System and method for the production of coated containers
The system transforms pre-cut cardboard sheets into coated containers efficiently by transitioning from an open to a closed configuration, ensuring high production rates and flexibility, thus addressing space and material inefficiencies in existing systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHIMA SRL
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing systems for producing coated cardboard containers require significant space and material, are inflexible, and have lower production rates due to the need for specific thermoforming stations, leading to increased costs and waste.
A system and method that includes a forming and compacting station capable of transforming pre-cut cardboard sheets from an open configuration to a closed configuration, allowing direct transfer into a standard thermoforming mould, using IML technique, and reducing space requirements while maintaining high production rates and flexibility.
The system achieves a high production rate with reduced space and material waste, flexibility for various container types, and lower costs by utilizing a standard thermoforming station without specific modifications.
Smart Images
Figure IB2026050119_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COATED CONTAINERS DESCRIPTION
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of the production of coated cardboard containers, preferably for use in the packaging of food products. More preferably, the present invention relates to a system and a method for the production of coated containers. In particular, the present invention is focused on a forming and compacting station of a system for the production of coated containers.
[0004] State of the Art
[0005] Generally known in the state of the art are systems and methods for the production of coated cardboard containers which employ a series of successive stations or units where the thermoforming station is specific for the relative type of containers to be produced in the system.
[0006] Such stations provide for the reception and distribution of die-cut cardboard sheets for their relative folding, the folding of the cardboard sheets to define the containers, and the lining of the inside of the container to thus produce coated containers.
[0007] In known systems, the stations are distributed one after the other and transfer units in the form of mechanical arms and / or conveyor belts are interposed between the stations to allow the transfer of the products from one station to the next. Therefore, itis required that the products exiting one station have a distribution compatible with the subsequent unit.
[0008] Problems of the Known Art
[0009] Disadvantageously, in known systems, stations are employed which, in order to maintain a distribution of the products at the output compatible with the subsequent station, require a lot of space without improving the production rate and the waste of material.
[0010] Specifically, the known forming stations receive and fold pre-cut cardboard sheets spaced from each other by at least the distance of their relative side walls and after the relative folding. The folded containers thus obtained are transferred to the subsequent unit for lining, this requiring a space compatible with the mutual spacing between the produced containers. This entails an enlargement of the lining stations as well as a greater consumption of material due to the waste of the same between the containers.
[0011] Generally known in the state of the art are systems and methods for the production of coated cardboard containers that produce with a lower yield than that of a thermoforming mould and with a decidedly lower speed.
[0012] Disadvantageously, the known systems employ specific thermoforming stations, reducing the flexibility of the system for the production of different containers with respect to those for which the thermoforming station is made. Such solutions are therefore expensive, impractical and intended for the production of a single product.
[0013] Object of the InventionThe object of the present invention is to provide a system, a procedure and a forming station of a system for the production of coated containers capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the known art mentioned above.
[0014] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a procedure for the production of coated containers capable of reducing the space necessary for the installation of the system which at the same time is versatile, efficient and which guarantees a high production rate with a reduction in costs, production times and waste.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a forming and compacting station of a system for the production of coated containers capable of reducing the space necessary for the installation of the system, in particular of the forming station, and which at the same time allows the system to be versatile, efficient and to guarantee a high production rate with a reduction in costs, production times and waste.
[0016] The stated technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a system, a procedure and a forming and compacting station of a system for the production of coated containers comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the attached claims.
[0017] Advantages of the Invention
[0018] Advantageously, the system and the procedure of the present invention allow for the reduction of the spaces necessary for the installation of the system. The system allows the manipulation, forming and compacting of pre-cut sheets by passing from a first matrix Ml (open configuration, with distances of the open and not yet formedpre-cut sheets) to a second matrix M2 (closed configuration, with distances and measures of a classic thermoforming mould), thus allowing the insertion of the formed pre-cut sheets inside the thermoforming mould (the thermoforming distances being considerably smaller than the forming distances).
