vp, the first secondary phase 201 is associated with the first secondary volume Vs1, the second secondary phase 202 is associated with the second secondary volume Vs2, and the third secondary phase 203 is associated with the third secondary volume Vs3.

[0030] The method 100 preferably includes at least one initial phase 300 of pulling out the flap 6 of the package 1 from the internal volume 4 of the package 1 defined by the bottom 2 and the four side faces 3.

[0031] The priority phase 200 includes the following steps: - Priority step 200a determined by the operator through a visual inspection of the priority volume Vp that accommodates the priority batch Lp of the object, including the maximum height Hmax of the batches L1, L2, L3, L4 of the object, wherein the priority volume Vp is in contact with the priority edge 50 and the two side faces 3. - Priority step 200b that has the effect of positioning the priority batch Lp of the object immediately above the arm 12 equipped with the feeler 13, the marking tool 14, and the cutting tool 15, and pressing against the two side faces 3 in contact with the priority volume Vp against the wall portion 11a of the fixed stop 11, preferably arranged in a V-shape at an angle of 90°. The arm 12 is translatable along the arm support 16, and the arm support 16 is arranged on a rail and extends along the support axis A1 parallel to the edge direction D. - Priority step 200c for moving the arm 12 along the support axis A1, which causes the feeler 13 to move within the internal volume 4 of the priority distance Zp from the initial position of the feeler 13 shown in FIG. 8, where the feeler 13 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the priority batch Lp of the object, to the final position of the feeler 13 shown in FIG. 10, where the feeler 13 contacts the upper surface Fs1 of the priority batch Lp of the object arranged in the priority volume Vp, by passing through the intermediate position of the feeler 13 shown in FIG. 9. At this stage of the description, for the sake of facilitating the understanding of method 100, it should be noted that FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are shown without the batch of the object, so the priority distance Zp shown in FIG. 8 is the maximum priority distance Zp obtained when there is no batch of the object. - Priority step 200d for positioning the variable stop 17 on the arm support 16 at the priority height Hp according to the maximum height Hmax of the priority batch Lp of the object. It should be understood that the stop is variable in that the position of the stop is variable along the arm support 16. - A priority step 200e of deforming the side surface 3 in contact with the priority volume Vp by the marking tool 14, wherein the marking tool 14 is between a rest position where the marking tool 14 is disposed at a distance from the side surface 3 and an operating position where the marking tool 14 applies pressure to two portions of the side surface 3 in contact with the priority volume Vp along two priority fold lines 20. The priority fold lines intersect the priority edge 50 and are disposed at the marking height Hm shown in FIG. 5, and the marking height Hm follows the priority height Hp. Note that the fixed stop 11 forms an obstacle to the marking tool 14, between which portions of the side surface 3 are interposed to be marked in their thickness. - A priority step 200f of separating two side surfaces 3 in contact with the priority volume Vp by the cutting tool 15, wherein the cutting tool 15 circulates from a priority starting point 30a including the fold line 7 of the package 1 through the priority edge 50 to a priority arrival point 30b disposed at a cutting distance Hd shown in FIG. 5 from the priority starting point 30a following the priority height Hp. - Step 200g of returning the arm 12 to the initial position Zi.

[0032] Next, the method 100 includes a first intermediate phase 301 of rotating the package 1 by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the bottom 2.

[0033] Next, the method 100 includes a first secondary phase 201 including the following steps: - A first secondary step 201b of pressing two side surfaces 3 in contact with the first secondary volume Vs1 against the wall portion 11a of the fixed stop 11 and positioning a first secondary batch Ls1 of objects immediately above the arm 12. - A first secondary step 201c of moving the arm 12 along the arm support 16 to the variable stop 17. - A first secondary step 201e of deforming two side surfaces 3 in contact with the first secondary volume Vs1 by a marking tool 14, whereby the marking tool 14 applies pressure to two portions of the side surface 3 in contact with the first secondary volume Vs1 along two first secondary creases 21, the two first secondary creases 21 intersect the first secondary edge 51 in contact with the first secondary volume Vs1, and are arranged at a marking height Hm. Note that the same fixed stop 11 still forms an obstacle to the marking tool 14, between which portions of the side surface 3 are interposed for being marked in their thickness. - A first secondary step 201f of separating two side surfaces 3 in contact with the first secondary edge 51 by a cutting tool 15, the cutting tool 15 circulating from a first secondary starting point 21a including the fold 7 of the package 1 through the first secondary edge 51 to a first secondary arrival point 21b arranged at a cutting distance Hd from the first secondary starting point 21a. - A first secondary step 201g of returning the arm 12 to the initial position Zi.

[0034] Next, the method 100 includes a second intermediate phase 302 of rotating the package 1 by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the bottom 2.

[0035] Next, the method includes a second secondary phase 202 including the following steps: - A second secondary step 202b of pressing two side surfaces 3 in contact with the second secondary volume Vs2 against the wall portion 11a of the fixed stop 11 and positioning a second secondary batch Ls2 of an object immediately above the arm 12. - A second secondary step 202c of moving the arm 12 along the arm support 16 to the variable stop 17. - A second secondary step 202e of deforming two side surfaces 3 in contact with the second secondary volume Vs2 by means of a marking tool 14, whereby the marking tool 14 applies pressure to two portions of the side surface 3 in contact with the second secondary volume Vs2 along two second secondary folds 22, the two second secondary folds 22 intersecting the second secondary edge 52 in contact with the second secondary volume Vs2 and being arranged at a marking height Hm. It should be noted again that the same fixed stop 11 still forms an obstacle to the marking tool 14, between which portions of the side surface 3 are interposed in order to be marked in their thickness. - A second secondary step 202f of separating two side surfaces 3 in contact with the second secondary edge 52 by means of a cutting tool 15, the cutting tool 15 circulating through the second secondary edge 52 from a second secondary starting point 32a including the fold 7 of the package 1 to a second secondary arrival point 32b arranged at a cutting distance Hd from the first secondary starting point 32a. - A second secondary step 202g of returning the arm 12 to its initial position.

