Station for folding boxes of variable dimensions and method for pre-assembling or assembling boxes of variable dimensions by means of such station

Abstract

Station (1) for folding boxes of variable dimensions configured to receive as input a flat blank (S) representing the plane development of a box (B) and to return as output the pre-assembled or assembled box (B), said station (1) comprises: - a movement system (2); - a pair of folding members (3) mounted on the movement system (2), configured to fold respective portions of the blank (S) along fold lines (L); wherein: the movement system (2) is configured to mutually move the folding members (3) along a movement direction (Y-Y) to arrange the folding members (3) at the respective fold lines (L); wherein each folding member (3) comprises a first element and a second element (31, 32) mutually movable to switch between a rest configuration in which they are flanked so as to be able to be arranged on the same side of the blank (S), and a folding configuration, in which they are opposed so as to be able to be arranged on opposite sides of a folded portion (P) of the blank (S)

Description

[0001] Title: “Station or folding boxes of variable dimensions and method for preassembling or assembling boxes of variable dimensions by means of such station”

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a folding station for making boxes of variable dimensions, which finds useful use in the packaging sector, in particular in that of packaging made according to the Box On Demand logic.

[0005] The present invention is also related to a method for pre-assembling (preforming) or assembling (forming) boxes of variable dimensions by means of said folding station.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The exponential growth of eCommerce has given more and more importance to secondary packaging, that is, packaging in which one or more products ordered by consumers on online platforms are placed for shipping.

[0008] As is known, secondary packaging, typically made of corrugated cardboard, has the function of accompanying and protecting the products during the handling and / or shipment of goods.

[0009] Secondary packaging is mostly made with standard (predefined) dimensions, however this results in significant and recurring inefficiencies. In this regard, it should be noted that rarely will a box of predefined dimensions be completely filled by the group of products that make up the order. It is much more likely that a portion of unused volume remains inside each box which must then be filled with filling material. This represents a considerable disadvantage for several reasons.

[0010] First of all for the cost of shipping which, being linked to the volume of the box, is higher than strictly necessary. In addition, the systematic shipping of boxes larger than the actual needs implies a greater number of trips of the transport carrier, whether it is an airplane, a ship or a van. Finally, there is a problem concerning the satisfaction of the consumer who, receiving a partially empty box filled with filling material, perceives the shipment as inefficient and with a greater environmental impact than necessary.

[0011] To overcome the drawbacks described above, production plants have been developed to create customised boxes for each specific group of products, fulfilling a consumer's order. In other words, once the group of products to be shipped for a single order has been defined, the relative box is currently built with ad hoc measures, thus managing to optimize the filling of the secondary packaging. This approach is commonly referred to as "Box On Demand", or more simply as BOD.

[0012] The BOD approach requires the construction of sophisticated plants that are divided into a series of stations suitable for implementing respective steps of the production process of customised boxes.

[0013] These plants receive in input raw corrugated cardboard in sheets or rolls and return a pre-assembled (pre-formed) or assembled (formed) box as appropriate.

[0014] It should be specified that in the packaging sector, as in the context of the present invention, a pre-assembled / pre-formed box is intended to indicate the state of a "collapsed" box in which it assumes a mainly two-dimensional footprint that facilitates its storage and handling before filling. As is known, the pre-assembled boxes are obtained by folding and gluing opposite portions of a blank obtained from a cardboard sheet by cutting and creasing processes.

[0015] It should also be specified that in the packaging sector, as in the context of the present invention, an assembled / formed box is intended to indicate the state, obtained from that of a pre-assembled box, in which the box assumes a mainly three- dimensional footprint to define an internal cavity suitable for accommodating one or more products.

[0016] To make the pre-assembled or assembled boxes, the plants are provided with folding stations configured to fold specific portions of the cardboard blank along predetermined fold lines drawn by a creasing process.

[0017] Italian patent applications 102022000011507 and 102020000005002, describe folding stations comprising folding elements extending along a longitudinal direction defining a helical screw surface. These folding elements are mounted on a movement system configured to vary their position along a transverse direction so as to arrange them at the fold lines according to the geometry of the blank.

[0018] To make the folds, the flat cardboard blanks are moved along the longitudinal direction along the folding elements so that, coming into contact with the helical screw surfaces, they fold locally along the fold lines.

[0019] Such folding devices are not without drawbacks as they are characterised by significant dimensions and poor production flexibility.

[0020] In fact, it should be noted that making the folds the helical surfaces requires significant extensions in the longitudinal direction that impact on the dimensions of the folding station.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to modify the folding parameters, it is necessary to replace the folding elements with others having a different conformation of the helical screw surface. This, in addition to entailing machine downtime, requires the expensive procurement and storage of different folding elements.

[0022] It should also be noted that such folding stations are particularly complex from a constructive point of view since they require both a system for moving the folding elements along the transverse direction and a system for pushing the blank along the longitudinal direction. This, in addition to impacting the construction costs of the folding station, significantly complicates its management and maintenance.