[0019] Advantageously, the system and the procedure of the present invention therefore allow producing coated containers while maintaining the standard yield and cycle of a thermoforming machine and without modifying the standard thermoforming process.
[0020] Advantageously, the system and the procedure of the present invention allow the use of a moulding technique, preferably the IML (In-Mould Labelling) technique, with a standard thermoforming mould, using the high yield and speed of the thermoforming machine, thus guaranteeing overall a high production rate with a reduction in costs, production times and waste.
[0021] Advantageously, the system and the procedure of the present invention allow the use of a standard thermoforming station without this being a station for the realization of a specific type of container. Specifically, the system and the procedure of the present invention improve the flexibility of the system by allowing it to be adapted to different types of thermoforming machines, whether for the lining of the container or for its relative formation.
[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0023] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a system, a procedure and a forming and compactingstation of a system for the production of coated containers as illustrated in the accompanying drawings:
[0024] - figure 1 shows a perspective view of a part of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration (open configuration);
[0025] - figure 2 shows a perspective view of a part of the system according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a second configuration (compacted configuration);
[0026] - figure 3 shows a perspective view of the forming and compacting station according to a preferred embodiment in a first configuration (open configuration) with some elements omitted to better show others;
[0027] - figure 4 shows a perspective view of the forming and compacting station according to a preferred embodiment in a second configuration (compacted configuration) with some elements omitted to better show others;
[0028] - figure 5 shows a block diagram of the system for the production of coated containers;
[0029] - figure 6 shows a plan view of a pre-cut sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] - figure 7 shows a side view of a preformed container according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] - figure 8 shows a perspective view of a coated container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual characteristics described with reference to the specific embodiments should be understood as ancillary and / orinterchangeable with other characteristics, described with reference to other examples of embodiment.
[0034] The present invention relates to a system for the production of coated containers, indicated as a whole with 100 in the figures.
[0035] The system 100 comprises a feeding station 10 for pre-cut sheets 2, preferably of cardboard. Said feeding station 10 is configured to supply pre-cut sheets 2 to the subsequent stations.
[0036] In the remainder of the description, reference is made to pre-cut cardboard sheets without excluding the possibility of other materials.
[0037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the feeding station 10 comprises a plurality of mutually separate containers and configured to contain the pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 and mutually separate from each other. Specifically, said pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 are stacked one on top of the other in the containers.
[0038] Alternatively, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the feeding station 10 comprises one or more stripping devices 12 configured to receive and separate the pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 from each other to feed them to the subsequent station. Specifically, the feeding station 10 comprises reservoirs 13 of pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 separated from each other which feed the stripping device 12 to pick up and separate the cardboard sheets and arrange them on a platform 14 suitably spaced from each other.
[0039] The system 100 comprises a forming and compacting station 20 configured to receive the pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 from the feeding station 10 and to fold each precut cardboard sheet 2 to form a preformed container 3.
[0040] It should be noted that each preformed container 3 has an opening 3a, a bottom 3b, side walls 3c that surround the bottom 3b and end in an end portion 3d that delimitsthe opening 3a of the preformed container 3. Optionally, the end portion 3d has a projecting flange extending externally from the end portion 3d.
[0041] The pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 have a bottom 3b, side walls 3c that surround the bottom 3b and end in an end portion 3d connected to each other by fold lines. Optionally, the end portion 3d has a flange projecting externally from the end portion 3d connected by a relative fold line.
[0042] The forming and compacting station 20 comprises a plurality of forming moulds 21 arranged along a first and a second direction A- A, B-B transverse to each other, preferably perpendicular. Each forming mould 21 is configured to receive a precut cardboard sheet 2 and fold it to define the preformed container 3.
[0043] Preferably, the forming moulds 21 are arranged according to a matrix defining rows 21a and columns 21b respectively parallel to each other. In other words, the forming moulds 21 define a grid divided into rows and columns, preferably n rows and m columns.
