(19)
(11)EP 2 890 554 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
30.03.2016 Bulletin 2016/13

(21)Application number: 13785631.6

(22)Date of filing:  28.08.2013
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B31B 1/22(2006.01)
B31B 1/16(2006.01)
B31B 3/00(2006.01)
B65D 75/14(2006.01)
B65B 11/00(2006.01)
B31B 1/25(2006.01)
B31B 1/62(2006.01)
B65D 5/20(2006.01)
B65B 57/12(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/IB2013/058048
(87)International publication number:
WO 2014/033635 (06.03.2014 Gazette  2014/10)

(54)

A METHOD FOR REALISING CARTONS FOR PACKING AND AN APPARATUS ACTUATING THE METHOD

VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG VON KARTONS ZUM VERPACKEN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR AUSFÜHRUNG DES VERFAHRENS

PROCÉDÉ DE FABRICATION DE CARTONS D'EMBALLAGE ET APPAREIL METTANT EN OEUVRE LEDIT PROCÉDÉ


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 31.08.2012 IT BO20120463

(43)Date of publication of application:
08.07.2015 Bulletin 2015/28

(73)Proprietor: F.L. Auto S.r.l.
00187 Roma (RM) (IT)

(72)Inventor:
  • PONTI, Giuseppe
    I-06011 Cerbara - Citta' di Castello (Perugia) (IT)

(74)Representative: Dall'Olio, Christian et al
INVENTION S.r.l. Via delle Armi, 1
40137 Bologna
40137 Bologna (IT)


(56)References cited: : 
FR-A1- 2 411 700
US-A- 2 395 352
GB-A- 1 083 889
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD OF INVENTION



    [0001] The present invention relates to the technical sector relating to packing of articles, such as books, dvd packs, reams of paper and the like. In particular the invention relates to a method for realizing cartons for packing and an apparatus actuating the method.

    DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART



    [0002] At present a dispatch company of articles has to regularly acquire cartons for packing the articles to be dispatched and have stores dimensioned so as to stock large quantities of cartons for packing. This complicates the logistics and requires the use of stores of notable dimensions.

    [0003] Document FR2411700 discloses a machine for making cut and compressed blanks in order to obtain packing box. Compressing tools and cutting tools, such as the corresponding counter-tools, are constrained with differing angular positions on a same tool-holder which rotates around an axis and which is borne by a device which is able to make it oscillate in order to subsequently bear the tools faced to the respective counter-tools.

    [0004] Document GB1083889 discloses a a box-blank forming machine comprising a tool for slotting a blank transversely inwardly from its two side edges and creasing the blank transversely along the line of the slots comprises a vertically-reciprocating casing with two creaser bars, spring-mounted therein and slotters fixed to the casing and situated between the bars. The slotters consist of a number of separate blades each with a toothed inclined cutting edge. The machine may also include a knife for cutting a blank to the required length.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0005] The aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks.

    [0006] The above aim is obtained by means of a method for packing articles according to claim 1, and an apparatus for packing articles in accordance with claim 8.

    [0007] With the present invention, cartons for packing can be realised directly at the point of work, using for example reels of cardboard for packing from which the cardboard band can be unreeled to obtain large quantities of cartons for packing. The space required for actuating the method and for storing the reels has been seen to be lower than the space required for storing, in the prior art, packing cartons produced elsewhere; further, and advantageously, the logistics are simplified and the unit cost for each packing carton is significantly reduced, as the cartons can now be produced internally of the dispatch company.

    [0008] According to claim 2, packing cartons can be made to measure for the articles to be dispatched; the cartons can have various dimensions and type.

    [0009] In the known art, however, dispatch companies also had to have available packingcartons of different dimensions so as to adapt to the dimensions of the articles to be dispatched. As an article to be dispatched can be of various sizes, an operator had to choose, for the article, the most suitable cartons in terms of dimensions; the carton was then manipulated so as to assume a box shape and the article inserted in the box thus-formed, together with filler material (e.g. polystyrene) which absorbed any impacts to the article during transport. These operations were expensive in terms of time and material used: in fact, the measurements of the packing carton were almost never optimal but were greater with respect to those of a packing carton made to measure for the article to be dispatched; further, the greater dimensions of the packing carton with respect to the article to be sent have to be compensated-for with the use of filler material so as to occupy the empty spaces between the article and the box containing it.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0010] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, in accordance with what is set down in the claims and with the aid of accompanying tables of drawings, in which:
    • figure 1 is a perspective view in small-scale which illustrates a system for packing articles in an automated way, which system comprises the apparatus of the invention;
    • figure 2 is a perspective viewof a part of the apparatus of figure 1, denoted by reference J1 in figure 1;
    • figures 3A, 3B, 3C are frontal views of a unit comprising scoring and cutting wheels and illustrated in figure 2, respectively during an operating step, a regulating step and a following operating step;
    • figures 4, 5, 6 are respectively larger-scale views of details K1, K2, K3 of figure3A;
    • figures 7A, 7B are views from above of first cutting means illustrated in figure 2, during two successive time instants with the aim of showing a regulating step of the relative scissors;
    • figure 8 is a larger-scale view of the section VIII-VIII of figure 7A showing two distinct positions assumed by a scissors of the cutting unit, one shown in a continuous line and the other shown in a broken line;
    • figures 9A, 9B are views of section IX-IX of figure 8 showing the above-mentioned positions assumed by the scissors;
    • figures 10A, 10B are views from above of second cutting means which are a part of the apparatus of figure 1, denoted with reference J2 in figure 1, which figures show two significant successive instants;
    • figure 11 is a larger-scale view of section XI-XI of figure 10A;
    • figure 12A is a perspective view of a packing carton obtained with the apparatus of figure 1, which packing carton is denoted with reference J3 in figure 1;
    • figure 12B is a larger-scale view of detail K4 of figure 12A;
    • figure 12C is a perspective view of a first folding step of a first packing carton;
    • figure 13A is a perspective view illustrating the release of a first article resting on the first packing carton after the first folding step has been completed;
    • figure 13B is a perspective view illustrating release of a second article to rest on a second packing carton, also obtained with the apparatus of the invention, after the first folding step has been completed;
    • figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating release of a document to rest on the upper side of the first article after a second folding step of the first packing carton has been completed;
    • figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating application of glue on a portion of the first packing carton after a third folding step of the first packing carton has been completed;
    • figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth folding step of the first packing carton for obtaining a seal pack containing the first article;
    • figure 17A is a perspective view illustrating the carton after the fourth folding step has been completed, and which illustrates application of a label;
    • figure 17B is a view alike to that of figure 17A from which it differs for the fact that the pack contains the second article of figure 13B and has been obtained using the second packing carton of figure 13B;
    • figure 18 is a view alike to that of figure 2 but illustrating a variant of the first cutting means of the apparatus of figure 1.

    DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS



    [0011] The method for realising cartons (1) for packing comprises, in its essential aspects, steps of:
    1. a) feeding a cardboard band (2) for packing along an advancement direction (A) which is parallel to the development direction of the cardboard band (2); (figure1);
    2. b) making a first score line (11) and a second score line (12) on the cardboard band (2) (figures 2, 3A-3B), such that the first score line (11) and the second score line (12) are parallel to the development direction and the following are identified: a central sector (3) comprised between the first score line (11) and the second score line (12); a first lateral sector (4) comprised between the first score line (11) and a first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2); and a second lateral sector (5) comprised between the second score line (12) and a second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) which is opposite the first lateral end (6)(figures 2, 12A);
    3. c) identifying regions (8) on the cardboard band (2) band (in the following referred-to as regions that are consecutive to one another (figure 2);
    4. d) carrying out, on each band region (8), at least a first cut (21), a second cut (22), a third cut (23) and a fourth cut (24) made in a transversal direction to the development direction of the cardboard band (2) such that: the first cut (21) and the second cut (22) are performed on the first lateral sector (4) and extend up to the first score line (11), such that a first closing wing (49), a first reinforcing wing (51) and a second reinforcing wing (52) are defined in the first lateral sector (4), the first closing wing (49) being interposed between the first reinforcing wing (51) and the second reinforcing wing (52); the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) are performed on the second lateral sector (5) and extend up to the second score line (12), such that a second closing wing (50), a third reinforcing wing (53) and a fourth reinforcing wing (54) are defined on the second lateral sector (5), the second closing wing (50) being interposed between the third reinforcing wing (53) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54); the first closing wing (49) is opposite the second closing wing (50), the first reinforcing ring (51) is opposite the third reinforcing wing (53), the second reinforcing wing (52) is opposite the fourth reinforcing wing (54);
    5. e)cutting (figures 10A, 10B, 11) the cardboard band (2) transversally such as to separate the above-cited band regions (8) from one another, thus obtaining cartons (1) for packing.


    [0012] The above steps are performed on the band of carton (2) so that each carton (1) for packing obtained in this way has the following requisites: when an article (9) to be packed is resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50) (figures 13A, 13B), then:

    the first closing wing (49) is foldable towards the central sector (3) so as to wrap at least a first flank of the article (9); the second closing wing (50) is foldable towards the central sector (3) so as to wrap at least a second flank (42) of the article (9) which is opposite the relative first flank (41) (figures 13A, 13B); the first reinforcing wing (51) and the third reinforcing wing (53) are foldable towards the central sector (3) preferably so as to at least partly superpose one another the first reinforcing wing (51), the third reinforcing wing (53) and a first portion (101) of the central sector (3) on which the first reinforcing wing (51) and the third reinforcing wing (52) are superposed to form a first superposing group (17) which is foldable so as to wrap at least a third flank (43) of the article (9) (the third flank (43) of the article (9) is comprised between the relative first flank (41) and second flank (42));

    the second reinforcing wing (52) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54) are foldable towards the central sector (3) preferable so as to reciprocally superposed at least partially, the second reinforcing wing (52), the fourth reinforcing wing (54) and a second portion (102) of the central sector (3) on which the second reinforcing wing (52) and the fourth reinforcing wing (52) are superposed to form a second superposing group (18) which is foldable so as to wrap at least a fourth flank (44) of the article (9) which is opposite the relative third flank (43).



    [0013] The first scoring line (11) and the second scoring line (12) function as corresponding hinge axes with respect to which the first reinforcing wing (51), the first closing wing (49), the second reinforcing wing (52), the third reinforcing wing (53), the second closing wing (50) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54) can rotate.

    [0014] The first superposing group (17) and the second superposing group (18), on the other hand, do not rotate about any scoring line; this requires selecting a cardboard band (2) having a structure of material suitable for obtaining in any case an easy folding of the first superposing group (17) and the second superposing group (18) respectively against the third flank (43) and the fourth flank (44) of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3). Concerning the structure of the cardboard band (2), it is preferably made up of a first sheet (29) having a planar development and a second sheet (30) having an undulated development; the second sheet (30) is fixed to the first sheet (29), see figure 12B. The cardboard band (2) thus obtained advantageously exhibits good characteristics of flexibility and foldability and can be even wound on a reel (19) (figure 1); the cardboard band (2) having the above-described structure can be made of a material commonly available on the market.