[0023] Object of the invention

[0024] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a station for folding boxes of variable dimensions which obviates the drawbacks in the prior art as described above.

[0025] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a folding station for making boxes of variable dimensions that are small in size.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide a folding station for making boxes of variable dimensions which, in addition to being compact, is simple to build and easy to maintain.

[0027] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a folding station capable of making a wide range of boxes, in particular without requiring the replacement of folding elements such as known machines. In other words, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a station for folding boxes of variable dimensions characterized by a high flexibility.

[0028] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The specified technical task and the specified purposes are substantially achieved by a station for folding boxes of variable dimensions in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] In particular, the present invention proposes to provide a folding station for making boxes of variable dimensions provided with a pair of folding members mounted on a movement system configured to arrange them at respective fold lines of a blank.

[0031] Each folding member comprises a first and a second element mutually movable to switch between a rest position, in which they are flanked so as to be able to be arranged on the same side (face) of the blank, and a folding configuration, in which they are opposed so as to be able to be arranged on opposite sides (faces) of a folded portion of the blank.

[0032] It should be noted that, in use, once arranged at the respective fold lines, the switching of the folding members from the rest configuration to the gripping configuration allows the respective portions of the blank to be folded along the predetermined fold lines.

[0033] In the station object of the present invention it is therefore the relative movement of the first and second element from the flanked position to the opposed one that makes the fold and not, as in known apparatuses, the movement of the blank along helical folding elements. This, in addition to avoiding the use of bulky helical folding elements, makes it possible to simplify the architecture of the folding station by eliminating the thrust elements suitable for moving the blank in relation to the folding elements.

[0034] Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to provide a folding station which, in addition to being simple to build and easy to maintain, is small in size.

[0035] It should also be noted that the folding station subject-matter of the present invention is characterized by a high flexibility of use in that, by adjusting the distance between the folding members and / or the mutual position of the first and second element in the folding configuration, it makes it possible to fold blanks with different geometric characteristics and therefore make a wide range of boxes.

[0036] LIST OF FIGURES

[0037] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiment of a station for folding boxes of variable dimensions, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0038] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plant for making boxes of variable dimensions comprising a folding station according to the present invention;

[0039] - Figure 2 shows a top view of the plant of Figure 1;

[0040] - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the folding station in a first operating configuration prior to making the folds;

[0041] - Figure 4a shows a top view of the station of Figure 3 in the first operating configuration;

[0042] - Figure 4b shows a side view of the station of Figure 3 in the first operating configuration;

[0043] - Figure 4c shows an enlargement of some details of Figure 4a;

[0044] - Figure 5a shows a top view of the station of Figure 3 in a second operating configuration in which it folds opposite portions of a blank along respective fold lines to make a pre-assembled box;

[0045] - Figure 5b shows a side view of the station of Figure 3 in the second operating configuration;

[0046] - Figure 6a shows a front view of the station of Figure 3 in the first operating configuration;

[0047] - Figure 6b shows an enlargement of some details of Figure 6a;

[0048] - Figure 6c shows a front view of the station of Figure 3 in the second operating configuration;

[0049] - Figure 6d shows an enlargement of some details of Figure 6c;

[0050] - Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the station of Figure 3 in a third operating configuration in which it folds a flap of the box being formed;

[0051] - Figure 8a shows a top view of the station of Figure 3 in the third operating configuration;

[0052] - Figure 8b shows an enlargement of some details of Figure 8a;

[0053] - Figure 8c shows a side view of the station of Figure 3 in the third operating configuration;

[0054] - Figure 9a shows a front view of an embodiment of some components of the folding station in a first position;

[0055] - Figure 9b shows a perspective view of the components of Figure 9a in the first position;

[0056] - Figure 9c shows a front view of the components of Figure 9a in a second position;

[0057] - Figure 9d shows a perspective view of the components of Figure 9a in the second position;

[0058] - Figure 10a shows a perspective view of a component of the station of Figure 3 in a rest configuration;

[0059] - Figure 10b shows a sectional side view from the component of Figure 10a in the rest configuration;

[0060] - Figure I la shows a perspective view of the component of Figure 10a in a forming configuration;

[0061] - Figure 11b shows a perspective view of the component of Figure 10a in a folding configuration;

[0062] - Figure 12a shows a top view of a blank representing the plane development of the box to be pre-assembled or assembled by means of the station of Figure 3;

[0063] - Figure 12b shows a top view of the blank of Figure 12a with a first portion folded;

[0064] - Figure 12c shows a top view of the blank of Figure 12c with a second portion (opposite the first portion) folded so as to appear and in partial overlap with the first portion previously folded, in other words Figure 12c shows a pre-assembled box;

[0065] - Figure 12d shows a perspective view of the box formed with the flaps in the open position;

[0066] - Figure 12e shows a perspective view of the box formed with the lower flaps in the closed position, in other words Figure 12c shows an assembled box

[0067] - Figures 13a-13c show a schematic representation of the kinematic mechanism of the component of Figure 10a respectively in the rest configuration, in an intermediate transition configuration, and in the folding configuration;

[0068] - Figures 13 d- 13f show a schematic representation of the kinematic mechanism of an alternative embodiment of the component of Figure 10a respectively in the rest configuration, in the intermediate transition configuration, and in the folding configuration.