[0044] Specifically, the matrix has rows 21a and columns 21b transverse to each other. The rows 21a are parallel to each other with respect to the first direction A- A and the columns 21b are parallel to each other with respect to the second direction B-B. Preferably, the forming moulds 21 can be organized in at least more than two rows and at least more than two columns. More preferably, the matrix has n rows and m columns.
[0045] Preferably, each forming mould 21 comprises a mould body 22 having a first support base 23 and an opposite second base 24 configured to receive and fold / form the pre-cut cardboard sheet 2. The second base 24 has a mould opening 24a, a mould bottom 24b, mould side walls 24c that surround the mould bottom 24b and end in a mould end portion 24d that delimits the mould opening 24a. Optionally, the mould endportion 24d has a mould flange projecting externally from the mould end portion 24d. According to one aspect, the mould bottom 24b, the mould side walls 24c, the mould end portion 24d and optionally the mould flange are configured to receive and fold the pre-cut cardboard sheet defining respectively the bottom, side walls, end position and optionally the flange of the preformed container 3.
[0046] The system 100 comprises a thermoforming station 30 configured to receive the preformed containers 3 in thermoforming moulds 31. Specifically, the thermoforming station 30 comprises a hot thermoforming machine configured to receive in its own thermoforming moulds 31 the preformed containers 3 by making a web 32 of material for the lining of the preformed container run. Preferably, the thermoforming station 30 provides for the use of the IML technique.
[0047] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the forming and compacting station 20 is configured to ensure compatibility with a standard thermoforming machine, i.e. not specific for the realization of a specific container such as, for example, the thermoforming machines of WM and T2.
[0048] The thermoforming moulds 31 are arranged along a third and fourth direction C-C, D-D transverse to each other, preferably perpendicular. Said thermoforming moulds 31 are arranged according to a thermoforming matrix. The thermoforming matrix therefore comprises rows and columns parallel to each other and parallel respectively to the third and fourth directions C-C, D-D. In other words, as for the forming moulds, the thermoforming moulds are arranged according to a grid with n rows and m columns.
[0049] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the C-C direction of the thermoforming mould 31 corresponds to the direction transverse to the advancementof the web 31 and to the A-A direction of the forming and compacting mould 10 of the system 100. The D-D direction of the thermoforming mould 31 corresponds to the direction of advancement of the web and to the B-B direction of the forming and compacting mould 10 of the system 100.
[0050] It should be noted that each thermoforming mould 31 is substantially close to the adjacent moulds and each has a relative bottom, side wall, opening and optionally a flange suitable for receiving the relative portions of the preformed container 3.
[0051] Specifically, the thermoforming station 30 is configured to deposit a film at least at the bottom 3b and the side walls 3c of the received preformed containers 3, defining coated containers 1. If the flange is present, the thermoforming station 30 is configured to deposit the film also at the flange.
[0052] Preferably, the thermoforming station 30 is configured to deposit a thermoplastic film la.
[0053] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the forming station 20 comprises movement means 40 configured to move the forming moulds 21 along the first and second directions A-A, B-B between a first configuration (open configuration) and a second configuration (compacted configuration).
[0054] Specifically, in the first configuration, for example illustrated in figures 1 and 3, the forming moulds 21 are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second directions A-A, B-B by a relative forming distance. Said forming moulds are arranged according to a first matrix Ml to receive and fold a relative pre-cut cardboard sheet 2. It should be noted that the forming moulds 21 are spaced from each other along the first direction A-A by a first forming distance and by a second forming distance along the second direction B-B.In the second configuration, for example illustrated in figures 2 and 4, the forming moulds 21 are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second directions A-A, B-B by a relative thermoforming distance and are arranged according to a second matrix M2 to transfer the preformed containers 3 from the forming moulds 21 to the thermoforming station 30 in the thermoforming matrix. Specifically, the forming moulds 21 are spaced from each other along the first direction A-A by a first thermoforming distance and by a second thermoforming distance along the second direction B-B.
[0055] It should be noted that the thermoforming distances are smaller than the forming distances.
