Packaging machine for "American" boxes.

The invention relates to a boxing machine for RSC.

There are already known many packing machines for American boxes comprising means for feeding empty containers on which are placed from upstream to downstream an ECR blank store folded flat and stacked and opening means, placing by volume, the credit union and constitution of its bottom by folding and fastening flaps that constitute it; means for supplying the content of the batches by box adapted to be received; means for transferring content items in order to place them in open boxes prepared for this purpose, interposed between the end portions downstream means for feeding empty boxes and means for conveying content of batches; and discharge means crates on which are placed upstream to downstream transfer means lots and means of constitution of the body by folding lid and interlocking flaps that constitute it.

The improvements in these known machines have mostly worn on the search for greater reliability, better synchronization of the movements of the various moving parts that compose it; of higher throughput, new opening or folding devices (see for example documents US 4,163,414, 2,280,773 and FR 2,029,300). We also know by the use of robotic handling (DE 2,702,481), and many different variants of the various constituent means such of Package Machinery in general (DE 2754057, 5050 317 BE, DE 871,420, GB 2,079,715, GB 535,347, DE 3,417,508, GB 1,033,743, US 4,233,798 and US 3,164,938).

The case packing machines known to date allow the use of different boxes formats through manual adjustment of the different control parameters or operating the machine. This setting not only require a certain dexterity on the part of the operator but also a time during which the machine was unutilized. These disadvantages were accepted because the format changes were infrequent and setup time considered essential given the employees mechanical adjustment means.

It has been proposed (EP 0142007) that the components of a packaging machine are movable with the coupled adjusting screw, one after the other, movable drive means, portable. Each component, in turn, is reduced by the drive means at a reference position and then moved from the latter, until the desired final position. The drive means are of the type comprising an engine block with manual control such as those used for tools electric hand (drill, sander, etc ...). The structure of the adjusting means envisaged limits their use to a small number of means and of short strokes. This device requires effective access to the adjustment screw for the coupling means .Drive. Finally, the subsequent adjustment of components extends the operating time. In such a device, the settings are performed independently from each other for the different components. Therefore, such a machine has crippling disadvantages if the format changes become more frequent and in a range plus.large and users looking to improve machine productivity by decreasing downtime.

The invention therefore aims to solve the problem of the flexibility of operation of packing machines for American boxes for the different employee unions and formats without requiring from the user a particular expertise or loss important time.

To this end in a boxing machine for RSC according to the invention of the general type mentioned above, the opening means of erecting of the body and constitution of his background and the means to cover up are slidably mounted on shafts but lockable and moved along these axes by drive means permanently integrated in the machine associated with digital control means, the constituent means of the machine can be moved at least partially simultaneously.

With the constitution of the machine of the invention, adjusting it according to different formats envisagés.pour the RSC is made particularly easy and quick.

The machine-packing according to the invention has, over those of the prior art, especially by Ilustre documents US 2,280,773 and EP 0,142,007, the characteristic that the structure of the machine is designed for enable the setting for the format change, the settings of the various components of the machine being combined with each other and essentially acting at least partly simultaneously with drive means forming part of the machine, fixed as a whole and acting on different organs simultaneously. In contrast, the machine according to EP 0142007 is not a general structure specially adapted for adjustment as contemplated by the invention and simply, from a structure, classic machine, make certain adjustable its constituent bodies, without combination of different settings between them, without incorporating the drive means to the machine.

Other features of the invention appear from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :,<ul><li>- Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of one embodiment of principle of a boxing machine according to the invention, illustrating the way it is.</li><li>- Figure 2 is a partial top schematic view of the packing machine shown in Figure 1.</li><li>- Figure 3 is a schematic view on a larger scale in cross section on line 3.3 of Figure 2.</li><li>- Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view along line 4.4 of Figure 3 illustrating two possible variants and different formats.</li><li>- Figures 5 and 6 are two views of side and top respectively of another embodiment of the machine for the Party of the fund volume.</li><li>- The figures are six 7,8,9,10,11,12 schematic views in partial elevation illustrating the kinematics of operation of the machine.</li><li>- Figure 13 is a top view illustrating the kinematics.</li><li>- Figures 14 and 15 are two schematic views, frontal means of constitution of the bottom of the crate.</li><li>- Figures 16, 17, 18, 19 are four side views respectively from above, illustrating the end outlet portion of the machine.</li></ul>

The invention relates to a packing machine for 1 RSC 2.