    [0015] Also, the cardboard band (2) can preferably be fed with the second sheet (30) orientated upwards; in this way, when the article (9) to be packed is released onto the central sector (3), the article (9) contacts the second sheet (30); as will become clear in the following, this is so that the pack obtained by the folding of the packing carton (1) externally exhibits only the first sheet (29) (figures 17A, 17B), which gives the carton itself a greater degree of rigidity and resistance to impacts or cuts.

    [0016] The method steps described above are preferably carried out in order from a) to e); however the steps can be carried out in a different order, for example a), c), d), b), e).

    [0017] The positions of the first crease line (11) and the second crease line (12) are chosen so as preferably to be symmetrical with respect to the axis of the band of carton (2). As a consequence, the first lateral sector (4) is identical to the second lateral sector (5).

    [0018] Further, preferably, the first cut (21) is aligned with the third cut (23) and the second cut (22) is aligned with the fourth cut (24). Consequently the following occurs: the first reinforcing wing (51) and the third reinforcing wing (53) are identical to one another and symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the band of carton (2), the second reinforcing wing (52) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54) are identical to one another and symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the band of carton (2); the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50) are identical to one another and symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the band of carton (2).

    [0019] The extensions of the first lateral sector (4) and the second lateral sector (5), measured perpendicularly to the development direction, are each preferably comprised between 50% and 100% (figure 13A) of the corresponding extension of the central sector (3); in this way it is ensured that the first reinforcing wing (51) and the third reinforcing wing (53) superpose at least partially on one another. Therefore, the first superposing group (17) and the second superposing group (18) will be advantageously characterised by at least two layers of cardboard (up to a maximum of three layers of cardboard) each for respectively protecting the third flank (43) and the fourth flank (44) of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0020] From the above it is clear that it is possible to "regulate" the degree of superposing between the first reinforcing wing (51) and the third reinforcing wing (53) and between the second reinforcing wing (52) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54) according to the type of article (9) to be packed (for example a fragile article (9) can be packed with the maximum possible number of layers of cardboard).

    [0021] Each region of band (8) preferably has a development, measured in a perpendicular direction to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the cardboard band (2).

    [0022] Preferably, on each region of band (8), the first cut (21), the second cut (22), the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) each cause elimination of a corresponding strip of material of the same region of band (8), so that there are identified respectively a first window (31), a second window (32), a third window (33) and a fourth window (34); each of the windows preferably conforms a rectangular opening.

    [0023] The fact that the cuts made on each region of band (8) define corresponding windows is very advantageous, as will be more fully explained in the following.

    [0024] A first folding strip (61) is defined on the central sector (3), having a length, measured perpendicularly to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the central sector (3) and a width, measured parallel to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the first window (31) and the third window (33); this first folding strip (61) borders with the first superposing group (17) and equivalently represents a transversal score line for the first superposing group (17), which rotates about the first folding strip (61) (figure 14) when it is folded against the third flank (43) of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3). The first superposing group (17) easily rotates about the first folding strip (61) as it is formed by a single layer of cardboard, differently to the first superposing group (17) which has at least two layers of cardboard (a first layer is formed by the central sector (3) and a second layer is formed by the first reinforcing wing (51) or by the third reinforcing wing (53)).

    [0025] Also, a second folding strip (62) is defined on the central sector (3), having a length, measured perpendicularly to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the central sector (3) and a width, measured parallel to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the second window (32) and the fourth window (34); this second folding strip (62) borders with the second superposing group (18) and equivalently represents a transversal score line for the second superposing group (18), which rotates about the second folding strip (62) (figure 14) when it is folded against the fourth flank (44) of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3). The second superposing group (18) easily rotates about the second folding strip (62) as it is formed by a single layer of cardboard, differently to the second superposing group (18) which has at least two layers of cardboard (a first layer is formed by the central sector (3) and a second layer is formed by the second reinforcing wing (51) or by the fourth reinforcing wing (54)).

    [0026] The packing carton (1) is designed according to the article (9) to be packed with the aim of preferably forming a containing wrapper of the article (9) itself; for this reason, the packing carton (1) has to cover not only the bottom and the flanks of the article (9) but preferably also the upper side of the article (9) by means of at least a layer of carton (1). To obtain the covering of the upper side of the article (9), the packing carton (1) can be dimensioned to so that a first condition and/or a second condition, described in the following, can be satisfied. The first condition is that the first superposing group (17) and the second superposing group (18) are dimensioned to respective wrap the third flank (43) and a first part of the upper side of the article (9) and the fourth flank (44) and a second part of the upper side of the article (9) to the point that the first superposing group (17) and the second superposing group (18) partially superpose on one another at the upper side of the article (9). The first part of the upper side of the article (9) and the second part of the upper side of the article (9) partially superpose on one another and together entirely involve the upper side of the article (9). The second condition is that the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50) are dimensioned so as to respective wrap the first flank (41) and a third part of the upper side of the article (9) and the second flank (42) and a fourth part of the upper side of the article (9) to the point that the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50) superpose partially on one another at the upper side of the article (9). The third part of the upper side of the article (9) and the fourth part of the upper side of the article (9) partially superpose on one another and together entirely involve the upper side of the article.