[0056] Preferably, the forming distances between the forming moulds 21 are measured from the relative mould side walls and are at least equal to the sum of the heights of the side walls 3c of two adjacent pre-cut cardboard sheets 2, where the height is measured from the base to the end position and, if present, up to the flange.
[0057] According to one aspect, the second matrix M2 is compatible with the thermoforming matrix. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the second matrix M2 corresponds to the thermoforming matrix. Specifically, the distance between the forming moulds 21 (in the compacted configuration) and the thermoforming moulds 31 is the same. In this way, the preformed containers 3 can be transferred directly into the thermoforming moulds 31. In other words, in the first configuration, the forming moulds 21 are mutually spaced apart from each other along two directions A-A, B-B according to the first matrix Ml suitable for receiving and folding the relative pre-cut sheets 2 and in the second configuration the forming moulds 21 are mutually spaced apart from each other according to a second matrix M2 suitable for transferring thepreformed containers 3 from the forming moulds 21 to the moulds of the thermoforming station, being substantially the same as the thermoforming matrix.
[0058] Preferably, the forming and compacting station 20 is configured to spatially compact the preformed containers 3 in the forming moulds 21 by bringing the forming moulds 21 closer together, thus passing from the first configuration where the first matrix Ml has a first spatial extension along the first and second directions A-A, B-B to the second configuration where the preformed containers 3 are arranged according to the second matrix M2. The latter has a spatial extension along the first and second directions A-A, B-B smaller than the first spatial extension of the first matrix Ml.
[0059] It should be noted that the forming and compacting station 20 is configured to subsequently spatially move away the forming moulds 21 by passing from the second configuration to the first configuration, in order to receive the pre-cut sheets 2 to be folded.
[0060] Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the forming and compacting station 20 is made in a single operating unit for the system 100.
[0061] For the purposes of the present invention, an operating unit is a unit of a system configured to receive one or more workpieces from an upstream operating unit and to supply one or more modified and / or reconfigured workpieces to a downstream operating unit. For example, a workpiece can be a pre-cut sheet and the modified workpiece can be the container preformed from the sheets and the reconfiguration can be the passage from the first to the second matrix. It should be noted that the system 100 comprises multiple operating units as described below, for example the feeding and thermoforming stations are each made in an operating unit.Alternatively, not illustrated in the figures, the forming and compacting station 20 can be divided into an operating unit configured to form the preformed containers in the manner previously described and an operating unit configured to compact the moulds as previously described and specified below. In detail, the operating unit for forming receives in forming moulds the pre-cut cardboard sheets from the feeding unit and folds / forms the preformed containers. Further transfer means are configured to move the preformed containers made in the forming operating unit to the compacting operating unit so that these containers are compacted to then be transferred to the subsequent station. It should be noted that the forming operating unit can identify a forming station and the compacting operating unit can identify a compacting station.
[0062] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the movement means 40 comprise first and second movement means 50, 60. The first movement means 50 are configured to move the forming moulds 21 along the first direction A- A towards and away from each other, while the second movement means 60 are configured to move the forming moulds 21 along the second direction B-B towards and away from each other.
[0063] Preferably, the first movement means 50 comprise first guide elements 51 arranged parallel to each other in the first direction A-A. Said first guide elements 51 can comprise for example linear guides or rails. The first movement means 50 comprise first constraint elements 52 configured to retain each forming mould 21 and to slide along the guide elements 51 to move the relative forming mould 21. Specifically, the first constraint elements 52 constrain to at least a first guide element 51 the first support base 23 selectively slidable. Said first constraint elements can comprise for example a carriage that retains the forming mould 21 on one side and is slidably constrained on the first guide element 51 on the other. Furthermore, the firstmovement means 50 comprise first motorized elements 53 configured to move the first constraint elements 52 along the first guide elements 51 to bring the forming moulds 21 closer to each other in the second configuration and to move the forming moulds 21 away from each other in the first configuration. Specifically, the first motorized elements 53 can comprise one or more actuators, for example a linear servomotor, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, also electric type actuators. Said first motorized elements 53 are for example connected to a control system suitable for moving the forming moulds 21 along the first guide elements 51.