A floater 2 is known per se and comprises four side faces 3, a bottom 4 and a cover 5. The base 4 and the lid 5 are each composed of two first flaps 6, 7 respectively and two second flaps 8, 9 respectively . Two first flaps 6, 7 and two second flaps 8,9 are attached to two opposite side faces 3 Departure respectively, the body 2 form a flattened blank, the side faces 3 being folded one against the other and the flaps 6 , 7, 8, 9 free and located in the same plane as the side faces 3.

The packing machine is also 1 for 1 October bundled content in separate lots so that it can be cashed in the various successive US funds set volume and open.

The packing machine 1 comprises, first, means for feeding empty boxes 11 in which are placed from upstream to downstream on the one hand a 12-blanks Store crates stacked and folded to the other, means 13 for opening, setting volume of the box 2 and constitution of the bottom 4 by folding and securing the flaps 6, 8.

The machine-packing 1 includes, second, means' feed 14 Content 10 Batch able to be cashed.

The packing machine has 1, thirdly, means 15 to transfer lots of content 10 to place them in open crates and 2 prepared for this purpose, interposed between the extreme downstream parts supply means 11 and supply means 14.

The packing machine has 1 fourth, discharge means 16 boxes on which are placed in the downstream transfer means 15 already mentioned and means 17 of constitution of the cover 5 by folding and securing flaps 7 .. 9 that constitute it.

The upstream and downstream qualifiers agree to the direction of movement of means of transport (supply, or exhaust) ie the empty boxes to the delivery means 11, contents of Lots 10 to the supply means 14 and 2 boxes with lots of content 10 for the evacuation means 16.

At the entrance of the machine, it has firstly blanks stacked crates 2 and, on the other hand, content 10. Release batch was filled boxes batch contents and closed.

According to a feature of the invention, the machine must be considered in its entirety or only partially (eg for the Party by volume).

The machine 1 is carried by a frame 18 resting on a generally horizontal support surface 19 (the floor), the feed means 11, 14 and outlet 16 extending generally horizontally. In particular, the discharge means 16 are positioned substantially in extension of the delivery means 11 empty boxes and the feeding means 14 de contents are placed next discharge means 16, their operating direction being opposed.

The means 13 for opening, setting volume of the box 2 and constitution of the bottom 4 and the means 17 of constitution of the cover 5 are slidably mounted on axes but lockable and moved along these axes by means driving associated with not shown digital control means. These digital control means also controls the other constituent means of the machine.

According to the important features of the invention, the machine 1 is generally designed as a whole, to be adjustable, the axes on which are mounted lockable sliding but the organs of the machine being integrated into the machine itself, rather than added to a known basic structure. These axes are arranged to travel and combined settings and at least partially simultaneously different organs. The drive means are also integrated with the machine 1, fixed as a whole and at least partially common to the different axes or organs. The axes and / or the drive means and / or the machine parts are available or not, the accessability is not a determining factor for adjustment.

The drive means are preferably constituted by threaded rods driven in rotation by a motor or motors. Other equivalent embodiments of the driving means can be envisaged (linear motors, cylinders). As is described later, at least some of the threaded rods extend transversely from side to side of the machine 1, carried by the frame 18, and comprise, at least for some of them, in opposite directions of the threads . This structural arrangement illustrates the integration of the adjustment means mentioned above and highlights the potential for particularly large adjustment range.

The control means include display format manual means crates 2 to produce and fill and associated PLC to the display and manual means to the drive means so that, depending on the setting manual means of display, the programmable controller control the movement of the drive means to cause the means 13, 17 at the positions corresponding to the selected format. The various constituent members are thus automatically adjusted in combination and at least partially simultaneously.

Display manual means (not shown) can be constituted by one or more movable buttons or dials a front on which the possible formats mentioned. For example, the dials give the length, width, and height of the boxes varies notably and respectively between 150 and 450 mm, 100 mm and 300 mm, 190 mm and 500 mm. The setting of the machine by means of affichage'peut be continuous or discrete.

The programmable controller may include appropriate electronic components such as memory, CPU, etc ...

According to another characteristic of the invention, taken in isolation and in combination with other features, the transfer means 15 batches of content 10 are constituted by a robot with three degrees of freedom (vertical axis and two horizontal axes) so to allow filling of boxes 2 with lots of content 10 either vertically or laterally. Accordingly, the packing machine 1 according to the invention is versatile and according to control of the transfer means 15 may be of the vertical cartoner where lateral cartoning.

The transfer means 15 (not shown in Figure 1) have supporting means 20 fixed to the associated frame 18 and a plurality of arms 21 carried by the support means 20, being moved by drive means such as jacks or engines, and terminated by gripping means 22 may enter a content package 10. the gripping means 22 may be mechanical or pneumatic in particular consist of suction cups associated with a suction device. The gripping means 22 are constituted for example by a removable matric suction head comprising one or more rows and one or more rows of suction cups.