    [0027] The packing carton (1) illustrated in the figures (figures 13, 14) clearly shows that both the first and the second condition have been satisfied: thus, the upper side of the article (9) is entirely covered at every point thereof with at least two layers of cardboard.

    [0028] Figure 14 illustrates a step in which a document (65) (for example an invoice) is inserted resting on an upper side of the article (9), before the packing is completed.

    [0029] The following sealing of the packing carton (1) with the aim of forming a wrapping containing the article (9) can be realized in a substantially known way by applying a layer of glue on an appropriate portion of the packing carton (1), as illustrated in figure 15.

    [0030] Figure 16 shows the folding of the second superposing group (18) against the first superposing group (17) so as to realise the sealing and closing of the wrapping.

    [0031] Figure 17A illustrates the step of applying a label (66) to the wrapping.

    [0032] In its essential aspects, the apparatus (10) for realising cartons (1) for packing, which actuates the above-described method, comprises:

    supply means for feeding a cardboard band (2);

    scoring means for making a first score line (11) and a second score line (12) on the cardboard band (2);

    identifying means for identifying band regions (8) on the cardboard band (2);

    first cutting means for realising, on each band region (8), at least a first cut (21), a second cut (22), a third cut (23) and a fourth cut (24);

    second cutting means for cutting the cardboard band (2) transversally and separating the band regions (8) from one another, thus obtaining cartons (1) for packing.



    [0033] The supply means can comprise an electric motor (not illustrated) which activates the reel (19) from which the band of carton (2) unwinds.

    [0034] The scoring means preferably comprise: a first shaft (70) arranged above the advancing cardboard band (2); a first scoring wheel (71) borne by the first shaft (70), which first scoring wheel (71) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise the first scoring wheel (11); a second scoring wheel (72) borne by the first shaft (70), which second scoring wheel (72) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise the second score line (12).

    [0035] The first shaft (70) can be constrained to the frame (67) of the apparatus (10).

    [0036] The scoring means can further comprise: a first support (81) which is constrained to the first shaft (70) and which in turn bears the first scoring wheel (71); a second support (82) which is constrained to the first shaft (70) and which in turn bears the second scoring wheel (72).

    [0037] The first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring wheel (72) are preferably drawn in rotation by actuators (not illustrated).

    [0038] The scoring means preferably occupy a fixed position of a tract of supply of the cardboard band (2) (figures 1, 2). This means that the first shaft (70) does not translate along the development direction of the cardboard band (2); thus, the first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring wheel (72) perform the first score line (11) and the second score line (12) thanks to the advancing of the underlying cardboard band (2).

    [0039] The means for identifying the regions of band (8) on the cardboard band (2) can be the control unit of the apparatus (10), not illustrated. The control unit can establish the dimensions of each region of band (8) on the basis of the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed; further, the control unit can regulate the activating of the reel (19) and therefore at any moment can return to each region of band (8).

    [0040] The first cutting means are arranged preferably downstream of the scoring means (figures 1, 2).

    [0041] The first cutting means preferably comprise: a first scissors (91) and a second scissors (92) which act on the first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band so as to carry out, on each region of band (8), respectively the first cut (21) and the second cut (22); a third scissors (93) and a fourth scissors (94) which act on the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) so as to carry out respectively the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) on each region of band (8).

    [0042] The first scissors (91), the second scissors (92), the third scissors (93) and the fourth scissors (94) are preferably contemporaneously activated so as to act on the cardboard band (2); preferably, the cardboard band (2) is halted for the necessary time for the first scissors (91), second scissors (92), third scissors (93) and fourth scissors (94) to carry out respectively the first cut (21), the second cut (22), the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24). After each scissors has disengaged the cardboard band (2), the band (2) is newly activated to advance.

    [0043] The first scissors (91), the second scissors (92), the third scissors (93) and the fourth scissors (94) are preferably: identical to one another and each conformed to remove a corresponding strip of material from each region of band (8) of the cardboard band (2), leaving the above-defined windows identified with reference to the method. Therefore, each first cut (21) produced by the first scissors (91) defines the first window (31) of a corresponding region of band (8), each second cut (22) produced by the second scissors (92) defines the second window (32) of a corresponding region of band (8), each third cut (23) produced by the third scissors (93) defines the third window (33) of a corresponding region of band (8) and each fourth cut (24) produced by the fourth scissors (94) defines the fourth window (34) of a corresponding region of band (8).

    [0044] Figures 8, 9A, 9B illustrate a possible conformation and functioning of one of the above-cited scissors, in this case the fourth scissors (94): the fourth scissors (94) have an upper blade and a lower counter-blade which are hinged to one another. The profile of the cutting edge of the upper blade preferably has a U-shape so as to remove, as mentioned, a strip of material from the cardboard band (2) and leave the fourth window (34) identified in a region of band (8).

    [0045] The second cutting means (39) are preferably arranged downstream of the first cutting means and, as mentioned, act to carry out a transversal cut on the cardboard band (2) with the aim of separating the regions of band (8) from one another and obtain corresponding packingcartons (1).

    [0046] With reference to figure 18, there follows a description of a variant of the apparatus. The feeding means of the cardboard band (2) are step-feeding means. Further, the first cutting means comprise: a first guillotine (121) acting vertically on the first lateral sector (4) of each region of band (8) so as to carry out a plurality of cuts (21, 22, 25, 27) in synchrony with the step-advancing of the cardboard band (2); a second guillotine (122) acting vertically on the second lateral sector (5) of each region of band (8) so as to carry out a plurality of cuts (23, 24, 25, 26) in synchrony with the step-advancing of the cardboard band (2).