[0036] The method 100 then includes a third intermediate phase 303 of rotating the package 1 by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the bottom 2.

[0037] The method 100 then includes a third secondary phase 203 including the following steps: - A third secondary step 203b of pressing two side surfaces 3 in contact with the third secondary volume Vs3 against the wall portion 11a of the fixed stop 11 and positioning a third secondary batch Ls3 of objects just above the arm 12. - A third secondary step 203c of moving the arm 12 along the arm support 16 to the variable stop 17. - A third secondary step 203e of deforming two side surfaces 3 in contact with the third secondary volume Vs3 by a marking tool 14, whereby the marking tool 14 applies pressure to two portions of the side surface 3 in contact with the third secondary volume Vs3 along two third secondary folds 23, the two third secondary folds 23 intersecting the third secondary edge 53 in contact with the third secondary volume Vs3 and being arranged at a marking height Hm. It should also be noted that the same fixed stop 11 still forms an obstacle to the marking tool 14, between which portions of the side surface 3 are interposed to be marked in their thickness. - A third secondary step 203f of separating two side surfaces 3 in contact with the third secondary edge 53 by a cutting tool 15, the cutting tool 15 circulating through the third secondary edge 53 from a third secondary starting point 33a including the fold 7 of the package 1 to a third secondary arrival point 33b arranged at a cutting distance Hd from the third secondary starting point 33a. - A third secondary step 203g of returning the arm 12 to the initial position Zi.

[0038] Next, the method 100 includes a final phase 310 of removing the variable stop 17 from the priority height Hp.

[0039] It should be noted that the method 100 of the present invention advantageously reuses the same elements of the device 10 in each phase 200, 201, 202, 203, in particular the fixed stop 11, the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15, which are specific to the device 10, are involved in each phase 200, 201, 202, 203 of the method 100, reduce the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the device 10, and minimize the weight and size requirements of the device 10 while enabling easy movement of the device 10.

[0040] This method 100 is implemented by a device 10 shown in a completely mechanical approach in FIGS. 8 to 11 and in a partially automated approach in FIGS. 28 to 34, and is represented in a rectangular coordinate system O’x’y’z’. The device 10 will be described first in a manual approach and then in a partially automated approach, and references to those common to both approaches are the same in both approaches.

[0041] The device 10 includes a frame 30 including a plate 31 formed in a plate plane P2 parallel to the plane O’x’y’. The plate 31 is intended to accommodate the bottom 2 of the package 1. A fixed stop 11 is directly attached onto the plate 31. The fixed stop 11 is particularly arranged in a V shape, and the wall portions 11a form a 90° angle between them for receiving two side faces 3 of the package 1 against the wall portions 11a. The fixed stop 11 preferably includes a groove 11b formed between the wall portions 11a for forming a passage for the cutting tool 15 when separating the side faces 3 in contact with the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. The fixed stop 11 constitutes a member for pressing the side faces 3 of the package 1 to position the package 1 under the feeler 13, and also constitutes an obstacle to the marking tool 14, thereby surrounding the side faces 3 of the package 1 so that the side faces 3 of the package 1 are marked in their thickness, and thus forming the creases 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0042] The frame 30 comprises a carriage 32 that is translatable along a carriage rail 33 extending along a rail axis A2 parallel to the vertical axis O’z’. For this purpose, the carriage 32 is provided with a gripping member 34 provided with a gripping handle 35 that can be gripped by an operator. More specifically, when the operator applies a downward vertical thrust P substantially parallel to the axis O’z’, the carriage 32 circulates downward along the carriage rail 33 between the initial position shown in FIG. 8 and the final position shown in FIG. 10, passing through the intermediate position shown in FIG. 9.

[0043] The carriage rail 33 is supported by a carriage support portion 36 provided with a plurality of carriage pulleys 37, and a carriage belt 38 circulates on the plurality of carriage pulleys 37. The carriage pulleys 37 are included in a plane parallel to the plane O’y’z’. The carriage 32 is gripped on the carriage belt 38 by a carriage flange 39, and a vertical thrust P applied by the operator causes a translation of the carriage 32 along the rail axis A2, which is parallel to the rail axis A2. It should be understood that this translation then causes the carriage belt 38 to circulate along the carriage pulleys 37.

[0044] The carriage belt 38 is also attached to a first return pulley 41, and a first return shaft 42 is provided in the axial direction on the first return pulley 41. The first return shaft 42 extends along an axis parallel to the axis O’x’. A second return pulley 43 attached to an arm belt 44 is also provided in the axial direction on the first return shaft 42. The arm belt 44 also circulates on at least one arm pulley 43’ in a plane parallel to the plane O’y’z’. The arm 12 is gripped on the arm belt 44 by an arm flange 45, and a vertical thrust P applied downward by the operator also causes rotation in the first return shaft 42 itself, which induces the circulation of the arm belt 44 on the second return pulley 43 and the arm pulley 43’, which causes a downward translation of the arm 12 gripped on the arm belt 44 along the support axis A1. This translation occurs until the feeler 13 contacts the upper surface Fs1 of the priority batch Lp of the object arranged in the priority volume Vp. This priority volume is arranged under the feeler 13 during the priority step 200a of determining, by visual inspection by the operator, the priority volume Vp that receives the priority batch Lp of the object including the maximum height Hmax of the batches L1, L2, L3, L4 of the object, and the operator is paying attention.