The feed means 11 comprise support means and the associated guide frame 18 to mobile drive dogs displaced crates 2 by driving means such as endless chains moving through one or more motors (not shown).

The feed means 11 including drive lugs 4 mobile crates 2, define for each body 2, a reference axis, in this case the horizontal edge upstream bottom of the body 2.

Furthermore, this reference axis can occupy several fixed reference positions along the supply means 11, namely a first upstream initial position 23, a second intermediate opening position 24, and a third final position of constitution of bottom 25. These positions 23, 24, 25 are preferably equidistant from one another.

The adjustment means 13 for opening, setting volume and constitution of the base 4 is made relative to fixed positions 23, 24, 25.

The store is located at 12 right from the first position 23. It has several guide rails 26 to maintenance of the blanks of folded boxes, stacked inclined, for example at about 45^* relative to the conveying means 11. The magazine 12 is optionally adjustable to be adapted to different formats crates or it is removable to be replaced by another tray corresponding to another format, or it is provided several stores placed side by side, each adapted to a format, these magazines being mounted on drive means (such as threaded rod and motor) associated with digital control means already mentioned.

In all cases, the store means 12 are adjustable preferably automatically with one or more axes controlled digitally.

Means (not shown in detail) serve to transfer the blanks from the magazine 12 to the supply means 11. They can be of the movable arm and suction cup driven by a motor or motors, and by system crank rod or cam.

At the second intermediate position 24 is a horizontal and transverse axis 27 on which is pivoted an arm 28 terminated by one or more suction cups 29 can be applied to the side face 3 from above adjacent to the reference axis, so as to allow the opening of the body 2. Optionally, in combination, another mobile suction cup, not shown, is arranged to be applied on the side face attached below to the reference axis.

Between the second intermediate position 24, approximately, and the downstream end of the supply means 11 are two rails 30, horizontal, side, located on either side of the feeding means slightly above their plane. These longitudinal members 30 are movable horizontally and transversely but lockable in position f açon- adjustable through digital control means. It extend parallel and either side of delivery means 11 and are provided with threaded horizontal and transverse 31 bearings. 1 the packing machine also comprises at least two threaded rods 32, horizontal and transverse, having at their both end portions of the threads in opposite directions, interacting with the tapped coaxial bearings 31 of the two longitudinal members 30. These threaded rods 32 are placed in -Dessous supply means 11 to not interfere with the crates 2. horizontal and transverse rolling bearings 33 of the threaded rods 32 are provided in the frame 18. at least a not shown drive motor makes the driving in rotation and in synchronism threaded rods 32 by means of chains or the like 34 and thus the movement and adjustment of the position of the side members 30.

The longitudinal members 30 have, for example, in cross section, a square shape on a vertical leg of which the bearings 31 are located and on the horizontal branch of which rest the elements described below.

The first longitudinal member (right side frame in FIG 2 with respect to the advancing direction of the crates 2) supports, from upstream to downstream, in the first place, two arms 35, 36 extending in a horizontal plane pivotable about vertical axes 37, 38, whose function is to bend the first two flaps 6 of the bottom 4 from the outside of the box 2. the first spar 30 supports, secondly, to encolage means 39 placed horizontally and directed towards the median vertical plane of the machine 1. These encolage 39 means cooperate with the first flaps 6, folded, thanks to the arm 35, 36. Finally, the first spar 30 supports, thirdly, a vertical longitudinal plate and 40 by intermediary of a jack 41, transverse. The plate 40 slide in transversal and horizontal direction and operable to fold the second flaps 8 of the base 4; the outside of the body 2.

The second side member 30 (left side frame in Figure 2) carries, opposite the plate 40, movable means forming a counterpart 42 on the first flaps 6 inside the body 2.

The arms 35, 36 are movable between a retracted position (not shown) wherein they are directed towards the outside of the machine and away from the feeding means 11 and the crates 2 and a working position in which their Plans respective support 43, 44 are coplanar in the bottom of the plane 4 (Figure 2). This map is also one in which the nozzle is of the sizing means 39 and the plate 40 in a previous external position.

The plate 40 is movable between two extreme positions namely a front end position of work already mentioned and a rear end position, retracted away from the bottom 4 and away from the feed means 11.

In the working position, the upstream end portion of the support plane 43 of the upstream arm is located in or near the second reference position 24. The extreme upstream edge of the plate 40 is located, in turn, to the location or near the third reference position 25. the sizing means 39 are located slightly upstream of the plate 40, so as to not interfere with it.