    [0047] In detail, the first guillotine (121) carries out the first cut (21) and the second cut (22), while the second guillotine (122) carries out the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24).

    [0048] The first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122) are preferably aligned to one another and act vertically on each region of band (8) of the cardboard band (2) when the band is stationary, so as to realize the second cut (22) and the fourth cut (24) and successively to realize the first cut (21) and the third cut (23).

    [0049] The first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122) preferably act contemporaneously.

    [0050] The first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122) are preferably identical to one another and each conformed to remove a corresponding strip of material from each region of band (8) of the cardboard band (2), leaving the above-described windows identified with reference to the method. Therefore, each first cut (21) produced by the first guillotine (121) defines the first window (31) of a corresponding region of band (8), each second cut (22) produced by the first guillotine (121) defines the second window (32) of a corresponding region of band (8), each third cut (23) produced by the second guillotine (122) defines the third window (33) of a corresponding region of band (8) and each fourth cut (24) produced by the second guillotine (122) defines the fourth window (34) of a corresponding region of band (8). See figure 12A.

    [0051] The first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122) can each comprise an upper blade (123) which is vertically mobile and a lower blade (124) that is fixed. The profile of the cutting edge of the upper blade (123) of the first guillotine (121) preferably exhibits a U-shape so as to remove, as mentioned, a strip of material from the band (2) of cardboard and leave the third window (33) or the fourth window (34) identified in a region of band (8). The profile of the cutting edge of the upper blade (123) of the second guillotine (122) si preferably U-shaped so as to remove a strip of material from the cardboard band (2) and leave the third window (33) or the fourth window (34) identified in a region of band (8).

    [0052] The method preferably further comprises steps of selectively adjusting, according to the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed:

    the position of the first score line (11); and/or

    the position of the second score line (12);and/or

    the extensions of each band region (8), measured in a parallel direction to the extension direction, and consequently the positions in which to transversally cut the cardboard band (2) to separate the band regions (8) to one another;and/or

    the position of the first cut (21), the second cut (22), the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) internally of each band region (8).



    [0053] These adjustments further enable advantageously establishing the number of layers of cardboard that will wrap the third flank (43), the fourth flank (44) and the upper side of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0054] To regulate the positions of the first score line (11) and/or the second score line (12) it is preferable: that the first shaft (70), which as has been specified is constrained to the frame (67) of the apparatus (10), is in particular mobile nearingly and distancingly with respect to the advancing cardboard band (2); and that the positions of the first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring line (72) are adjustable along the first shaft (70).

    [0055] Therefore the first shaft (70) can be constrained to the frame (67) with a degree of freedom which enables it to near and distance to and from the advancing cardboard band (2) in a vertical direction . In the example illustrated in the figures (see figure 2) the ends of the first shaft (70) engage in vertical guides fashioned in corresponding elements of the frame (67) of the apparatus (10).

    [0056] The first support (81) and the second support (82) can therefore be carriages able to slide along the first shaft (70) (which functions as a sliding guide) so that the first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring wheel (72) can easily translate along the first shaft (70), enabling adjustment of the positions of the first score line (11) and the second score line (12) according to the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0057] It is specified above that the band can be stopped temporarily so as to perform the first cut (21), the second cut (22), the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24).

    [0058] In a case in which it is necessary to vary the positions of the first score line (11) and the second score line (12) during the transition from a first region of band (R1) and a successive second region of band (R2), it is possible to translate the first shaft (70), the first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring wheel (72) when the band is stationary. Thus between the first region of band (R1) and the second region of band (R2) a waste strip (20) will be defined, having a length, measured perpendicularly to the development direction, equal to the width of the cardboard band (2); the discontinuity of the first score line (11) and the second score line (12) can clearly be recognized in this strip of waste (20). If the regulating of the first shaft (70), the first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring wheel (72) are done when the band is stationary, the width of the strip of waste (20), measured parallel to the development direction, will be minimal; alternatively, if these adjustments are done during the movement of the cardboard band (2), the width will be greater and will depend on the advancement velocity of the band.

    [0059] To limit the dimensions of the strip of waste (20) to be eliminated, it is preferable for the adjustments of the first shaft (70), the first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring wheel (72) to take place when the cardboard band (2) is stationary. The fact that the strip of waste (20) has a minimal width has a further advantage: in fact it is possible to eliminate the strip of waste (20) using the second cutting means (39) (which will also perform the separating between the first region of band (R1) and the second region of band (R2)) with a single cutting operation if the cutting edge of the blade of the second cutting means (39) is U-shaped (figure 11) and as suitable dimensions for eliminating a strip of cardboard band (2) having an area at least equal to the area of the strip of waste (20) (figures 10A, 10B).The extension of each region of band (8) parallel to the development direction can instead be established by regulating the intervention time of the second cutting means (39) in order to cut the cardboard band (2) transversally; for example, by lengthening the intervention time regions of band (8) will be obtained having a greater extension.

    [0060] To vary the position of the first cut (21), the second cut (22), the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) along the direction of development the first scissors (91), the second scissors (92), the third scissors (93) and the fourth scissors (94) can be made mobile along the development direction; further, to vary the depth (and therefore the extension) of these cuts (note that the cuts must preferably reach the first score line (11) and the second score line (12), which are in turn adjustable and therefore mobile) the scissors can be made mobile also in a perpendicular direction to the development direction.

    [0061] The regulating of the positions of the scissors can occur during the advancement of the cardboard band (2), i.e. when they do not have to perform a cut; in this case, when the cardboard band (2) is stopped the scissors will only have to perform the cuts.