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] With reference to the attached Figures, the present invention relates to a station 1 for folding boxes of variable dimensions that can be installed, for example, in a plant 100 for pre-assembling (pre-forming) or assembling (forming) boxes according to the Box On Demand logic.

[0071] This folding station 1 is configured to receive a blank S representing the plane development of a box B (Figure 12a) and to return the pre-assembled box B (Figure 12c) or assembled box B (Figure 12e). The blank S is made of corrugated cardboard or any other material typically used to make packaging.

[0072] It should be noted that the folding station 1 subject-matter of the present invention is configured to receive in input S blanks having different geometric characteristics so as to be able to make boxes of different sizes and blanks.

[0073] Before going into the description of the folding station 1, it should be specified that in the context of the present invention, the term "blank" means a single continuous element intended to make a box B, for example of parallelepiped conformation, by means of a folding process along predetermined fold lines L (folding axes).

[0074] The blank S has a first surface Al (intended to make the outer surface of the assembled box) and a second surface A2 (intended to make the inner surface of the assembled box) opposite to the first surface Al in a thickness direction of the blank.

[0075] The blank S at the entrance to the folding station 1 extends mainly in a plane presenting the thickness direction by axis. That is to say that the blank S at the entrance to the folding station extends mainly along a first and a second direction DI, D2 extending orthogonally to each other.

[0076] In detail, the blank S extends along the first direction DI between a first and a second portion Pl, P2 configured to be folded along respective fold lines L directed parallel to the second direction D2 and mutually j oined to make the pre-assembled or assembled box B.

[0077] The first portion Pl may comprise a joining flap Pla configured to overlap the second portion P2 when the first and second portions are folded along respective fold lines L.

[0078] It should be noted that the fold lines L are spaced along the first direction DI by a value that can vary from one blank to another. The apparatus 1 that is the object of the present invention is configured to fold the first and second portions Pl, P2 along the respective fold lines L regardless of their distance along the first direction DI and / or their extension (length) in the second direction D2.

[0079] According to an aspect shown in the embodiment of Figure 12a, the blank S comprises a central band C having a plurality of sections SI, S2, S3, S4 arranged in succession in the first direction DI and configured to be folded one with respect to the adjacent one(s) along respective fold lines L directed parallel to the second direction D2. For simplicity of exposition, the sections are numbered sequentially following their arrangement along the first direction DI, i.e. first section SI, second section S2, third section S3, fourth section S4.

[0080] In the embodiment of Figure 12a, the aforesaid first and second portions Pl, P2 are identifiable with the first and fourth sections SI, S2 - i.e. the end sections of the central band C. When the end sections SI and S4 are joined (mutually fixed), the central band C extends continuously along a closed path.

[0081] Figure 12c shows the blank S of Figure 12a with the first and second portions Pl, P2 folded along the respective fold lines L so as to be partially superimposed and mutually connectable to each other. It should be noted that by folding the first and second portions Pl, P2 and fixing them mutually, one obtains what is commonly defined as a pre-assembled or pre-formed box, that is, a collapsed box developing mainly in two dimensions.

[0082] It should be noted that in the pre-assembled configuration, the first and fourth sections SI, S4 are respectively folded on the second and third sections S2, S3. Thus, in the pre-assembled configuration the first and fourth sections SI, S4 are arranged on a first face of the blank S and the second and third sections S3, S4 are arranged on a second face of the blank S opposite the first face. In other words, in the pre-assembled configuration the first and fourth sections SI, S4 are arranged on the opposite side of the blank S with respect to the second and third sections S3, S4.

[0083] Still with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 12a, the blank S has a plurality of pairs of flaps F in which the flaps F of each pair are associated with a respective section SI, S2, S3, S4 of the central band C, from which they project from opposite sides along the first direction DI. When the box B is assembled, the flaps F projecting from the same part of the central band C are configured to be folded along further fold lines LF and mutually constrained to make the bottom (lower wall) and the ceiling (upper wall) of the box B.

[0084] It should be noted that the assembled box B configuration shown in Figure 12e is obtained starting from the pre-assembled box configuration of Figure 12c forming an almost right angle between the sections SI, S2, S3, S4 of the adjacent central band F. Therefore, in the assembled configuration the box B assumes a mainly three- dimensional conformation in which sections SI, S2, S3, S4 define the side walls from the box B while the flaps the bottom and the ceiling.

[0085] According to one aspect, fold lines L of the sections SI, S2, S3, S4 and / or the further fold lines LF of the flaps F are defined by respective creasing lines.

[0086] The blank shown in Figure 12a is well known to the person skilled in the art as it is defined in the Regular Slotted Container (RSC) standard; therefore, it will not be described further. However, it should be specified that the folding apparatus 1 is configured to fold both blanks S of the type shown in Figure 12a and blanks S having different geometric blanks as long as they have portions / sections that are to be folded to make a box.