[0045] Note that the arm 12 is connected to the arm counterweight 12a by an arm rope 12b that can circulate along the counterweight pulley 12c. The arm counterweight 12a can move within the sheath 12d under the influence of its own weight or, conversely, under the influence of the vertical thrust P, between the initial position shown in FIG. 8 and the final position shown in FIG. 10. More specifically, the arm counterweight 12a tends to return the arm 12 to the initial position with respect to the operator's work at the end of the priority phase 200 and the secondary phases 201, 202, 203.

[0046] Referring also to FIGS. 12 to 16, a movement transmission member 46 extends between the gripping member 34 and the arm 12. The movement transmission member 46 includes a cable 47 and a sheath 48 that receives the cable 47. More specifically, the cable 47 extends between a first connection point 47a of the cable 47 formed on the carriage support 36 and a second connection point 47b of the cable 47 disposed on the arm 12. The sheath 48, on the other hand, extends between a first fixing point 48a of the sheath 48 formed on the gripping member 34 and a second fixing point 48b of the sheath 48 formed on the first lever 61. The first lever 61 is rotatably attached to the arm 12 about a first lever axis B1 parallel to the axis O’y’ as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, whereas the gripping member 34 is rotatably attached to the carriage support 36 about a gripping axis B’.

[0047] With these arrangements, when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P’ to the gripping member 34, the first lever 61 tilts about the first lever axis B1, thereby bringing the second connection point 47b and the second fixing point 48b closer together. Such an approach causes the movement of a first rod 71 rotatably attached to the first lever 61 about a first rod axis C1 parallel to the axis O’y’.

[0048] On the first rod 71, there are provided a second lever 62 and a third lever 63, both of which are rotatably attached to the first rod 71 about the first inclined axis D1. The second lever 62 is rotatably attached to the arc 12 about a second lever axis B2 parallel to the axis O’y’. The third lever 63 is rotatably attached to the cutting tool 15 about a third lever axis B3 parallel to the axis O’y’. With these arrangements, when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P’, the first rod 71 separates the second lever 62 and the third lever 63 from each other, whereby the cutting tool 15 engages with the fixed knife 15’ attached to the arm 12 in order to separate any one of the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53 that contact the two side surfaces 3 of the package 1.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, simultaneously with what has just been described, it can be seen that when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P’ to the gripping member 34, the first lever 61 tilts about the axis B1 of the first lever so as to bring the second connection point 47b and the second fixed point 48b closer together. Such a closeness causes the movement of a second rod 72 rotatably attached to the first lever 61 about a second rod axis C2 parallel to the axis Oy.

[0050] The second rod 72 is provided with a fourth lever 64 and a fifth lever 65, both of which are rotatably attached to the second rod 72 about a second inclined axis D2. The fourth lever 64 is rotatably attached to the arm 12 about a fourth lever axis B4 parallel to the axis O’y’. The fifth lever 65 is fixed to the marking tool 14 and includes a fifth lever end 65’ that abuts against a plate 65’’ preferably arranged in a square shape. These arrangements are such that when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P’, the second rod 72 separates the fourth lever 64 from the fifth lever 65, whereby the marking tool 14 deforms two sides 3 along any one of the folds 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0051] In FIG. 17, a variable stop 17 is attached to the arm 12 and is translatable along the arm support 16. The variable stop 17 includes a first variable stop arm 18, and the first variable stop arm 18 supports a feeler 13 and is rotatably attached to a second variable stop arm 19 about a first arm axis E0. The second variable stop arm 19 extends between a first end 19a of the second arm and a second end 19b of the second arm, while being rotatable about the second arm axis E1 on the arm 12. The first arm axis E0 is arranged between the second arm axis E1 and the first end 19a of the second arm.

[0052] Referring also to FIGS. 18 and 19, the variable stop 17 includes a slide 171 that is translatable in the arm support 16. The slide 171 is provided with a first left leg 172a and a first right leg 172b that are each rotatably attached to the slide 171 about respective slide axes E2 that are parallel to the axis O’y’. Each of the first legs 172a, 172b comprises a respective second leg 173a, 173b. The second left leg 173a is rotatably attached to the first left leg 172a about a left leg axis E3 that is parallel to the slide axis E2. The second right leg 173b is rotatably attached to the first right leg 172b about a right leg axis E4 that is parallel to the slide axis E2. Each of the second legs 173a, 173b is rotatably attached to a rear plate 174 and a front plate (not shown for clarity) about respective plate axes E5, E6. The front plate is substantially the same as the rear plate 174, and it should be understood that the rear plate 174 and the front plate are disposed on both sides of the arm support 16. Each of the second legs 173a, 173b supports a stop element 175a, 175b that is rotatable about the corresponding plate axes E5, E6. That is, the left stop element 175a is rotatably attached on the left plate axis E5, and the right stop element 175b is rotatably attached on the right plate axis E6. Each stop element 175a, 175b includes respective stop ends 176a, 176b, and the stop ends 176a, 176b contact the arm support 16 by forming a hard point when the vertical support A is applied to the slide 171 by the second end of the second arm 19b as shown in FIG. 19. Note that the presence of the rollers 176 facilitates the sliding of the variable stop 17 along the arm support 16.