    [0062] Figures 7A, 7B show the movement of the first scissors (91), the second scissors (92), the third scissors (93) and the fourth scissors (94) in parallel and perpendicular directions to the development direction in the hypothesis in which the cuts to be performed on the second region of band (R2) have to be in different positions from the cuts already made on the first region of band (R1).

    [0063] With reference to the variant of the apparatus, illustrated in figure 18, to vary the position of the first cut (21), the second cut (22), the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) along the development direction it is sufficient to modify the stop position of the cardboard band (2), this is particularly advantageous as it does not require making the first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122) mobile in a parallel direction to the development direction.

    [0064] To vary the depth (and therefore the extension) of these cuts the first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122) can be mobile in a perpendicular direction to the development direction.

    [0065] The articles (9) to be packed can have known dimensions (width, length, height) or can be identified by a reading of a label (66) or code placed on the article (9) itself; if the precise dimensions of the article (9) to be packed are not known, it is possible to use, for example, systems for acquiring the dimensions of the articles (9), which comprise television cameras (40).

    [0066] Figure 1 illustrates: a first conveyor (45) on which the articles (9) are arranged; and tv cameras (40) arranged above the first conveyor (45), which acquire images of the article (9) so as to enable a suitable software program to obtain the dimensions of the article (9).

    [0067] Once the dimensions of the article (9) are known, it is possible to shape a region of band (8), and therefore a packing carton (1), having suitable characteristics for packing the article (9).

    [0068] The possibility of modifying, for each region of band (8), the characteristics (positions of the first score line (11), the second score line (12), cuts) and dimensions (length measure parallel to the development direction) enables packing articles (9) also having considerably differing dimensions.

    [0069] There exist however limits for the minimum and maximum dimensions of the articles (9) which can be packed and the limits depend on the width of the cardboard band (2).

    [0070] For example, figure 13A illustrates a first article (9) having a width, measured perpendicular to the development direction, which is the minimum allowed: in fact, the first reinforcing wing 851) and the third reinforcing wing (53) superpose completely on one another and on the first portion (101) of the central sector (3), while the second reinforcing wing (52) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54) superpose completely on one another and on the second portion (102) of the central sector (3). This means that the extensions of the first lateral sector (4) and the second lateral sector (5), measured perpendicularly to the development direction, each correspond by 100% to the extension of the central sector (3).

    [0071] The method preferably comprises a step or steps of cutting an edge strip of the cardboard band (2) which is located at the first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2) and/or at the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) as a function of the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0072] Therefore, for each region of band (8) it is possible to cut, if necessary: an edge strip located at the irst lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2) or at the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2); or a first edge strip (46) located at the first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2) and a second edge strip (47) located at the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2), preferably identical to one another so as to be symmetrical with respect to the axis of the cardboard band (2) (figure 2).

    [0073] In other words it is possible to dynamically vary the width of the cardboard band (2) according to the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed; this is very advantageous in that it enables packing a still greater variety of articles (9) having different dimensions to one another.

    [0074] In order to cut and therefore eliminate the edge strip, the apparatus (10) preferably comprises a cutting wheel; the cutting wheel is preferably borne by the first shaft (70), is rotatable with respect to the axis thereof and conforms a circular cutting edge. The apparatus (10) can comprise a support for the cutting wheel which can slide along the first shaft (70) and which bears the cutting wheel, so that it is possible to adjust the width, measured perpendicularly to the development direction, of the edge strip to be cut.

    [0075] The position of the cutting wheel along the first shaft (70) can be regulated preferably when the cardboard band stops for the cutting operations; in this case the first shaft (70) distances from the cardboard band (2) (i.e. raises) and the support for the cutting wheel can slide to bring the cutting wheel into a new position.

    [0076] The figures illustrate a first cutting wheel (68) and a second cutting wheel (69) for respectively cutting the first edge strip (46) and the second edge strip (47); the first cutting wheel (68) is brought to a third support (83), which can slie along the first shaft (70), while the second cutting wheel (69) is borne by a fourth support (84), which can slide along the first shaft (70).

    [0077] The first edge strip (46) is therefore cut longitudinally by the first cutting wheel (68) in a parallel direction to the development direction, while it is cut transversally by the second cutting means (39) which detach it definitively from the cardboard band (2). Likewise, the second edge strip (47) is cut longitudinally by the second cutting wheel (69) in a parallel direction to the development direction, while it is cut transversally by the second cutting means (39) which detach it definitively from the cardboard band (2).

    [0078] The method preferably comprises that on each band region (8) the following are further carried out: a fifth cut (25) made in a transversal direction to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the first reinforcing wing (51) into two parts, i.e. a fifth reinforcing wing (55) and a sixth reinforcing wing (56); a sixth cut (26) made in a transversal direction to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the third reinforcing wing (53) into two parts, i.e. a seventh reinforcing wing (57) and an eighth reinforcing wing (58); the fifth reinforcing wing (55) being opposite the seventh reinforcing wing (57) and the sixth reinforcing wing (56) being opposite the eighth reinforcing wing (58); the positions of the fifth cut (25) and the sixth cut (26) being selected such that the extensions of the sixth reinforcing wing (56) and the eighth reinforcing wing (58), measured along the extension direction, are in relation to the height of a third flank (43) of an article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the third flank (43) being exposed towards the tract of central sector (3) to which are hinged, by the first score line (11) and the second score line (50), the fifth reinforcing wing (55), the sixth reinforcing wing (56), the seventh reinforcing wing (57) and the eighth reinforcing wing (58).