Means forming a counterpart 42 are made, according to the invention by a plurality of juxtaposed jacks 45 arranged in the form of a matrix having one or generally lines (Figure 2) and one or generally column (Figure 3), the jacks 45 being carried by a vertical plate 46 and longitudinally spaced supply means 11 and rigidly associated with the second side member 30. Each of the jacks 45 comprises at the end of its rod an elementary counterpart insert 47. the cylinders 45 are controlled by the control means already mentioned so that only part of the cylinders is active namely those whose elementary platelets counterpart 47 can penetrate into the body 2 concerned.

For example the means 42 may comprise three rows and four columns of jacks 45 (Figure 4). However, the number of rows and / or columns 45 cylinders can be different and adapted to obtain the desired accuracy in the realization of different sizes from different counterparty corresponding to the various cases envisaged formats.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 illustrate two extreme possible variations fund formats, the first, largest, shown in solid lines and the second, the smallest, represented by dashed lines. All of the jacks 45 is implemented for the first format while one cylinder is only implemented to the second format. The two side rails 30 are at their maximum spacing, respectively, and at their minimum spacing for the two formats (first and second). jacks 45 and the operation stroke of the jacks are controlled from the control means of the machine 1.

Achieving a counterpart 42 as a selectively controlled matrix used to adapt the machine to all cases of formats with preservation of the flaps particularly effective inside which ensures good attachment of the first and second flaps 4, 6 of the bottom 5. the cylinder array 45 is defined in size by the largest box format to be processed.

45 rendered active jacks allow the movement of the corresponding pads 47 between two extreme positions, namely a retracted position (Figure 2 and Figure 3 full lines) away feeding means 11 so as not to interfere with the body 2 and an active working position (phantom lines in Figure 2 for the first variant of cases) or the pads 47 are placed inside the body 2 supported on the first flaps 6 and thus pratiquemment in the same plane as the plate 40 .

As is clear from the foregoing description, the simultaneous displacement, over the same distance but in opposite directions, of the two longitudinal members 30 has the effect that the crates 2 by movement along the feed means 11 keep the same plane reference namely the vertical median plane (of symmetry) of the machine. However, other embodiments are possible or the reference plane would be, for example, the plane of the bottom 4.

The supply means 11 movable cleats comprise two sections in extension namely a first upstream section extending between the first and second reference positions 23, 24 and a second downstream section extending between the second and the third position reference 24, 25 to ensure. the passage of the crates 2 from the store 12 successively to each of these positions. In addition, the downstream segment extends "downstream to allow the release of funds located on the feed means 11.

The machine includes at least two portal frames 50, fixed, vertical and transverse, straddling the feed means 11, for example placed respectively between the second and third reference positions 24, 25 and downstream of the third position 25, respectively. Horizontal top rails 51 and transverse gantry 50 comprise vertical bearings 52, Median, guiding the threaded rods 53. Drive bearings 54 are supported by sleepers 51 so as to be pivotable about their vertical axes and comprise of on the one hand internal threads cooperating with the threaded rods 53 to ensure their slide drive and the other external drive teeth drank like. A chain or similar 55 causes the bearings 54 in synchronism via the teeth. A motor (not shown) can drive the chains 55. The threaded rods 53 are placed vertically and medially. The lower ends of the threaded rods 53 is fixed at least one spar (and preferably two side rails slightly separate de.l'autre) 56, and upper horizontal, for example median, movable vertically but lockable in position adjustably through control means extending above the feeding means 11, in particular between the second reference position 24 and the downstream end of the feed pipe inlets means 11. the spar 56 may be applied on the upper horizontal face of the body 2 open without hindering its sliding. Of squaring 57 of the body 2 means are carried by the beam 56 to the right of the vertical plate bending 40 and platelets 47 forming a counterpart 42. This structure is such that the plane supply means 11 is also a reference plane crates 2, the means squaring 37 being displaced to ensure their adjustment depending on the cash consideration 2 format.

The squaring means 57 comprise on the one hand, an upstream stop pawl 58 for locking the vertical transverse face upstream of the body 2 from above, lying in the same plane as the third reference position 25 and, secondly, a mobile cleat biasing 59 has vertical transverse face downstream of the body 2 from above and, upstream, carried by a chain 60 driven by a cylinder or the like 61 to a position adjustable blocking thanks to means for the automatic mechanical control -such a friction- gable in which the union is maintained perfectly squared between the upstream lower cleat feeding means 11 and the two upper tabs 58, 59 . the use of a friction gear to the advantage of an automatic adjustment of a position of the stop 59. the chain 60 and ram 61 are positioned above the side member 56 does not interfere with the body 2 open . The tab 58 forms ratchet to allow the passage of crates 2 from upstream to downstream. The tab 59 may be in a retracted rest position above the spar 56.