[0053] When the feeler 13 contacts the upper surface Fs1 of the priority batch Lp of the object disposed in the priority volume Vp, the first variable stop arm 18 rotates the second variable stop arm 19 about the axis of the second arm E1, and the second end 19b of the second arm presses against the slide 171, and the stop ends 176a, 176b are positioned with respect to the arm support 16, and it should be understood that the arm 12 is prevented from continuing its movement along the arm support 16. It should also be understood that this operation is performed during the priority step 200d of positioning the variable stop 17 at the priority height Hp in the arm support 16 that supports the arm 12. Thereby, the variable stop is positioned at the priority height Hp and remains fixed during the subsequent steps of method 100. This positioning of the variable stop 17, as will be described later, determines the subsequent secondary steps 201c, 202c, 203c of moving the arm 12 by the priority distance Zp, and the secondary steps 201e, 202e, 203e of deforming the two side surfaces 3 that contact the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 along the two secondary folds 21, 22, 23 by the marking tool 14, and the secondary steps 201f, 202f, 203f of separating the two side surfaces 3 that contact the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 by the cutting tool 15.

[0054] It should also be noted that the additional leg 177 is rotatably attached at the first right leg 172b and the second right leg 173b about the right leg axis E4. The additional leg 177 connects the first right leg 172b and the second right leg 173b to the needle 178, and the needle 178 includes a needle leg 178a, and the needle leg 178a is fixedly attached to the axis connecting the rear plate 174 or the front plate or the rear plate and the front plate. The needle leg 178a extends along the needle axis E8 and supports a needle end 178b that is translatably attached along the needle leg 178a.

[0055] During the descent of slide 171, the additional leg 177 presses the needle tip 178b upward along the needle axis E8, so that it is understood that the needle tip 178b is positioned higher after the vertical support A in slide 171 than before such support.

[0056] The needle tip 178b is provided to contact the second variable stop arm 19 in order to enable the secondary deformation steps 201e, 202e, 203e and the secondary separation steps 201f, 202f, 203f when the arm 12 contacts the variable stop 17 fixed during the priority positioning step 200d.

[0057] Referring again to FIG. 17, there are two return members 17a, 17b. The return members 17a, 17b include a first return member 17a connecting the left leg axis E3 to the axis connecting the rear plate 174 or the front plate or the rear plate 174 and the front plate, and a second return member 17b connecting the right leg axis E4 to the axis connecting the rear plate 174 or the front plate or the rear plate 174 and the front plate. These arrangements are intended to return the second legs 173a, 173b to a fixed position that promotes the maintenance of contact of the stop ends 176a, 17b with the arm support 16 when the slide 171 is in the low position after the application of force A. Conversely, before the application of the vertical support A, these arrangements are intended to return the second legs 173a, 173b to a fixed position that promotes the spacing between the stop ends 176a, 176b and the arm support 16 when the slide 171 is in the high position.

[0058] It should also be noted that the variable stop 17 includes a variable stop counterweight 171a connected to the variable stop 17 by a variable stop rope 171b that can circulate in the variable stop pulley 171c. More specifically, the variable stop wire 171b is fixed to the rear plate 174 or the axis connecting the rear plate 174 and the front plate. These arrangements are intended to move the variable stop 17 upward.

[0059] In FIGS. 20 and 21, the apparatus 10 comprises means 80 for locking / unlocking the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15, shown in the locked position of FIG. 20 and the unlocked position of FIG. 21. In the locked position, the lock / unlock means 80 prevents a priority step 200e of deforming the side surface 3 along two priority folds 20 in contact with the priority volume Vp by the marking tool 14 supported by the arm 12, a priority step 200f of separating the two side surfaces 3 in contact with the priority volume Vp by the cutting tool 15 supported by the arm 12, a secondary step 201e, 202e, 203e of deforming the two side surfaces 3 in contact with the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 along two secondary folds 21, 22, 23 by the marking tool 14, and a secondary step 201f, 202f, 203f of separating the two side surfaces 3 in contact with the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 by the cutting tool 15. Also, in the unlocked position, the lock / unlock means 80 enables a priority step 200e of deforming the side surface 3 along two priority folds 20 in contact with the priority volume Vp by the marking tool 14 supported by the arm 12, a priority step 200f of separating the two side surfaces 3 in contact with the priority volume Vp by the cutting tool 15 supported by the arm 12, a secondary step 201e, 202e, 203e of deforming the two side surfaces 3 in contact with the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 along two secondary folds 21, 22, 23 by the marking tool 14, and a secondary step 201f, 202f, 203f of separating the two side surfaces 3 in contact with the secondary volumes Vs1, Vs2, Vs3 by the cutting tool 15.

[0060] This object is achieved by a lock / unlock means 80 which establishes a mechanical connection between a second variable stop arm 19 and a first lever 61 to hold the first lever 61 fixed in the locked position shown in FIG. 20 regardless of the operation by the operator, and which eliminates the mechanical connection between the second variable stop arm 19 and the first lever 61 in the unlocked position to allow operation of the first lever 61 from the operation by the operator on the first lever 61 as shown in FIG. 21. It should be understood that it is impossible for the operator to operate the first lever 61 in the locked position. On the other hand, contact of the feeler 13 with the batches L1, L2, L3, L4, Lp, Ls1, Ls2, Ls3 of objects actuates the first variable stop arm 18, whereby the second variable stop arm 19 tilts from the locked position to the unlocked position and the operator can operate the first lever 61 by applying a horizontal thrust P' to the grip handle 35. On the other hand, again, contact of the end 178b of the needle with the second variable stop arm 19 also tilts the second variable stop arm 19 from the locked position to the unlocked position, whereby the operator can operate the first lever 61 by applying a horizontal thrust P' to the grip handle 35.