[0087] In the plant 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the folding station 1 is arranged downstream of a cutting and creasing station 101 configured to cut the blank S from a sheet and define the fold lines L and the further fold lines LF by means of a creasing machining.

[0088] Still with reference to the plant 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cutting and creasing station 101 is in turn arranged downstream of a magazine 102 in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and, possibly, of a printing station 103 configured to print writings, logos or any other type of graphic sign on the surface of the sheets.

[0089] Having described the blank S and the general structure of a possible plant 100 for making boxes of variable dimensions, attention is now focused on the folding apparatus 1 that is the object of the present invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a movement system 2 and a pair of folding members 3 mounted on the movement system 2.

[0090] The movement system 2 is configured to mutually move the folding members along at least one movement direction Y-Y (first movement axis) to arrange the folding members 3 at respective fold lines L of the blank S.

[0091] The movement system 2 is then configured to change the position of the folding members 3 along the movement direction Y-Y as a function of the geometric characteristics of the blank S received in input.

[0092] It should be specified that, when arranged in the station 1, the blank S has the second direction D2 directed parallel to the movement direction Y-Y and the fold lines L associated with the first and second portions Pl, P2 to be folded directed transversely - according to one aspect, orthogonally - to the movement direction Y-Y. The movement system 2 makes it possible to adjust the relative position of the folding members 3 so as to be able to arrange the latter at a respective fold line L associated with the first and second portions Pl, P2 to be folded regardless of the geometric characteristics of the incoming blank S.

[0093] Preferably, the movement system 2 is configured to independently move each folding member 3 along the movement direction Y-Y.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the folding members 3 are aligned along a longitudinal direction directed orthogonally to the movement direction Y-Y so as to be able to be arranged at the same level along the first direction DI of the blank S.

[0095] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4a, 5a and 6a, the movement system 2 comprises a crossbar 21, extending along the movement direction Y-Y, on which the folding members 3 are slidably mounted. The latter, as they slide on the crossbar 21 along the movement direction Y-Y are configured to change their mutual position as a function of the blank S at the entrance to the station 1. Preferably, the movement system 2 has a further movement direction X-X (second movement axis) oriented transversely - according to one aspect, orthogonally - to the movement direction Y-Y. In doing so, the movement system 2 is configured to move the folding members 3 in a work plane extending along the movement direction X-X and the further movement direction Y-Y.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4a, 5a and 6a, the movement system 2 comprises at least one guide 20 extending along the further movement direction X-X on which the crossbar 21 is slidably mounted. The crossbar 21 sliding on the guide 20 along the further movement direction X-X simultaneously moves the folding members along the further movement direction X-X itself.

[0097] Therefore, the movement system 2 is preferably a movement system with at least two axes (X-X, Y-Y) and, even more preferably, comprises a Cartesian movement portal with at least two axes.

[0098] According to one aspect, the movement system 2 is also configured to rotate the folding members 3 about a rotation axis R-R directed parallel to the movement direction Y-Y.

[0099] Preferably, the rotation axis R-R is directed along the movement direction Y-Y

[0100] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4a, 5a and 6a, the movement system 2 is configured to rotate the crossbar 21 and therefore the folding members 3 around the rotation axis R-R.

[0101] Preferably, the rotation axis R-R coincides with the direction of main extension of the crossbar 21.

[0102] The rotation of the folding members 3 around the rotation axis R-R can be used to tilt the folding members 3 to unload the blank S from the station 1 and / or to fold at least one flap F of the box B. More details in this regard will be provided in a subsequent part of the description to now focus attention on the folding members 3. The folding members 3 are configured to fold respective portions Pl, P2 of the blank S along respective fold lines L.

[0103] In detail, with reference to Figure 3, the movement system 2 is configured to arrange a first folding member 3a at the fold line L associated with the first portion Pl to be folded (in the embodiment of Figure 12a this fold line L is the one that divides the first and second sections SI, S2 of the central band C), and a second folding member 3b at the fold line L associated with the second portion P2 to be folded (in the embodiment of Figure 12a this fold line L is the one that divides the third and fourth sections S3, S4 of the central band C).

[0104] With reference to Figures 10a, 10b, I la, and 11b, each folding member 3 comprises a first element 31 and a second element 32 mutually movable to switch between at least a rest configuration (Figures 10a and 10b) and a folding configuration (Figure 1 lb).

[0105] With reference to Figures 6a, 6b, 13a and 13d, in the rest configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 are placed flanked so that they can be arranged on the same side of the blank S.

[0106] That is to say that in the rest configuration the first and second elements 31, 32 of each folding member 3 are configured to be arranged on the same face of the blank S - as, for example, if the blank S is arranged in the station 1 mainly horizontally, the lower / upper face of the blank S.