[0064] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first motorized elements 53 comprise actuators arranged between two adjacent forming moulds 21 along the first direction A- A. Said actuators are configured to bring one forming mould 21 closer to and away from the other. It should be noted that the first guide elements 51 extend between a first and a second end 51a, 51b spaced from each other along the first direction A-A.
[0065] According to one aspect, the forming moulds 21 in proximity to the first end 21a, which can be for example opposite to the feeding station 10, are retained in position by first constraint elements 52 and the actuators move the adjacent forming moulds 21 towards each other towards the forming elements 21 placed at the first end 21a and away from each other from the forming elements 21 placed at the first end 21a. Specifically, the first constraint elements 52 in proximity to the first end 21a are configured to retain the forming moulds 21 in a fixed position.
[0066] Preferably, the second movement means 60 comprise second guide elements 61 arranged parallel to each other in the second direction B-B. The second guide elements 61 can comprise for example rails or linear guides. The second movementmeans 60 comprise second constraint elements 62 movable along the second guide elements 61. It should be noted that each second constraint element 62 is configured to retain at least a first guide element 51 to move it along the second direction B-B. According to one aspect, the second constraint elements 62 can comprise constraint plates configured to translate along the second direction B-B. Furthermore, the second movement means 60 comprise second motorized elements 63 configured to move the second constraint elements 62 along the second guide elements 61 to bring the forming moulds 21 closer to each other in the second configuration and to move the forming moulds 21 away from each other in the first configuration. Specifically, the second motorized elements 63 can comprise one or more actuators, for example a linear servomotor, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, also electric type actuators. Said second motorized elements 63 are for example connected to the control system suitable for moving the forming moulds 21 along the second guide elements 61. According to one aspect, the second motorized means 63 comprise at least one actuator connected to opposite ends of a respective second constraint element 62 so as to bring the second constraint elements 62 closer and away.
[0067] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the forming moulds 21 on a row 21a are moved along at least a first guide element 51, while the forming moulds 21 are moved along the columns 21b by bringing the rows closer to each other along at least a second guide element 61. Alternatively, the forming moulds 21 can move along each column and then along the rows or simultaneously along rows and columns.
[0068] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system 100 comprises a first transfer device 70 configured to pick up one or more pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 from the feeding station 10 and transport them to the forming and compacting station 20 ina relative forming mould 21 to fold them to define with the relative forming mould 21 the preformed container 3.
[0069] Preferably, the first transfer device 70 comprises first head elements 71 movable along a deposit direction Z-Z perpendicular to the first and second directions A- A, B-B. Each head element 71 is configured to pick up a pre-cut cardboard sheet 2 and deposit it in a relative forming mould 21. Specifically, each forming mould 21 is configured to cooperate with a relative head element 71 to fold the relative pre-cut cardboard sheet 2 inside the forming mould 21. Preferably, each head element 71 is counter-shaped to the second base 24 to fold the pre-cut sheet 2 between the second base and the head element. The first transfer device 70 further comprises first gripping means 72 arranged near each head element 71 and configured to pass between a gripping configuration in which they retain the pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 for transport from the feeding station 10 to the forming station 20 and a release configuration for releasing the pre-cut cardboard sheets 3 inside the relative forming moulds 21. For example, the gripping means 72 can comprise suction cups fed by a compressed air device that respectively sucks and releases the pre-cut cardboard sheet 1 and the preformed container 3.
[0070] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system 100 further comprises second transfer devices 80 configured to pick up from the forming and compacting station 20 one or more preformed containers 3 arranged according to the second matrix M2 and transport them to the thermoforming station 30 in the thermoforming moulds 31 arranged according to the thermoforming matrix, where preferably, the second matrix M2 has the same arrangement as the thermoforming matrix.Preferably, the second transfer device 80 comprises second gripping means configured to pick up the preformed containers 3 from the forming station 20 to the thermoforming station 30 inside the relative thermoforming moulds.