[0061] In FIGS. 22 and 23, the lock / unlock means 80 includes the first end 19a of a second arm movable within the lumen 81 included in the bracket 82 between the locked position shown in FIG. 22 and the unlocked position shown in FIG. 23. In the locked position, the first end 19a of the second arm presses against the barrel 83 by a roller 84 disposed between the first end 19a of the second arm and the barrel 83. The barrel 83 circulates within a channel 83' parallel to the axis O'y'. The barrel 83 includes a first barrel end 83a that supports the caster 84 and a second barrel end 83b that includes a barrel arm 85 rotatably attached at the second barrel end 83b and the inclined member 86. The inclined member 86 is rotatably attached in the bracket 82 between a locked position in which an inclined element 87 included in the inclined member 86 is received within the window 90 and an unlocked position in which the inclined element 87 is disposed outside the window 90. The inclined member 86 also includes an inclined end 88 provided with a return element 89 disposed between the inclined end 88 and the bracket 82. The return element 89 is intended to return the inclined member 86 to the locked position to enable the second variable stop arm 19 to return to the locked position when the second variable stop arm 19 no longer contacts the feeler 13 or the slide end 178b.

[0062] The window 90 is defined by a frame 91 that constitutes a connecting member 92. The connecting member 92 is disposed on a rod extending along an axis parallel to the axis O'z' and includes a rod element 93 that circulates within a sleeve 94 disposed along an axis parallel to the axis O'z'. The connecting member 92 also includes a strut 95 rotatably attached to the first lever 61 as well.

[0063] It should be understood that when the first end 19a of the second arm is aligned with the barrel 83, the inclined element 87 is held within the window 90 by the impossibility of tilting the inclined member 86, and thus the first lever 61 as well as the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15 are held fixed regardless of the operator's movement.

[0064] When the first end 19a of the second arm is not aligned with the barrel 83, the inclined element 87 can be disposed outside the window 90, enabling the inclined member 86 to pivot. Thus, it should also be understood that when an operator applies a horizontal thrust P' to the gripping handle 35, the first lever 61 can move the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool 15.

[0065] In FIGS. 24 to 27, the apparatus 10 includes a cycle sequencer 400 fixed to the arm 12. The cycle sequencer 400 includes a sequencing shaft 401 rotatably mounted on the arm 12 along a first sequencing axis E10 parallel to the axis O'x'. The first indexing arm 402 is rotatably mounted on the arm 12 along an axis parallel to the axis O'x'. The first indexing arm 402 is held in contact with the sequencing shaft 401 using a tension spring 403. The tension spring 403 is rotatably mounted on the arm 12 on one hand and rotatably mounted on the first indexing arm 402 on the other hand. The second indexing arm 404 is rotatably mounted on the arm 12 along an axis parallel to the axis O'x'. The second indexing arm 4 is held in contact with the sequencing shaft 2 using a first tension spring 405. The first tension spring 405 is rotatably mounted on the arm 12 on one hand and rotatably mounted on the second indexing arm 404 on the other hand. The actuating stop finger 406 of the variable stop 17 is mounted on the sequencing shaft 401 to rotate freely along the first sequencing axis E10. The actuating stop finger 406 is held in a relative angular position with respect to the sequencing shaft 401 by a torsion spring 407. The sequencing finger 408 is mounted on the frame 30 to rotate freely along a second sequencing axis E11 parallel to the axis O'y'. The sequencing finger 408 is held in a horizontal position using a tension spring 409 that is rotatably mounted on the frame 30 on one hand and rotatably mounted on the sequencing finger 408 on the other hand.

[0066] During the downward movement of the arm 12 along the axis A1, it should be understood that the sequencing shaft 401 contacts the sequencing finger 408 fixed to the frame 30. The contact between the sequencing finger 408 and the sequencing shaft 401 rotates the sequencing shaft 401 by 90°. The indexing of the sequencing shaft 401 at 90° is facilitated by the contact between the first indexing arm 402 and the sequencing shaft 401 due to the specific shape of the sequencing shaft 401. For this purpose, it should be noted that the sequencing shaft 401 is preferably arranged in a four-point star shape. The rotation of the sequencing shaft 2 simultaneously rotates the actuation stop finger 406 by 45°.

[0067] Therefore, during the priority step 200c of moving the arm 12, the actuation stop finger 406, which is initially arranged parallel to the plane O’x’y’, is arranged parallel to the plane O’x’z’.

[0068] Next, during the first secondary step 201c of moving the arm 12, the actuation stop finger 406, which is initially arranged with respect to the plane O’x’z’, is arranged parallel to the plane O’x’y’.

[0069] Next, during the second secondary step 202c of moving the arm 12, the actuation stop finger 406, which is initially arranged parallel to the plane O’x’y’, is arranged parallel to the plane O’x’z’.

[0070] Next, during the third secondary step 203c of moving the arm 12, the actuation stop finger 406, which is initially arranged parallel to the plane O’x’z’, is arranged parallel to the plane O’x’y’. This has the effect that the actuation stop finger 406 is retracted when the actuation stop finger 406 passes in front of the variable stop 17 by the torsion spring 407.

[0071] Finally, during a third secondary step of returning the arm 12 to position 203g at the initial position Zi, the actuation stop finger 406 contacts the slide 171 of the variable stop 17. This has the effect of moving the slide 171 upward, causing an actuation stop of the variable stop that rises with the arm 12 at the initial position Zi.