[0107] In this regard, it should be noted that the blank S has a first and a second opposed face XI, X2 that vary their definition during the folding process since the latter creates overlaps between portions of the blank S. In detail, when the blank S is flat the first and the second face are respectively defined as the aforementioned first and second surface Al, A2, when the first and the second portion are folded the first face and the second face are respectively defined by the folded portions Pl, P2 (e.g. first and fourth section SI, S4) and by the remaining portions (e.g. second and third section S3, S4).

[0108] According to one aspect, when the blank S is still flat (i.e. no folding has yet been performed), the first and second elements 31 are configured to both be arranged on the side of the first surface Al - i.e. the surface that, when the box is assembled, will define the outer surface of the box.

[0109] Preferably, in the rest configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 are arranged laterally to each other along the movement direction Y-Y.

[0110] According to an aspect shown in Figure 6a, when the first and second elements 31, 32 of each folding member 3 are in the rest configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 of the first folding member 3a are arranged specularly with respect to those of the second folding member 3b along the movement direction Y-Y.

[0111] With reference to Figures 6c, 6d, 13c, and 13f, in the folding configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 of each folding member 3 are opposed so as to be able to be arranged on opposite sides of a folded portion P of the blank S.

[0112] That is, in the folding configuration, the first and second members 31, 32 are configured to lie on opposite faces (i.e., first and second faces XI, X2) of the blank S.

[0113] In other words, in the folding configuration, the first and second elements define a cavity adapted to receive the folded portion P of the blank S, thus being arranged on opposite sides of the respective fold line L along a direction transverse to the movement direction Y-Y, in particular, preferably, along the vertical direction Z-Z.

[0114] It should be noted that, when a folding member 3 is arranged at a fold line L associated with a portion to be folded (e.g. first / second portion Pl, P2), the switching from the rest configuration to the fold configuration of its first and second element 31, 32 moves this portion to be folded around the respective fold line until it is brought into overlap with a remaining part of the blank thus creating a fold. Therefore, switching from the rest configuration to the fold configuration causes the portion to be folded to make a rotation by about 180° around the respective fold line L.

[0115] According to one aspect, the first element 31 has a support surface 31a - preferably flat - configured to receive and support the blank S along a vertical direction Z-Z (i.e. direction of action of the force of gravity) oriented transversely to the movement direction Y-Y and, if present, also to the further movement direction X-X.

[0116] Preferably, the movement direction Y-Y and the further movement direction X- X are directed orthogonally to each other and to the vertical direction Z-Z. That is to say, the movement direction Y-Y, the further movement direction X-X and the vertical direction Z-Z define a Cartesian reference system, in particular tri-orthogonal.

[0117] According to one embodiment, in the folding configuration the second element 32 is arranged above the support surface 31a of the respective first element 31 along the vertical direction Z-Z (Figures 6c, 6d and 1 lb); while, in the rest configuration, the second element 32 is arranged below the support surface 31a of the respective first element 31 along the vertical direction Z-Z (Figures 6a, 6b, 10a and 10b).

[0118] According to one aspect, the support surfaces 3 la of the pair of folding members 3 jointly define a support plane adapted to receive the blank S. In the rest configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 are both arranged below the support plane along the vertical direction Z-Z, while in the folding configuration they are arranged on opposite sides of the support plane along the vertical direction Z-Z.

[0119] Preferably, in the folding configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 of each folding member 3 are opposed along the vertical direction Z-Z (Figures 13a and 13d), while, in the rest configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 of each folding member 3 are arranged substantially on the same level along the vertical direction Z-Z (Figures 13c and 13f).

[0120] With reference to Figures 4a and 4c, in the rest configuration, the first and second elements 31, 32 of each folding member 3 are preferably arranged flanked along the movement direction Y-Y so as to be able to have a respective fold line L along the movement direction Y-Y on opposite sides.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in Figures 10a, 13a and 13c, the second element 32 of each folding member 3 has an abutment wall 32a which, in the folding configuration, is opposed to the support surface 31a along the vertical direction Z-Z, while, in the rest configuration, it is arranged laterally to the support surface 31a along the movement direction Y-Y. Therefore, in the folding configuration, the abutment surface 32a and the support surface 3 la are configured to come into contact with opposite faces of the blank S (e.g. upper face and lower face), while, in the rest configuration, the abutment surface 32a and the support surface 3 la are configured to be arranged on the same face of the blank S (i.e. lower face).

[0122] In the embodiment shown in Figures 13d and 13f, the second element 32 of each folding member 3 has a first and a second abutment wall 32b and 32c which are configured to come into contact with the blank S respectively in the rest configuration and in the folding configuration. Preferably, in the rest configuration, the first abutment wall 32b and the support surface 3 la are substantially arranged on the same level along the vertical direction Z-Z and laterally along the movement direction Y-Y, while, in the folding configuration, the second abutment wall 32c is opposed to the support surface 31a along the vertical direction Z-Z. Even more preferably, the first and second abutment walls 32b and 32c are opposed along the vertical direction Z-Z.