The packing machine 1 according to the invention can comprise, downstream of the feeding means 11, means 48 for sliding and / or pivoting of the body previously set volume and opened by the means 13 in order to transfer on the evacuation means 16 so that the opening of the credit union be either laterally or on top, as the boxing machine is of the side loading or vertical packing.

The feed means 14 of the content 10 may be in the form of a conveyor belt having transverse bars blocking 49 for driving and group content organized into 10 successive batches.

The means 16 evacuation also include one or more conveyor belts for driving the crates 2, including filled, downstream.

The machine 1 comprises at least two portal frames 62, fixed, vertical and transverse, spanning the discharge means 16 and the upper horizontal and transverse sleepers 63 comprise guide bearings 64 for vertical threaded rods 65. Drive bearings 66 are worn so as to be pivotable about their vertical axes by the bearings 64 and comprise on the one hand, internal threads cooperating with the threaded rods 65 to drive them and, on the other hand, external drive teeth or similar. A chain or the like 67 driven by a motor (not shown) drives the bearings so that the threaded rods 65 are slidably driven in synchronism. The lower ends of the threaded rods 65 is fixed a spar 68, upper, middle, vertically movable but lockable in position adjustably through digital control means, extending above the discharge means 16. The spar 68 supports of upstream to downstream, first, an arm 69 pivoting around a horizontal and transverse axis 70 and driven by an actuator 71 operable to fold the first two flaps 7 of the cover 5; Secondly, sizing means 72 of the first flaps 7 previously folded; thirdly and fixedly two ramps 73 inclined from top to bottom, and from upstream to downstream and from the outside inward is to say approaching one of other while approaching discharge means 16 in the advancing direction of the crates 2 and operable to fold the two second flaps 8 of the lid 5 during the advancement of the body 2 on the evacuation means 16; and finally, fourthly, an endless belt 74 placed horizontally and longitudinally applied to the second flap 8 thus folded, that is to say on the cover 5, scroll driven by a motor 75 itself carried by the beam 68. the endless belt 74 has the function of maintaining the second flaps 8 applied to the first flaps 7 the time for decision glue distributed by the sizing means 72.

The arm 69 is movable between two extreme positions, namely an inactive retracted position where it is placed horizontally in the upper portion and away from the body 2 placed below and a working position where it is placed in the general sense vertical downward with its horizontal top 76. In the same horizontal plane are located the end of sizing means 72 and the endless belt 74. The sizing means 72 are disposed generally vertically and downwardly. Between the arm 69 and the sizing means 72 is provided a support plate 77 inclined upstream and downstream horizontally beneath which can slide the first flaps 7 and whose function is to prevent these flaps 7 will unfold after escaping the arm 69. This plate 77 is located immediately between the arm 69 and the sizing means 72. the lower ends 73 downstream ramps are also located in the above mentioned plan. So that the effective attachment of the cover 5 is provided the endless belt 74 extends over a suitable length, depending on the web speed and the time required for bonding.

The machine 1 also comprises two lateral endless belts 78 located on either side of the discharge means 16, applied to the longitudinal side faces 3 of the crates 2 and carried by longitudinal members 79 movable and adjustable and threaded rods 80 transverse horizontal and placed below the discharge means 16, the threaded rod 80 being rotated by a motor and chains, so as to allow the alignment or distance of the endless belts 78 according to the body 2 considered .

The various motors described for means 13 and means 17 and the motors of the transfer means 15 or the one associated with the endless belts 78 are controlled by the digital control means mentioned above.

Naturally, the description just be top concerns only one possible embodiment of the invention, other embodiments are nevertheless possible.

Is now described with reference to Figures 5 to 19 an actual embodiment of the machine 1 in general conformity with the embodiment of the principle described above.

The supply means 12 are adjustable. To this end, the rails 26 are carried by two perpendicular arms 81 inclined at about 45 from the horizontal, from upstream to downstream and from the bottom upwards, themselves carried by two support members 82 longitudinally extending and laterally adjustable spacing, having in vertical elevation angular overall shape comprising a horizontal section and a vertical section, carried by two horizontal threaded rods and transversales.respectivement upstream and downstream 83 and 84 each with two opposite screws not cooperating respectively with bearings threaded piece support 82, respectively at the upstream end of the horizontal sections near the region of association with the arm 81 and at the lower end of the vertical sections. Toothed pulleys 85 and 86 keyed on the threaded rods 83 and 84 engrennent an endless chain 87 that is itself driven by a fixed motor 88 as a whole. Bearings 89 of frame 18 ensure the maintenance of threaded rods 83 and 84.