[0071] According to one aspect, the second transfer device 80 is configured to orient the preformed containers 3 arranged according to the second matrix M2 to align the rows and columns along the first and second directions A-A, B-B with the rows and columns of the thermoforming matrix along the third and fourth directions C-C, D-D.
[0072] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the coated containers are ejected from the thermoforming station along an ejection direction, preferably parallel to the fourth direction D-D as indicated by the dashed arrow in figure 5.
[0073] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a control system configured to control the stations and the devices.
[0074] A further object of the present invention is a method for the production of coated containers 1 in a system for the production of coated containers, for example, as previously described.
[0075] The method comprises the step a) of picking up one or more pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 from the feeding station 10. Subsequently, the method comprises the step b) of placing the one or more picked-up pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 on a relative forming mould 21 and the step c) of folding the one or more pre-cut cardboard sheets 2 positioned on a relative mould defining preformed containers 3 arranged according to the first matrix Ml .
[0076] The method further comprises the step d) of bringing the forming moulds 21 closer together / compacting them according to the second matrix M2. Specifically, theforming moulds 21 are brought closer to each other passing from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the relative preformed containers 3 inside them. According to one aspect, during the bringing closer, the first movement means 70 are configured to pick up other pre-cut sheets 2.
[0077] Subsequently, once the forming moulds and the preformed containers 3 contained therein are arranged according to the second matrix M2, the method comprises the step e) of picking up the preformed containers 3 arranged according to the second matrix M2 and subsequently moving away the forming moulds 21 according to the first matrix Ml to receive the pre-cut sheets 2.
[0078] The method further comprises the step f) of transporting the preformed containers 3 from the forming and compacting station 20 to the thermoforming station 30.
[0079] Subsequently, the method comprises the step g) of placing the preformed containers 3 in the thermoforming moulds 31 arranged according to the thermoforming matrix. Specifically, the second transfer means 80 are configured to pick up the preformed containers 3 and transport them to the thermoforming station 30 in the relative thermoforming moulds 31. It should be noted that the second matrix M2 corresponds to the thermoforming matrix allowing the relative deposit of the preformed containers 3 in the thermoforming moulds. According to one aspect, during steps e), f), g) in a coordinated manner, the method provides for picking up pre-cut sheets, folding them and defining the second matrix according to the preceding steps a), b), c) and d).Subsequently, the method comprises the step h) of depositing a film at least at the bottom 3b and the side walls 3 c of the received preformed containers 3 to produce coated containers 1. Preferably, the deposited film is a thermoplastic film la.
[0080] According to one aspect, the method provides for the continuous production of the coated containers.
[0081] A further object of the present invention is a forming and compacting station 20 for a system for the production of coated containers 100 as previously described. Said forming and compacting station is installable in a system between the feeding station and the thermoforming station.
[0082] To the present embodiment of the invention, numerous detailed variations and modifications may be made, within the reach of a person skilled in the art, while remaining within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.
Claims
CLAIMS1. System (100) for the production of coated containers (1) comprising:- a feeding station (10) for pre-cut sheets (2);- a forming and compacting station (20) configured to receive the pre-cut sheets (2) from the feeding station (10) and to fold each pre-cut sheet (2) to form a preformed container (3) having an opening (3a), a bottom (3b), side walls (3c) that surround the bottom (3b) and end in an end portion (3d) that delimits the opening (3a) of the preformed container (3), the forming and compacting station (20) comprising a plurality of forming moulds (21) arranged along a first and a second transverse direction (A-A, B-B), each forming mould (21) being configured to receive a pre-cut sheet (2) and fold it to define the preformed container (3);- a thermoforming station (30) configured to receive the preformed containers (3) in thermoforming moulds (31), said thermoforming moulds (31) being arranged along a third and fourth transverse direction (C-C, D-D) and being arranged according to a thermoforming matrix, said thermoforming station (30) being configured to deposit a film at least at the bottom (3b) and the side walls (3c) of the preformed containers (3) received defining coated containers (1),characterized in that the forming and compacting station (20) comprises:- movement means (40) configured to move the forming moulds (21) along the first and second directions (A-A, B-B) between:- a first configuration in which the forming moulds (21) are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second directions (A-A, B-B) by a relativeforming distance and being arranged according to a first matrix (Ml) to receive and fold a relative pre-cut sheet (2); and- a second configuration wherein the forming moulds (21) are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second direction (A-A, B-B) for a relative thermoforming distance and being arranged according to a second matrix (M2) for transferring the preformed containers (3) from the forming moulds (21) to the thermoforming station (30) in the thermoforming matrix, where the thermoforming distances are smaller than the forming distances.