    [0079] The fifth cut (25) is preferably aligned with the sixth cut (26).

    [0080] The extensions of the sixth reinforcing wing (56) and the eighth reinforcing wing (58), measured along the development direction, are greater than or equal to (preferably equal to) the height of the third flank (43) of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0081] The first superposing group (17) therefore comprises: a first group (77) formed by the fifth reinforcing wing (55) and the seventh reinforcing wing (57) superposed on one another and by the portion of central sector (3) to which the fifth reinforcing wing (55) and the seventh reinforcing wing (57) are superposed; and a second group (78) formed by the sixth reinforcing wing (56) and the eighth reinforcing wing (58) superposed on one another and by the portion of central sector (3) to which the sixth reinforcing wing (56) and the eighth reinforcing wing (58) are superposed.

    [0082] The fifth cut (25) and the sixth cut (26) facilitate the folding of the first superposing group (17) so as to wrap the third flank (43) and the first part of the upper side of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3); in particular, the second group (78) is arranged at an angle, preferably by 90°, with respect to the portion of central sector (3) on which the article (9) rests and the first group (77) is arranged at an angle, preferably by 90°, with respect to the second group (78) so as to cover the first part of the upper side of the article (9).

    [0083] On each region of band (8), the fifth cut (25) and the sixth cut (26) preferably cause elimination of a corresponding strip of material of the same region of band (8), so that a fifth window (35) and a sixth window (36) are identified; both the fifth window (35) and the sixth window (36) form a corresponding rectangular opening.

    [0084] As a consequence, on the central sector (3) between the first group (77) and the second group (78) a third folding strip (63) is defined having a length, measured perpendicularly to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the central sector (3) and a width, measured parallel to the development direction, which is equal to the width, of the fifth window (35) and the sixth window (36); the third folding strip (63) is interposed between the first group (77) and the second group (78) and represents equivalently a transversal score line for the first group (77), which rotates with respect to the second group (78) (figures 15, 16) when the first superposing group (17) is folded against the third flank (43) and the first part of the upper side of the article (9). The first group (77) rotates easily with respect to the second group (78) as the third folding strip (63) separating the first group (77) from the second group (78) is formed by a single layer of cardboard, differently to the first group (77) and the second group (78) which each have at least two layers of cardboard.

    [0085] To form the fifth cut (25) (which can have the shape of the fifth window (35)), the first cutting means preferably comprise a fifth scissors (95) which acts on the side of the first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2) and which is flanked to the first scissors (91); preferably, so as to form the sixth cut (26) (which can have the shape of the sixth window (36)), the first cutting means comprise a sixth scissors (96) which acts on the side of the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) and which is flanked to the third scissors (93).

    [0086] The fifth scissors (95) and the sixth scissors (96) can have the same characteristics and functionality as the first scissors (91), the second scissors (92), the third scissors (93) and the fourth scissors (94) already discussed in the foregoing.

    [0087] In a variant of the apparatus, illustrated in figure 18, to form the fifth cut (25) (which can have the shape of the fifth window (35)) and the sixth cut (26) (which can have the shape of the sixth window (36)), is it possible to use respectively the first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122).

    [0088] The method preferably comprises that on each band region (8) a seventh cut (27) is made transversally to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the second reinforcing wing (52) into two parts, i.e. a ninth reinforcing wing (59) and a tenth reinforcing wing (60); an eighth cut (28) made in a transversal direction to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the fourth reinforcing wing (54) into two parts, i.e. an eleventh reinforcing wing (99) and a twelfth reinforcing wing (100); the ninth reinforcing wing (59) being opposite the eleventh reinforcing wing (99) and the tenth reinforcing wing (60) being opposite the twelfth reinforcing wing (100); the positions of the seventh cut (27) and the eighth cut (28) being selected such that the extensions of the ninth reinforcing wing (59) and the eleventh reinforcing wing (99), measured along the development direction, are in relation with the height of a fourth flank (44) of an article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the fourth flank (44) being exposed towards the tract of central sector (3) (previously referred-to as the second portion (102) of the central sector (3)) to which are hinged, by the first score line (11) and the second score line (12), the ninth reinforcing wing (59), the tenth reinforcing wing (60), the eleventh reinforcing wing (99) and the twelfth reinforcing wing (100).

    [0089] The seventh cut (27) is preferably aligned with the eighth cut (28).

    [0090] The extensions of the ninth reinforcing wing (59) and the eleventh reinforcing wing (99), measured along the development direction, are preferably greater than or equal to (preferably equal to) the height of the fourth flank (44) of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0091] The second superposing group (18) therefore comprises: a third group (79) formed by the tenth reinforcing wing (60) and the twelfth reinforcing wing (60) and the twelfth reinforcing wing (100) superposed on one another and by the portion of the central sector (3) on which the tenth reinforcing wing (60) and the twelfth reinforcing wing (100) superpose; and a fourth group (80) formed by the ninth reinforcing wing (59) and the eleventh reinforcing wing (99) superposed on one another and by the portion of central sector (3) on which the ninth reinforcing wing (59) and the eleventh reinforcing wing (99) superpose.

    [0092] The seventh cut (27) and the eighth cut (28) facilitate the folding of the second superposing group (18) so as to wrap the fourth flank (44) and the second part of the upper side of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3); in particular, the fourth group (80) is arranged at an angle, preferably 90°, with respect to the portion of central sector (3) on which the article (9) is resting, and the third group (7) is arranged at an angle, preferably 90°, with respect to the fourth group (80) so as to cover the second part of the upper side of the article (9).