As is apparent from this structure, the rails 26 of magazine 12 are adjustable spacer equally and concomitantly to the spacing of two longitudinal rails 90, lateral and horizontal extending along the part of the machine 1 of which the body 2 is put into volume with its bottom 4 rigidly formed (before the average 48). These slides 90 have, in cross section, a square shape and have dual function of providing a support plane and a lateral guidance of 2 or blanks boxes that constitute them.

The means for transferring the blanks successively and unity of the magazine 12 to the supply means 11 (movable stopper) are formed, in this embodiment, by an arm 91, longitudinal, median placed between the rails 90 ( or alternatively several side by side arm), fixed axially and free to rotate on the upstream screw shaft 83 forming the pivot axis. The arm 91 comprises, integrally, a connecting rod 92 to about 120 rearward and upstream when the arm 91 is at rest horizontally. A connecting rod 92 is articulated the end of a rod 93 which is itself articulated at its other end to the end of a lever 94 pivotally mounted in its central part, freely around the threaded rod 84 and the downstream the other end of which is articulated the end of a rod 95 articulated at its other end to the end of a lever 96 pivotally mounted at its other end about a horizontal axis 97, transverse, fixed, placed in part bottom of the machine 1 substantially between the opening means of the body 2 and the means of final realization of the bottom 4, that is to say between positions 24, 25. in the middle part, the lever 96 has a lug or the like cooperating with a cam 98 mounted on an axle 99, transverse horizontal and fixed, also placed in the lower part of the machine 1, in particular downstream from the axis 97. the arm 91 comprises a plurality of suction cups of suction. Where appropriate, there is provided means for selectively operating the suction pads near the threaded rod 83 and on the contrary, does not actuate those remote it according to the blank format to be transferred. The arm 91 is movable between two positions: a horizontal position directed downstream and a position: inclined extracting, in correspondence with the magazine 12, in particular upstream to downstream and from the bottom up to about 60^*.

The feeding means are, as indicated above, preferably the movable plug type of workout. Specifically, there are provided three or three sets of tabs, namely a first tab 100 between the upstream position 23 and the intermediate position 24, a second tab 101 between the intermediate position 24 and the final position 25 and a third tab 102 between final position 25 and the box means 48 that is to say when the body 2 is constituted. Preferably, there are provided pairs of tabs 100, 101, 102 close to the rails 90. The stop 100 is carried by a first carriage 103 and the latches 101 and 102 by a second carriage 104. The carriages 103 and 104 are slidably mounted longitudinal horizontal by means of one or more generally of two rails 105, and horizontal longitudinal and roll on which are guided the rollers 106 of the carriages.

A connecting rod 107 connects the two carriages 103, 104 spaced from each other by a fixed distance to ensure their displacement in synchronism. The alternative sliding movement of the carriages 103, 104 upstream and downstream is assured thanks to the link 107 and from a cam 108 mounted on the shaft 99 driving an articulated link 109 at its other end to the middle portion of a lever 110 hinged at its first lower end to a horizontal axis 111, transverse, fixed bottom of the machine 1, situated approximately vertically below the magazine 12 and articulated at its second end to upper a reference rod 112 itself articulated to the carriage 103. the lever 110 is moved between two extreme positions each at approximately 45 ° to the horizontal, towards the upstream and downstream respectively.

Furthermore, the tabs 100, 101, 102 are themselves carried by body mounted hinged to the respective carriages 103 and 104 about axes 113, 114 and 115 respectively. Below the axes 113, 114, 115 is a horizontal and longitudinal rail 116. Preferably, there are provided two side rails. The rail 116 is arranged to slide vertically by means of a suitable device such as a deformable parallelogram connecting rods 117 driven p ar drive means such as a cam 118 keyed on the axis 99 driving, via a crankpin 119 Articulated on the axis 97, 120 a generally horizontal and longitudinal rod, articulated at its opposite end several rods designated as a whole by 121 hinged together and finally the deformable parallelogram connecting rod 117. in the rail 116 forming a slide are mounted rollers 122 and 123 carried by the links 124 and 125 respectively, articulated on axes 113 and 114 respectively and rigidly associated to the body of the cleats 100 and 101 respectively. In addition, a return link 126 articulated to the two bodies 101'et tabs 102 so as to ensure synchronous rotation in opposite directions, the tabs 100 and 101 pivot synchronously and in the same direction. The rail 116 is mobile between two extreme positions in which upper and lower, respectively, the tabs 100, 101 and 102 are in the projecting active position and in the retracted inactive position, this with respect to the reference plane formed by the rails 90. This arrangement allows the feed movement of the lugs 100, 101 and 102 downstream in the active position and their return upstream in the inactive position.