[0123] According to an aspect shown in Figures 8a, 8b and I la, the first element 31 and the second element 32 of each folding member 3 are switchable into a forming configuration in which the abutment wall 32a of the second element 32 is oriented orthogonally to the support surface 31a. Therefore, in the forming configuration, the abutment wall 32a defines with the support surface an angular seat adapted to receive an angular portion of the box B when assembled. It should be noted that, starting from the state shown in Figure 5a in which the box B is pre-assembled (first and second portions folded and fixed to each other), the simultaneous switching of the first and second elements 31, 32 of the pair of folding members 3 into the forming configuration forms the box taking it from a mainly two- dimensional conformation to a mainly three-dimensional conformation.

[0124] It should be specified that the first and second elements 31, 32 of each folding member can switch between both the folding configuration and the forming configuration and between the rest configuration and the forming configuration. Preferably, the forming configuration is an intermediate configuration between the rest and folding configuration.

[0125] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 10a, 10b, I la, and 1 lb, each folding member 3 comprises a kinematic mechanism 33 configured to guide the second element 32 in rotation around the first element 31 so as to switch them between the folding configuration and the rest configuration and, if provided, also the forming configuration.

[0126] Preferably, with reference to Figures 13a-13c, such rotary motion of the second element 32 can be described as a rotation or a rototranslation around an axis directed transversely to the movement axis Y-Y, in particular parallel to the fold line L that it realizes.

[0127] According to an aspect shown in Figures 13a-13c, by moving the second element 32 around the first element, the kinematic mechanism 33 is configured to vary the orientation of the abutment wall 32a with respect to the support surface 31a. For example, the abutment wall 32a during such movement changes its orientation by sweeping an angle with an amplitude greater than 90°, in particular between 145° and

[0128] 180°.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the kinematic mechanism 33 of each folding member 3 comprises a rocker 33a rotatable around an oscillation axis 0-0 and kinematically connected to the second element 32, for example, by means of a return 33c. In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10b, the rocker 33a is hinged to the first element 31 around the oscillation axis 0-0.

[0130] Each kinematic mechanism 33 comprises an actuator 33b (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or similar) configured to actuate the movement of the second element (32) relative to the respective first element (31), for example, by placing the rocker 33a in rotation around the oscillation axis 0-0.

[0131] With reference to Figures 13d-l 3f, in an alternative embodiment to that shown in Figures 10a, 10b, I la, and 11b, each folding member 3 comprises a Cartesian kinematic mechanism 330a configured to rigidly translate the second body 32 with respect to the first element 31 along the vertical direction Z-Z and the movement direction Y-Y so as to switch between the folding configuration and the rest configuration.

[0132] In detail, again with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 13d-13f, starting from the rest configuration to switch to the folding configuration, the second element 32 is first translated relative to the first element 31 along the vertical direction Z-Z (Figure 13e) and, after having been moved to a higher altitude than the latter, is moved along the movement direction Y-Y to be brought into vertical overlap with the first element 31 (Figure 13f).

[0133] According to one embodiment, each folding member 3 comprises one or more retaining elements 35 configured to fix part of the blank S to the respective element 31 at least during the switching between the rest and folding configuration.

[0134] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10a, each retaining element 35 comprises a suction cup 35a configured to adhere to the blank S to retain it.

[0135] In particular, again with reference to the embodiment of Figure 10a, said suction cup 35a is switchable between an extracted position in which it projects from the respective first element 31 to grip the blank S and a retracted position in which it is housed in the respective first element 32 so as to allow the sliding of the blank S on it.

[0136] Preferably, the suction cup 35a is movable along the vertical direction Z-Z to switch between an extracted position in which it projects above the first element 31 and a retracted position in which it does not protrude above the first element 31 so as not to hinder the movement of the blank S thereon.

[0137] According to one aspect, the support surface 31a is at least partly made by the suction cup 35a.

[0138] The station 1 can also comprise joining members 4 configured to apply joining means U - such as, for example, one or more of glue, adhesive tape, double-sided adhesive tape, metal stitches and the like - on the blank S to mutually fix the first and second portions Pl, P2 when folded along the respective fold lines L.

[0139] According to one aspect, the station 1 is configured to relatively move the blank S and the joining members to apply said joining means U. To this end, for example, the movement system 2 is configured to move the blank S - preferably, the folding members 3 carrying the blank S - to and from the joining members 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the movement system is configured to move the blank S to and from the joining members 4 along the further movement direction X-X.

[0140] Preferably, the station 1 comprises further folding members 5 configured to fold a group of flaps F to make the bottom and / or the ceiling of the box.

[0141] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7, 8a and 8c, these further folding members 5 comprise a first body 51, configured to receive in abutment a first flap Fl to fold it upon rotation of the folding members 3 in forming configuration around the rotation axis R-R (Figure 7), and a second body 52 spaced from the first body 51 along the direction of further movement X-X thus defining with the latter a cavity 53 adapted to receive a second flap F2 opposite to the first flap (Figure 8a).