[0072] With these arrangements, when the operator desires to reduce the initial height Zi of the package 1, the operator places the package on the plate 31 by always placing the priority batch Lp of the object under the feeler 13 by pressing the side surface 3 in contact with the priority volume Vp against the fixed stop 11.

[0073] Next, the operator actuates the gripping member 34 downward according to the vertical thrust P, lowering the carriage 32, which induces the downward movement of the arm 12 within the package 1. When the feeler 13 contacts the upper surfaces Fs1, Fs2, Fs3, Fs4 of the priority batch Lp of the object, this causes the variable stop 17 in the arm support 16 to be installed and stops the downward movement of the arm 12 along the support 16. At this stage, the lock / unlock means 80 is arranged in the unlocked position, whereby when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P' to the gripping member 34, this horizontal thrust P' pulls the cable 47 and actuates the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to support the priority fold 20 on the side surface 3 and cut the priority edge 50 respectively. This also causes the operation of the cycle sequencer 400. Next, the operator returns the arm 12 to the initial position while being assisted by the arm counterweight 12a.

[0074] Next, the operator places the first secondary batch Ls1 of the object under the feeler 13 by pressing the side surface 3 in contact with the first secondary volume Vs1 against the fixed stop 11.

[0075] Next, the operator operates the gripping member 34 downwardly in accordance with the vertical thrust P, lowering the carriage 32 downwardly, which induces the downward movement of the arm 12 within the package 1. When the arm 12 contacts the variable stop 17, this stops the downward movement of the arm 12 along the support 16. At this stage, the lock / unlock means 80 is disposed in the unlocked position, whereby when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P' to the gripping member 34, this horizontal thrust P' pulls the cable 47, actuating the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to respectively support the first secondary fold 21 on the side surface 3 and cut the first secondary edge 51. This also causes the operation of the cycle sequencer 400. Next, the operator returns the arm 12 to the initial position while being assisted by the arm counterweight 12a.

[0076] Next, the operator places the first secondary batch Ls2 of the object under the feeler 13 by pressing the side surface 3 in contact with the second secondary volume Vs12 against the fixed stop 11.

[0077] Next, the operator operates the gripping member 34 downwardly in accordance with the vertical thrust P, lowering the carriage 32 downwardly, which induces the downward movement of the arm 12 within the package 1. When the arm 12 contacts the variable stop 17, this stops the downward movement of the arm 12 along the arm support 16. At this stage, the lock / unlock means 80 is disposed in the unlocked position, whereby when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P' to the gripping member 34, this horizontal thrust P' pulls the cable 47, actuating the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to respectively support the first secondary fold 21 on the side surface 3 and cut the first secondary edge 51. This also causes the operation of the cycle sequencer 400. Next, the operator returns the arm 12 to the initial position while being assisted by the arm counterweight 12a.

[0078] Next, the operator places the third secondary batch Ls3 of the object under the feeler 13 by pressing the side surface 3 in contact with the third secondary volume Vs3 against the fixed stop 11.

[0079] Next, the operator actuates the gripping member 34 downward according to the vertical thrust P, lowering the carriage 32 downward, which induces the downward movement of the arm 12 within the package 1. When the arm 12 contacts the variable stop 17, this stops the downward movement of the arm 12 along the arm support 16. At this stage, the lock / unlock means 80 is disposed in the unlocked position, such that when the operator applies a horizontal thrust P' to the gripping member 34, this horizontal thrust P' pulls the cable 47, actuating the marking member 14 and the cutting member 15 to respectively support the first secondary fold 21 on the side surface 3 and cut the first secondary edge 51. This also causes the operation of the cycle sequencer 400. Next, the operator returns the arm 12 to the initial position while being assisted by the arm counterweight 12a.

[0080] By this upward movement, the actuating stop finger 406 can separate the variable stop 17 from the arm 12, and the variable stop 17 is returned to the initial position by following the movement of the arm 12 while being assisted by the variable stop counterweight 171a.

[0081] Next, the operator folds the side surface 3 along the folds 20, 21, 22, 23 to close the package 1.

[0082] In FIGS. 28 and 29, the apparatus 10 is shown from the side according to an automated approach, and the apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 28 at the initial position of the arm 12 and in FIG. 29 at the final position of the arm 12. The apparatus 10 includes a motor member 501 such as an electric motor, and the motor member 501 can circulate a motor belt 502 along two motor pulleys 503, for example, by rotating one of the motor pulleys 503. Since the arm 12 is clamped to the motor belt 502, when the motor belt 502 circulates around the motor pulley 503, the arm 12 is driven to translate on the arm support 16. These arrangements are aimed at enabling the priority movement step 200c and the secondary movement steps 201c, 202c, 203c.

[0083] Accordingly, the arm 12 moves vertically in translation by a linear guide made, for example, by ball bearings on two parallel rails fixed to the arm support 16. As in the manual approach, the arm 12 houses the feeler 13, the cutting tool 15, the fixed knife 15', and the marking tool 14. As soon as the feeler 13 contacts the priority batch Lp of the object, the feeler 13 moves vertically in translation on the guide rail 504 between the initial position shown in FIG. 30 and the final position shown in FIG. 31. Such movement is detected, for example, by a sensor 505 such as an optical sensor fixed to the guide rail 504, and the sensor 505 is associated with control means 506, and the control means 506 stores the priority height Hp.