2. The system for the production of containers (100) according to claim 1, wherein the forming and compacting station (20) is configured to- spatially compact the preformed containers (3) in the forming moulds (21) by bringing the forming moulds (21) closer together, passing from the first configuration where the first matrix (Ml) has a first spatial extension along the first and second direction (A-A, B-B) to the second configuration where the preformed containers (3) being arranged according to the second matrix (M2) having a spatial extension along the first and second direction (A-A, B-B) smaller than the first spatial extension of the first matrix (Ml);- spatially move the forming moulds (21) away from each other by moving the forming moulds (21) away from the second configuration to the first configuration to receive the pre-cut sheets (2) to be folded.
3. The system for the production of containers (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second matrix (M2) corresponds to the thermoforming matrix.
4. The system for the production of containers (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movement means (40) comprise- first movement means (50) configured to move the forming moulds (21) along the first direction (A-A) towards and away from each other;- second movement means (60) configured to move the forming moulds (21) along the second direction (B-B) towards and away from each other.
5. The system for the production of containers (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first movement means (50) comprise:- first guide elements (51) arranged parallel to each other in the first direction (A-A);- first constraint elements (52) configured to each retain a forming mould (21) and to slide along the guide elements (51) to move the relative forming mould (21);- first motorized elements (53) configured to move the first constraint elements (52) along the first guide elements (51) to bring the forming moulds (21) closer to each other in the second configuration and to move the forming moulds (21) away from each other in the first configuration.
6. The system for the production of containers (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second movement means (60) comprise:- second guide elements (61) arranged parallel to each other in the second direction (B-B);- second constraint elements (62) movable along the second guide elements (61), each second constraint element (62) being configured to retain a first guide element (51) to move it along the second direction (B-B);- second motorized elements (63) configured to move the second constraint elements (62) along the second guide elements (61) to bring the forming moulds (21) closer to each other in the second configuration and to move the forming moulds (21) away from each other in the first configuration.
7. The system for the production of containers (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:- a first transfer device (70) configured to take one or more pre-cut sheets (2) from the feeding station (10) and transport them to the forming station (20) in a relative forming mould (21) to bend them to define with the relative forming mould (21) the preformed container (3).
8. The system for the production of containers (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first transfer device (70) comprises:- first head elements (71) movable along a deposit direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the first and second directions (A-A, B-B), each head element (71) being configured to pick up a pre-cut sheet (2) and deposit it in a relative forming mould (21), each forming mould (21) being configured to cooperate with a relative head element (71) to fold the relative pre-cut sheet (2) inside the forming mould (21);- first gripping means (72) arranged near each head element (71) and configured to pass between a gripping configuration in which they retain the pre-cutsheets (2) for transport from the feeding station (10) to the forming and compacting station (20) to a release configuration for releasing the pre-cut sheets (3) inside the relative forming moulds (21).
9. The system for the production of containers (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising second transfer devices (80) configured to pick up from the forming and compacting station (20) one or more preformed containers (3) arranged according to the second matrix (M2) and transport them to the thermoforming station (30) in the thermoforming moulds (31) arranged according to the thermoforming matrix.
10. The system for the production of containers (100) according to claim 9, wherein the second transfer means (80) comprise:- second gripping means configured to pick up the preformed containers (3) from the forming and compacting station (20) to the thermoforming station (30) inside the relative thermoforming moulds.