[0142] It should be noted that, when the second flap F2 is arranged in the cavity 53, the movement of the folding members 3 along the further movement direction X-X causes the folding of the second flap F2.

[0143] In the embodiment shown in Figures 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d, the further folding members 5 also comprise a first and a second movable element 54, 55 opposed and configured to fold a third and a fourth flap F3, F4 adjacent to the first and the second flap Fl, F2, so as to make the bottom and / or the ceiling of the box.

[0144] To fold the third and fourth flaps F3, F4, the first and second movable element 54, 55 approach each other along a flap closing direction C-C oriented parallel to the movement direction Y-Y.

[0145] According to one aspect, the first and second movable member 54, 55 are arranged on opposite sides of the first and second body 51, 52 along the flap closing direction C-C; therefore, the first and second movable member 54, 55 are configured to approach / move away from the first and second body 51, 52 from opposite sides along the flap closing direction C-C. In detail, in Figures 9a and 9b, the first and second movable member 54, 55 are spaced apart from the first and second body 51, 52, otherwise, in Figures 9c and 9d, the first and second movable member 54, 55 are arranged in proximity to the first and second body 51, 52.

[0146] Preferably, the first and second movable element 54, 55 comprise a thrust wall, extending transversely to the flap closing direction C-C, configured to abut against the respective flap F4, F5 to close it by means of a movement along the flap closing direction C-C.

[0147] It should be specified that the first and second movable element 54, 55 are moved by respective actuators 54a, 55a along the flap closing direction C-C.

[0148] Preferably, the folding members 5 are arranged below the folding members 3 along the vertical direction Z-Z.

[0149] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the plant 100 can also comprise a joining apparatus 104 - such as, for example, a tape machine or similar apparatus for the application of joining means - arranged downstream of the folding station 1, configured to fix (join) the flaps Fl, F2, F3 and F4 folded by the further folding members 4, for example, by applying an adhesive tape, glue, staples and the like.

[0150] It is also an object of the present invention a method for pre-assembling (preforming) or assembling (forming) boxes of variable dimensions by means of the folding station 1 described above.

[0151] With reference to Figure 3, this method first involves arranging the blank S in the folding station 1 and operating the movement system 2 so as to move the folding members 3 in the rest configuration along the movement direction Y-Y to bring them to correspond at the respective fold lines L.

[0152] According to one aspect, the blank is arranged in the station 1 with the first direction DI directed along the further movement direction X-X and the second direction D2 directed along the movement direction Y-Y.

[0153] The method that is the object of the present invention therefore provides for switching one of the folding members 3 - for example, the first folding member 3a - from the rest configuration to the folding configuration so as to fold the first portion Pl of the blank S along the respective fold line L.

[0154] This done, the method provides for applying the joining means U in a predetermined joining region on the first portion Pl (Figure 12b), and switching the other folding member - for example, the second folding member 3b - from the rest to the folding configuration so as to fold the second portion P2 of the blank S along the respective fold line L and overlap it on the first portion Pl at the joining region.

[0155] It should be noted that the steps of applying the joining means U and switching the other folding member in the folding configuration can also take place in reverse order. This occurs, for example, when the joining means are metal points adapted to pass through the first and second portions Pl, P2 to join them.

[0156] Furthermore, if the joining means U used are adhesives, a subsequent pressing step of the first portion Pl against the second portion P2 can be provided so as to ensure the good performance of the bonding.

[0157] According to a possible embodiment, the pressing step can be carried out by means of a special pressing element 40 of the joining members 4 and moving along the movement direction Y-Y at least one of the folding members 3 in rest configuration at the joining region. In doing so, the folding member 3 arranged at the joining region opposes the pressing element 40, providing a reaction to the force exerted by the latter.

[0158] The pre-assembled box B thus obtained can be supplied in output from the station 1 or formed by performing, for example, the steps described below.

[0159] With reference to Figures 7, 8a, 8b and 8c, if an assembled / formed box is to be obtained, the method provides for simultaneously switching the pair of folding members 3 arranged at the fold lines L from the folding configuration to the forming configuration. In doing so, the box B switches from a mainly two-dimensional conformation characteristic of the pre-assembled state to a mainly three-dimensional conformation. In fact, as a result of the switching of the folding members 3 in the forming configuration, the sections SI, S2, S3, S4 change their mutual orientation by arranging themselves at about 90° from each other (Figure 12d).

[0160] According to one aspect, the method also comprises the step of operating the movement system 2 so as to rotate the folding members 3 around the rotation axis R- R (described above) and to fold at least one flap F of the blank S.

[0161] In detail, preferably, by rotating the folding members 3 around the rotation axis

[0162] R-R, the first flap F 1 is folded against the first body 51 of the further folding members 5 and the opposite second flap F2 is arranged in the cavity 53 made between the aforesaid first and second body 51, 52.

[0163] According to a further aspect, the method comprises the step of moving the first and second movable member 54, 55 of the further folding members 5 towards each other along the flap closing direction C-C to fold the third and fourth flaps F3, F4, and of moving the folding members 3 along the further movement direction X-X to fold the second flap F2 against the second body 52.