As indicated above, the tabs 100, 101, 102 are preferably in pairs and located laterally to better take the body 2 and are adjustable transverse spacing so as to take the cash rather to its = lateral edges, which improves the guiding. For this purpose, the tabs are mounted to slide axially along grooved shaft 195 such as by means of complementary splined sleeve 196 cooperating with the shafts 195. In the sleeve 196 is rigidly associated a grooved roller 197 also mounted on and around the spline shaft 195. a longitudinal projection 198 forming rail cooperates with the groove of the roller 197. the longitudinal projection 198 forming rail is integrally and kinematically attached to the beam of one of the spars 30. the splined shafts are carried 195 so as to be pivoting. They are movable transverse sliding (with respect to their axis) and longitudinal (relative to the machine). The projections forming rails cause the axial sliding of the sleeves 196 and therefore the transverse adjustment of the stops.

The arm 28 carrying the suction cup 29 opening of the body 2 is driven by a connecting rod 127 which is hinged thereto and which is controlled by a cam 128 keyed on the shaft 99. For example, the cam 128 drives via a lug or like a crank pin 129 pivoted on the axis 97 at its lower end and which is hinged at its upper end a generally horizontal and longitudinal rod 130 about an axis 132 and to which is articulated the connecting rod 127. This arrangement is such that the arm 28 can rotate 90 'between two extreme positions, respectively horizontal directed downstream and vertical upward.

Preferably, there is also provided one or more suction cups 133 to be applied to and maintain the lower horizontal lateral face of the body 2 when it is opened for carrying volume. This or these suction cups 133 are in vertical axis and brought directly or indirectly, by a generally vertical arm 134 and guided by guide means such as a sleeve 135, controlled vertical displacement by a connecting rod 136 itself controlled by a cam 137 keyed on the axis 99, the connecting rod 136 being moreover articulated about a horizontal transverse axis, lower fixed approximately 138 located below and plumb with the third end position 25. This structure allows that the or the suction cups 133 are movable between an active upper working position and a lower inactive retracted position.

The arms 35, 36 are driven about their axes 37, 38 from two cams 139, 140 respectively keyed on the axis 99, by means of a suitable linkage, it being emphasized that the axes 37 and 38 are vertical and the axis 99 transverse horizontal. For example, the cam 139 controls a pin 141 pivotally mounted on the axis 97, on which is articulated a connecting rod 142, at one end, which generally horizontal rod 142 is articulated at its other end to the end of a lever 143 hinged in its middle portion about an axis horizontal and transversal 144 situated at least substantially plumb with the magazine 12, the lever 143 is articulated at its other end to a connecting rod 145 articulated to a rod 146 of a single piece with the arm 35 and thus pivoted about the axis 37. the connecting rod 145 is articulated to the lever 143 about a horizontal axis and to the connecting rod 146 about a vertical axis. A similar structure is provided with respect to the cam 140 and the arm 36 namely crank pin 147, link 148, lever 149, link 150, and link 151. The lever 149 is hinged about the axis 144. Between the connecting rod 150 and the connecting rod 151 is interposed a return device 152, to link and lever.

A single motor 153 with gear motor and bevel gear, placed bet bottom of the machine, supported by the frame 18, in particular substantially in line with the final position 25 causes the shaft 99 and therefore the cams 98, 108, 118, 128, 137, 139 and 140. the axis 99 is carried by bearings 154.