11. The system for the production of containers (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:- a transport station configured to receive the coated containers; and / or - a station for filling and closing the coated containers.
12. The system for the production of containers (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the feeding station comprises:- a plurality of mutually separated containers (11) configured to contain the precut sheets (2) and mutually separated from each other; or- a stripping device (12) configured to receive and separate the pre-cut sheets (2) from one another to feed them to the forming and compacting station (20).
13. The system for the production of containers (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermoforming station (30) is configured to deposit a thermoplastic film (la).
14. Method for the production of coated containers in a system for the production of containers comprising:- a feeding station (10) for pre-cut sheets (2);- a forming and compacting station (20) configured to receive the pre-cut sheets (2) from the feeding station (10) and to fold each pre-cut sheet (2) to form a preformed container (3) having an opening (3a), a bottom (3b), side walls (3c) that surround the bottom (3b) and end in an end portion (3d) that delimits the opening (3a) of the preformed container (3), the forming and compacting station (20) comprising a plurality of forming moulds (21) arranged along a first and a second transverse direction (A-A, B-B), each forming mould (21) being configured to receive a pre-cut sheet (2) and fold it to define the preformed container (3);- a thermoforming station (30) configured to receive in thermoforming moulds (31) the preformed containers (3), said thermoforming moulds (31) being arranged along a third and fourth transverse direction (C-C, D-D) and being arranged according to a thermoforming matrix, said thermoforming station (30) being configured to deposit afilm at least at the bottom (3b) and the side walls (3c) of the preformed containers (3) received defining coated containers (1), said forming and compacting station (20) comprising movement means (40) configured to move the forming moulds (21) along the first and second directions (A-A, B-B) between:- a first configuration in which the forming moulds (21) are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second directions (A-A, B-B) by a relative forming distance and being arranged according to a first matrix (Ml) to receive and fold a relative pre-cut sheet (2); and- a second configuration wherein the forming moulds (21) are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second direction (A-A, B-B) for a relative thermoforming distance and being arranged according to a second matrix (M2) for transferring the preformed containers (3) from the forming moulds (21) to the thermoforming station (30) in the thermoforming matrix, wherein the thermoforming distances are smaller than the forming distances;the method comprises the steps ofa) picking up one or more pre-cut sheets (2) from the feeding station (10); b) placing the one or more pre-cut sheets (2) picked up on a relative forming mould (21);c) folding the one or more pre-cut sheets (2) placed on a relative mould defining preformed containers (3) arranged according to the first matrix (Ml);d) bringing the forming moulds (21) closer together according to the second matrix (M2);e) picking up the preformed containers (3) arranged according to the second matrix (M2) and moving the forming moulds (21) away according to the first matrix (Ml);f) transporting the preformed containers (3) from the forming station (20) to the thermoforming station (30);g) placing the preformed containers (3) in the thermoforming moulds arranged according to the thermoforming matrix,h) depositing a film at least at the bottom (3b) and the side walls (3c) of the preformed containers (3) received to produce coated containers (1).
15. Forming and compacting station (20) for a system for the production of coated containers (100) configured to receive pre-cut sheets (2) and to fold each pre-cut sheet (2) to form a preformed container (3) comprising- a plurality of forming moulds (21) arranged along a first and a second direction (A-A, B-B) transverse to each other, each forming mould (21) being configured to receive a pre-cut sheet (2) and fold it to define the preformed container (3); characterized in that it comprises:- movement means (40) configured to move the forming moulds (21) along the first and second directions (A-A, B-B) between:- a first configuration in which the forming moulds (21) are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second directions (A-A, B-B) by a relative forming distance and being arranged according to a first matrix (Ml) to receive and fold a relative pre-cut sheet (2); and- a second configuration wherein the forming moulds (21) are mutually spaced apart from each other along the first and second directions (A-A, B-B) for a relativethermoforming distance and being arranged according to a second matrix (M2) for transferring the preformed containers from the forming moulds (21) to a thermoforming station (30) in a relative thermoforming matrix, where the thermoforming distances are smaller than the forming distances.