[0084] In FIGS. 32 to 34, the apparatus 10 includes a cylinder 507 such as an electric cylinder. The cylinder 507 is fixed to the arm 12 and includes a rod that can move translationally. The rod that can move translationally includes a movable end 508 that is rotatably attached to the first lever 61 about the cylinder axis C0. The first lever 61 is rotatably attached to the arm 12 about the first lever axis B1. With these arrangements, during the priority phase 200, when the sensor 13 contacts the priority batch Lp of the object, the control means 506 activates the cylinder 507, and the movable end 508 of the cylinder 507 is moved to press the first lever 61 as continuously shown in FIGS. 32 to 34. The first lever 61 tilts about the first lever axis B1, and such tilting causes the movement of the first rod 71 that is rotatably attached to the first lever 61 about the first rod axis C1.

[0085] The first rod 71 is provided with a second lever 62 and a third lever 63, both of which are rotatably attached to the first rod 71 about the first inclination axis D1. The second lever 62 is rotatably attached to the arm 12 about the second lever axis B2. The third lever 63 is rotatably attached to the cutting tool 15 about the third lever axis B3. With these arrangements, when the cylinder 507 presses the first lever 61, the first rod 71 separates the second lever 62 and the third lever 63 from each other, whereby the cutting tool 15 joins a fixed knife 15' attached to the arm 12 to separate any one of the edges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53 that contact the two side surfaces 3 of the package 1.

[0086] Simultaneously with what has just been described, when the cylinder 507 presses against the first lever 61 and tilts about the first lever axis B1, it is observed that such tilting causes the second rod 72, which is rotatably mounted on the first lever 61 about the second rod axis C2, to move. The second rod 72 is provided with a fourth lever 64 and a fifth lever 65, both of which are rotatably mounted on the second rod 72 about the second tilting axis D2. The fourth lever 64 is rotatably mounted on the arm 12 about the fourth lever axis B4. The fifth lever 65 is rotatably mounted on the marking tool 14 about the fifth lever axis B5. These arrangements are such that when the cylinder 507 presses against the first lever 61, the second rod 72 separates the fourth lever 64 and the fifth lever 65 from each other, whereby the marking tool 14 undergoes a horizontal translational movement and deforms two of the sides 3 along any one of the folds 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0087] It should be noted that the cutting tool 15 and the marking tool 14 are actuated by the same cylinder 507, and the toggle arrangement of the rods and levers makes it possible to increase the cutting force beyond the force of the cylinder 507.

[0088] During the priority phase 200, when the sensor contacts the priority batch Lp, the cylinder is actuated. During the subsequent secondary phases 201, 202, 203, it should be understood that the cylinder 507 is actuated by the control means 506 that has memorized the priority height Hp in order to apply the same movement and the same displacement as during the priority phase 200.

[0089] When the feeler 13 does not contact any object, the motor member 501 enables the arm 12 to descend to the priority height Hp, then the cylinder 507 actuates the cutting tool 15 and the marking tool 14, and then the motor member 501 enables the arm 12 to rise. It should also be understood that when the feeler 13 contacts an object, the sensor 505 notifies the control means 506 of the height of the object. Then, the motor member 501 continues to enable a parametric value reduction that allows obtaining the exact distance between the upper surface of the object and the marking tool 14, then the marking tool 14 and the cutting tool are actuated by the cylinder 507, and then the motor member 501 returns the arm 12 to the initial position. The height of the object is stored in the control means for subsequent phases. Note that if the feeler 13 contacts the object before reaching the priority height Hp during the secondary phase, a fault signal is issued.

[0090] In FIGS. 35 and 36, the device 10 includes means 600 for holding the flap 6 outside the internal volume 4. The holding means is intended to hold the flap 6 in a vertical position with respect to the fixed stop 11, whereby the flap 6 does not prevent the arm 12 from descending within the internal volume 4 of the package 1. Such holding means 600 are useful especially when the package is a used package.

[0091] The holding means 600 includes an upper block 601 that is translatable in a vertical guide 602 formed on the rear side of the fixed stop 11. The upper block 601 includes a paver 603 that presses against the upper side of the flap 6 by its own weight. The holding means 600 includes a lower block 604 that circulates in the vertical guide under the upper block 601. The lower block 604 is associated with an actuator 605 that can circulate the lower block 604 along the vertical guide until it lifts the upper block 601. When the actuator 605 lowers the lower block 604, the upper block also moves downward until it finally contacts the upper side of the flap 6 to hold it against the fixed stop.

[0092] In the rest position, the actuator 605 holds the lower block 603 and the upper block 601 in a raised position, thereby enabling the installation of a package of maximum height provided against the fixed stop 11. The holding means 600 includes at least one sensor for detecting the presence of the package 1 against the fixed stop 11 in order to enable the lowering of the lower block 604 and the placement of the upper block 601 against the upper side of the flap 6.

[0093] It should be understood that the lowering of the lower block 604 along the vertical guide 602 is possible when the presence of the package 1 against the fixed stop 11 is detected, when the two flaps 6 are pressed against the fixed stop 11, and when the operator activates the actuator 605.

