Method for manufacturing a packaging

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a packaging, comprising the following sequence of steps: - cutting at least one hole (110) through a first sheet (100) of cardboard or paper, - pasting a second sheet (200) of cardboard or paper onto at least part of the first sheet, - cutting the two sheets along a line which passes through the hole, and - folding the two sheets so as to obtain said packaging.

Description

MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR PACKAGING TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

[0002] It relates more specifically to a manufacturing process for packaging comprising several layers of paper or cardboard.

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

[0004] It also relates to packaging obtained using the aforementioned process. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] It is common practice to use cardboard boxes of all kinds and shapes to protect items of varying sizes during transport. These boxes can have a rough or more refined appearance, especially when they contain valuable items.

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

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

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

[0009] One disadvantage of this type of packaging is that it is difficult to flatten by folding it, given the multiple layers of cardboard.

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

[0011] It is therefore understandable that manufacturing the packaging described in this document is not easy.

[0012] Therefore, such packaging is generally delivered assembled (i.e., put into volume), which proves to be expensive. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0014] Here, it should be noted that each sheet can be made up of one or more layers.

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

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

[0017] Consequently, the resulting packaging is less expensive to manufacture and deliver. Indeed, it is easier to fold and shape, so it can be delivered flat and assembled by the customer.

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

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

[0020] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0022] Regarding the attached drawings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] This 300 pack is shown as an example only.

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

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

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

[0035] A sheet of paper or cardboard is a thin, opaque, and flexible material made of pressed and dried plant fibers (primarily cellulose). Such a sheet can consist of one or more superimposed layers. These layers can be flat or corrugated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The first step is to make or acquire two separate sheets of paper or cardboard.

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

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

[0052] This first sheet is produced here on the laminating machine, from rolls of paper. It therefore preferentially has a rectangular shape outline.

[0053] The second sheet 200, on the other hand, comprises exactly one 200A layer of paper or cardboard, with a basis weight between 180 and 380 g / m². 2 For example, it is made from a roll of paper, a piece of which is cut to the desired size. It then preferentially has a rectangular shape.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] The only plan here is to cut the first sheet 100 to form the openings 110, but it is not yet planned to score it.

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

[0066] The fourth step is to glue the two sheets together (see figure 3).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0073] In a fifth step, the plan is to simultaneously cut the two glued sheets 100, 200.

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

[0075] For this we use a Mat matrix, an example of whose shape is illustrated here in figure 4, in projection onto the two sheets 100, 200.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0086] The fact that the flanges and / or bellows are formed from single-layer parts helps to avoid excess thickness and facilitates the folding of the blank.

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

[0088] In this example, as shown in Figure 5, the 300' blank has a cross shape, with a rectangular central panel 340 and four branches B1, B2 extending from the four sides of this central panel 340.

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

[0090] Due to the rectangular shape of the central panel 340, the branches B1 attached to the long sides of the central panel 340 (hereafter referred to as wide branches Bl) are identical but different from the other two branches (hereafter referred to as narrow branches B2). Specifically, the angled cuts at the corners of the wide branches Bl are spaced apart, whereas these cuts meet for the two narrow branches B2.

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

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

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

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

[0095] Here, to facilitate folding, the opposite corner is cut out. One could have used an oblique cut (perpendicular to the oblique fold line L9). Here, the cut instead presents two perpendicular edges.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0107] Typically, the first sheet might consist of exactly two layers of paper or cardboard, not three: a flat layer and a corrugated layer attached to the flat layer. In this variation, the second sheet would be glued to the corrugated layer, so that the whole thing forms a corrugated cardboard panel.

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

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

[0110] Alternatively, the fold lines could be formed not by creasing but by kiss-cutting or dot-grid cutting. It should be noted here that creasing involves pressing the multi-layered cardboard sheet along the fold line. whereas the half-cut operation consists of cutting only a portion of the cardboard sheets along this line.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. A method for manufacturing packaging (300), comprising successive steps of: - cutting at least one opening (110) through a first sheet (100) of cardboard or paper, - laminating a second sheet (200) of cardboard or paper onto at least part of the first sheet (100), - cutting the two sheets (100, 200) along a contour (Cl) which passes through said opening (110), and - folding of the two sheets (100, 200) so as to obtain said packaging (300), characterized in that a part of the second sheet (200) located opposite said opening (110) belongs to a gusset (SI) between two walls (320, 330) of said packaging (300) or to a rim folded against a wall of said packaging (300).

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

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

4. A manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, during the cutting step of said at least one opening (110), the first sheet (100) has a rectangular contour.

5. A manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, during the laminating step, the second sheet (200) has a contour that overlaps the contour of the first sheet (100) entirely or at least in three distinct areas.

6. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, prior to the laminating step, a printing step of decorations is provided on at least the second sheet (200).

7. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cutting step of said at least one opening (110) is carried out on an autoplater and the laminating step is carried out on a display machine.

8. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, having a bellows (SI) between two walls (320, 330) of said packaging (300), the folding step comprises an operation of gluing and folding a panel of the bellows against one of the two walls (320, 330) followed by other folding operations, said gluing and folding operation preferably being carried out in the same place as the steps preceding the folding step, while the other operations are carried out in a separate place.

9. Packaging obtained according to a process conforming to one of the claims

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