In the downstream part of creation and joining of the bottom 4, machine 1 comprises, instead of the two bars 40 155 plate extending horizontally and longitudinally carried by two arms 156 (or pairs of arms) articulated about horizontal and longitudinal axes 157 in the same vertical plane and in proximity to one another, the assembly 155, 156, 157 forming a sort of extended axially clamp opening and closing. The axes 157 are carried by a carriage 158 supported and mounted to slide vertically via two vertical threaded columns 159 'cooperating with internal threads of the carriage 158, placed in the same longitudinal vertical plane. These two threaded columns 159 are themselves carried at their lower portions by the corresponding longitudinal member 30 and at their upper parts by a longitudinal and horizontal upper brace 160 kept at fixed spacing by means of rods or the like 161, and horizontal transverse another spacer 162 horizontal, longitudinal, upper, coplanar with the spacer 160 but on the opposite lateral side of the machine, which brace 162 supports two vertical columns 163 positioned facing the threaded columns 159 but on the other lateral side of the machine. The columns 163 are, in turn, carried by one or trolleys 164, led, rolling in the horizontal transverse direction, and slidably by means of rollers 165 on horizontal and transverse rails 166 fixedly carried by the frame 18. two other threaded columns 167 near the columns 163 extend vertically spans between and by the carriage or carriages 164 and spacer 162. sprockets 168 keyed to the protruding upper ends of the threaded columns 159 and 167, connected by an endless chain end 169 or any equivalent means associated with a motor 170, which will be discussed later, enables the synchronous drive and in the same direction of the threaded columns 159 and 167. on the threaded columns 167 is mounted a carriage 171 by suitable threads, the carriage 171 being held horizontally in the same plane but next to the carriage 158. the carriage 171 supports matching means 42. the two carriages 158, 171 are moved synchronously and are horizontally and transversely to a constant distance the other. Furthermore the rods 161, is provided to maintain this distance one or more lower transverse horizontal rods 172.

Means such as jacks have the function of opening and closing of the gripper 155, 156, 157.

The return means 42 are in this embodiment constituted by a single line of 45 cylinders arranged in a horizontal plane intended to be applied on the bottom of the case 2 from the inside, in its central region, facing and against the two arms 156 close to each other, the corresponding clamp is closed. The format change of the body 2 is taken into account for the cylinders 45, only in case of change of horizontal length, the number of active cylinders being adapted accordingly. The structure described above with the rods 161 and 172 to the result that the stroke of the jacks 45 is cosntante regardless of the body size 2 (in transverse direction).

The spar 56 of the machine is, in this embodiment, carried by an upper horizontal frame 173 mounted to slide vertically through four vertical threaded columns 174 fixed axes borne by the frame 18 of the machine. These threaded columns 174 are arranged, in particular connected by gears, chains or equivalent to rotate in synchronism in the same direction. According to the invention the threaded columns 174 are driven by the same motor 170 that the threaded columns 159 and 167, with, however, a reducing agent so that the sliding travel of the frame 173 is double that of the carriages 158 and 171 or the stroke of the carriages 158 and 171 is half of that of the frame 173. for this purpose, the motor 170 may be a vertical axis and accommodated in the lower part of the machine, fixed as a whole on its side edge and lead the threaded columns 159 and 167 via a double gear wheel 175 of the 176 driving the threaded columns 174. the gear 175 has a vertical fixed axis carried by the frame 18. Due to the displacement of the threaded columns 159, is provided between the latter and the shaft of the sprocket 175 a universal joint 177. as is clear from the foregoing description concerning the embodiment of the principle longitudinal members 30 are horizontally slidably mounted and transversely in opposite directions and synchronously with the threaded rods 32 and a 1 "driver 78 and support 90 slides.

As is apparent from the foregoing, the movement of beams 30, therefore the cleats 100, 101, 102, in transverse direction is independent but combined with the relative displacement of the cylinders 45, from which the existence of the carriage 171. The columns threaded 159 and 167 not only run half as fast as threaded columns 174 but the vertical axes of threaded columns 159 and 167 are movable horizontally and transversely while the axes of the threaded columns 174 are fixed, hence the structure 173 framework of wider dimensions than the threaded columns 159 and 167 in their various positions. The clip 155, 156, 157 holds, in turn, a fixed transverse position relative to the corresponding longitudinal member 30 so as to be permanently in the same position relative to the bottom 4 of the body 2 regardless of its format .

Considering now the discharge portion of the machine 1. The spar 68 is carried directly by four threaded columns 179 of vertical axes laid in the lower part by the frame 18. The threaded columns 179 are driven from a geared motor 180 181 by a chain and sprocket pigons 182. The arm 69 is driven by a gear motor 183 and a crank rod 184, in lieu of a cylinder. The bearing plate 77 extends downstream beyond the sizing means 72, to below the middle portion of the ramps 73. A single geared motor 185 carried by the frame of the machine in fixed position causes of one hand, the endless belt 74 by means of a drum 186 having a horizontal axis and, on the other hand by identical drums 187 vertical axes endless bands side 78. for this purpose, the motor- gear 185 is associated with the drum 186 by a sliding angle of box 188 of a keyed shaft 189 and the drums 187 by sliding cardan transmissions 190. Finally, there are provided rollers 191 of lateral support of the body at its upper part , with vertical axes borne by two longitudinal horizontal supports and themselves borne by transversal threaded rods 192 by bearings 193 carried by the beam 68. A geared motor 194 also carried by the beam 68 allows the drive of the threaded rods thus setting the wheels 191.