Claims

1. A method (100) for reducing the initial height (Hi) of a package (1) including a bottom (2) in contact with four sides (3) and edges (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53) in contact with two sides (3), wherein the package (1) contains at least one batch (L1, L2, L3, L4, Lp, Ls1, Ls2, Ls3) of objects, and the method (100) comprises the following successive phases (200, 201, 202, 203): - A priority step (200a) in which an operator determines a priority volume (Vp) and three secondary volumes (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3), wherein the priority volume (Vp) houses a priority batch (Lp) of objects of maximum height (Hmax), the priority volume (Vp) is in contact with a priority edge (50) and two sides (3), and each of the secondary volumes (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) is in contact with a secondary edge (51, 52, 53) and two sides (3), - A priority step (200b) in which the two sides (3) in contact with the priority volume (Vp) are pressed against a fixed stop (11), wherein the priority step (200b) of pressing is performed before the priority movement step (200c), - A priority step (200c) in which an arm (12) supporting a feeler (13) is moved within the package (1) by a priority distance (Zp) to the final position (Zf) where the feeler (13) returns to contact the priority batch (Lp) of the object, in order to determine a priority height (Hp) according to the maximum height (Hmax) of the priority batch (Lp) of the object. - A priority step (200e) in which a marking tool (14) supported by the arm (12) deforms the two sides (3) along two priority folds (20), wherein the two priority folds (20) in contact with the priority volume (Vp) are positioned at a marking height (Hm) according to the priority height (Hp), - A priority step (200f) in which the two sides (3) in contact with the priority volume (Vp) are separated by a cutting tool (15) supported by the arm (12) to a cutting height (Hd) according to the priority height (Hp), - Priority step (200g) of returning the arm (12) to the initial position (Zi), Priority phase (200) including - - Secondary steps (201b, 202b, 203b) to press the two sides (3) in contact with the secondary volumes (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) against the fixed stop (11), - Secondary steps (201c, 202c, 203c) to move the arm (12) to the final position (Zf) by the preferred distance (Zp), - Secondary steps (201e, 202e, 203e) in which the two sides (3) in contact with the secondary volumes (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) are deformed by the marking tool (14) along the two secondary folds (21, 22, 23) at the marking height (Hm), - Secondary steps (201f, 202f, 203f) to separate the two sides (3) in contact with the secondary volumes (Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) by the cutting tool (15) up to the cutting height (Hd), - Secondary step (201g, 202g, 203g) to return the arm (12) to the initial position (Zi) - Three secondary phases (201, 202, 203) and A method (100) characterized by including the following.

2. A method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the priority phase (200) includes a priority step (200d) of positioning a variable stop (17) at a priority height (Hp) on an arm support (16) supporting the arm (12), the priority step (200d) being performed between the priority movement step (200c) and the priority deformation step (200e).

3. The method (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the priority movement step (200c) and the priority positioning step (200d) at the priority height (Hp) of the variable stop (17) are performed in succession from the same first priority movement (P) performed by the operator.

4. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the preferential deformation step (200e) and the preferential separation step (200f) of the two sides (3) are performed from the same second preferential movement (P').

5. The method (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the secondary steps (201c, 202c, 203c) for moving the arm (12) by the priority distance (Zp) are performed from the same first secondary movement as the first priority movement (P).

6. The method (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the secondary steps (201e, 202e, 203e) for deforming the two sides (3) and the secondary steps (201f, 202f, 203f) for separating the two sides are performed from the same second secondary move as the second priority move (P').

7. A method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method (100) includes at least one intermediate phase (301, 302, 303) of rotating the package (1) by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the bottom (2).

8. A method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the method (100) comprises at least one final phase (310) of removing the variable stop (17) from the preferred height (Hp).

9. A method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the priority step (200d) positioned at the priority height (Hp) of the variable stop (17) is a step that prevents the positioning of the arm (12) at a height lower than the priority height (Hp).

10. Apparatus (10) for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a frame (30) including a tray (31) for housing a package (1) provided with a fixed stop (11), the frame (30) comprising an arm support (16) to which an arm (12) is mounted so as to be translatably movable, the arm (12) supporting a feeler (13), a marking tool (14), and a cutting tool (15).

11. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, wherein the arm support (16) is equipped with a variable stop (17) that can stop the movement of the arm (12) at a final position (Zf), and at the final position (Zf), the marking tool (14) can form folds (20, 21, 22, 23) at a marking height (Hm), and the cutting tool (15) can cut the edges (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 50, 51, 52, 53) up to a cutting height (Hd).

12. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a carriage (32) that is translationally movable on a carriage rail (33), the carriage (32) is fastened on a carriage belt (38), the carriage belt (38) drives a first return shaft (42), and the first return shaft (42) drives an arm belt (44) to which the arm (12) is fastened.

13. The apparatus (10) according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a first lever (61) that is rotatably attached to the arm (12).

14. The apparatus (10) according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a movable transmission member (46) extending between a gripping member (34) and the arm (12), the movable transmission member (46) includes a cable (47) and a sheath (48) housing the cable (47), the cable (47) extending between a first connection point (47a) of the cable (47) formed on a carriage support (36) supporting the carriage (32) and a second connection point (47b) of the cable (47) formed on the arm (12), and the sheath (48) extending between a first fixing point (48a) of the sheath (48) formed on the gripping member (34) and a second fixing point (48b) of the sheath (48) formed on the first lever (61).

15. The apparatus (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that a first rod (71) and a second rod (72) are rotatably mounted on the first lever (61) for operating the cutting tool (15) and the marking tool (14), respectively.

16. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus (10) includes means (80) for locking / unlocking the marking tool (14) and the cutting tool (15), the means (80) being movable between a locked position that allows deformation and cutting of two sides (3) and an unlocked position that prevents deformation and cutting of the two sides (3).

17. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a cycle sequencer (400) that can count the phases performed by the operator regardless of whether they are priority phases (200) and secondary phases (201, 202, 203).

18. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a motor member (501) for moving the arm (12).

19. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a cylinder (507) in relation to the first lever (61).

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus (10) includes means (506) for controlling the cylinder (507) in relation to a sensor (505) having the feeler (13).

21. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus (10) includes means (600) for holding the flap (6) of the package (1) against the fixed stop (11).

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