[0164] The flaps Fl, F2, F3, F4 thus folded can be mutually constrained to make the bottom or the ceiling of the box B. Clearly, in order to satisfy contingent and specific needs, a person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and variants to the configurations described above. Such variants and modifications are however all contained within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Station (1) for folding boxes of variable dimensions configured to receive as input a flat blank (S) representing the plane development of a box (B) and to return as output the pre-assembled or assembled box (B), said station (1) comprising:- a movement system (2);- a pair of folding members (3) mounted on the movement system (2) and configured to fold respective portions of the blank (S) along respective fold lines (L); wherein the movement system (2) is configured to mutually move the folding members (3) along a movement direction (Y-Y) to arrange said folding members (3) at the respective fold lines (L); wherein each folding member (3) comprises a first element (31) and a second element (32) mutually movable to switch between a rest configuration in which they are flanked so as to be able to be arranged on the same side of the blank (S), and a folding configuration, in which they are opposed so as to be able to be arranged on opposite sides of a folded portion (P) of the blank (S) characterized in that the movement system (2) is configured to rotate the folding members (3) around a rotation axis (R-R) directed along the movement direction (Y- Y).

2. Station (1) according to claim 1, wherein:- each first element (31) has a support surface (31a) configured to support the blank (S) along a vertical direction (Z-Z) directed transversely to the movement direction (Y-Y),- in the folding configuration, the second element (32) is arranged above the support surface (31a) of the respective first element (31) along the vertical direction (Z-Z);- in the rest configuration, the second element (32) is arranged below the supportsurface (31a) of the respective first element (31) along the vertical direction (Z-Z).

3. Station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the rest configuration the first element (31) and the second element (32) of each folding member (3) are flanked along the movement direction (Y-Y) so that they can be arranged on opposite sides of a respective fold line (L) along the movement direction (Y-Y).

4. Station (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein:- the second element (32) of each folding member (3) has an abutment wall (32a);- the first element (31) and the second element (32) of each folding member (3) are switchable into a forming configuration in which the abutment wall (32a) of the second element (32) is oriented mainly orthogonally to the support surface (31a) of the respective first element (31).

5. Station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each folding member (3) comprises a kinematic mechanism (33) configured to guide the second element (32) in rotation or rototranslation around the first element (31) so as to switch between the folding configuration and the rest configuration.

6. Station (1) according to claim 5, wherein the kinematic element (33) of each folding member (3) comprises:- a rocker (33a) rotatable around an oscillation axis (O-O) and kinematically connected to the second element (32);- an actuator (33b) configured to control the rotation of the rocker (33a) around the oscillation axis (O-O) and move the second element (32) with respect to the firstelement (31).

7. Station (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each folding member (3) comprises a Cartesian kinematic mechanism (330a) configured to rigidly translate the second body (32) with respect to the first element (31) along the vertical direction (Z-Z) and the movement direction (Y-Y) so as to switch between the folding configuration and the rest configuration.

8. Station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement system (2) comprises:- at least one guide (20) extending along a further movement direction (X-X) directed transversely to the movement direction (Y-Y);- a crossbar (21) extending mainly in the movement direction (Y-Y) and slidingly mounted on the guide (20) along the further movement direction (X-X), said folding members (3) being slidably mounted on the crossbar (21) along the transverse direction (Y-Y).

9. Station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each folding member (3) comprises one or more retaining elements (35) configured to fix part of the blank (S) to the respective first element (31) during the switching between the rest configuration and the folding configuration.

10. Station (1) according to claim 9, wherein each retaining element (35) comprises a suction cup (35a) switchable between an extracted position projecting from the respective first element (31) to grip the blank (S), and a retracted position in which it is housed in the respective first element (32) so as to allow the sliding of the blank (S)on said first element (32).

11. Method for pre-assembling or assembling boxes of variable dimensions by means of the station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of- arranging a flat blank (S) representing the plane development of a box (B) in the station (1);- operating the movement system (2) of the station (1) so as to move the folding members (3) in the rest configuration along the movement direction (Y-Y) to bring the folding members (3) at respective fold lines (L) of the blank (S);- switching one of the folding members (3) from the rest configuration to the folding configuration to fold a first portion (Pl) of the blank (S) along the respective fold line (L);- applying joining means (U) on the first portion (Pl) of the blank (S) in a predetermined joining region;- switching the other folding member (3) from the rest configuration to the folding configuration to fold a second portion (P2) of the blank (S) along the respective fold line (L) so as to overlap it with the first portion (Pl) at the joining region- simultaneously switching the pair of folding members (3) from the folding configuration to a forming configuration to bring the box (B) from a mainly two- dimensional shape to a mainly three-dimensional shape- operating the movement system (2) of the station (1) so as to rotate the folding members (3) around a rotation axis (R-R) directed along the movement direction (Y- Y) to fold at least one flap (F) of the blank (S).

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