    [0093] The seventh cut (27) and the eighth cut (28) preferably cause, on each region of band (8), an elimination of a corresponding strip of material of the same region of band (8), so that respectively a seventh window (37) and an eighth window (38) are identified; both the seventh window (37) and the eighth window (38) form a corresponding rectangular opening.

    [0094] Consequently, a fourth folding strip (64) is defined on the central sector (3), between the third group (79) and the fourth group (80), having a length, measured perpendicularly to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the central sector (3) and a width, measured parallel to the development direction, which is equal to the width of the seventh window (37) and the eighth window (38); this fourth folding strip (64) is interposed between the third group (79) and the fourth group (80) and represents equivalently a transversal score line for the third group (79), which rotates with respect to the fourth group (80) (figures 15, 16) when the second superposing group (18) is folded against the fourth flank (44) and the second part of the upper side of the article (9). The third group (79) rotates easily with respect to the fourth group (80) as the fourth fold strip (64) separating the third group (79) from the fourth group (80) is formed by a single layer of cardboard, differently to the third group (79) and the fourth group (10) which instead each have at least two layers of cardboard.

    [0095] To form the seventh cut (27) (which can have the same shape as the seventh window (37)), the first cutting means comprise a seventh scissors (97) acting on the first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2) and which is flanked to the second scissors (92); preferably, to form the eighth cut (28) (which can have the same shape as the eighth window (38)), the first cutting means comprise an eighth scissors (98) which acts on the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) and which is flanked to the fourth scissors (94).

    [0096] The seventh scissors (97) and the eighth scissors (98) can have the same characteristics and functionality as the first scissors (91), the second scissors (92), the third scissors (93), the fourth scissors (94), the fifth scissors (95) and the sixth scissors (96) already discussed in the foregoing.

    [0097] In a variant of the apparatus, illustrated in figure 18, to form the seventh cut (27) (which can have the same shape as the seventh window (37)) and the eighth cut (28) (which can have the same shape as the eighth window (38)) it is possible to use respectively the first guillotine (121) and the second guillotine (122).

    [0098] The method preferably comprises further steps of: making a third score line (13) on the first lateral sector (4) of the band which is parallel to the extension direction, such that a first portion (101) of band is identified in the first closing wing (49), comprised between the first score line (11) and the third score line (13) and a second portion (102) of band is identified in the first closing wing (49), comprised between the third score line (13) and the free end of the first closing wing (49), the position of the third score line (13) being selected in such a way that the extension of the first portion (101) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the development direction, is in relation with the height of a first flank (41) of an article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the first flank (41) being exposed towards the first closing wing (49); realising a fourth score line (14) on the second lateral sector (5) of the band which is parallel to the extension direction, such that a third portion (103) of band is identified in the second closing wing (50) comprised between the second score line (12) and the fourth score line (14) and a fourth portion (104) of band is identified in the second closing wing (50) comprised between the fourth score line (14) and the free end of the second closing wing (50), the position of the fourth score line (14) being selected such that the extension of the third portion (103) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the extension direction, is in height relation with a second flank (42) of the article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3) between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the second flank (42) being exposed towards the second closing wing (50).

    [0099] The extension of the first portion (101) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the development direction, is preferably greater than or equal to (preferably equal to) the height of the first flank (41) of the article (9) to be packed; the extension of the third portion (103) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the development direction, is greater than or equal to (preferably equal to) the height of the second flank (42) of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0100] When the first closing wing (49) is folded towards the central sector (3) so as to wrap the first flank (41) and the third part of the upper side of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3), the first portion (101) of band, which is hinged to the first score line (11), rotates by an angle (preferably 90°) with respect to the central sector (3) on which the article (9) is resting, while the second portion (102) of band, which is hinged to the third score line (13), rotates by an angle (preferably 90°) with respect to the first portion (101) of band so as to cover the third part of the upper side of the article (9).

    [0101] Therefore, the third score line (13) facilitates the folding of the first closing wing (49) so as to wrap the first flank (41) and the third part of the upper side of the article (9) to be packed, resting on the central sector (3) between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50).

    [0102] When the second closing wing (50) is folded towards the central sector (3) to wrap the second flank (42) and the fourth part of the upper side of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3), the third portion (103) of band, which is hinged to the second score line (12), rotates by an angle (preferably 90°) with respect to the central sector (3) on which the article (9) is resting, while the fourth portion (104) of band, which is hinged to the fourth score line (14), rotates by an angle (preferably 90°) with respect to the third portion (103) of band to cover the fourth part of the upper side of the article (9).

    [0103] Therefore, the fourth score line (14) facilitates the folding of the second closing wing (50) to wrap the second flank (42) and the fourth part of the upper side of the article (9) to be packed, resting on the central sector (3) between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50).

    [0104] The scoring means preferably further comprise: a third scoring wheel (73) preferably borne by the first shaft (70), which third scoring wheel (73) is rotatable with respect to the axis thereof so as to realize the third score line (13); a fourth scoring wheel (74) preferably borne by the first shaft (70), which fourth score line (74) is rotatable with respect to the axis thereof so as to realize the fourth score line (14). The first shaft (70), the third scoring wheel (73) and the fourth scoring wheel (74) are arranged with respect to the underlying advancing cardboard band (2) so as to realize the third score line (13) and the fourth score line (14).

    [0105] The scoring means can further comprise: a fifth support (85) which is constrained to the first shaft (70) and which bears in turn the third scoring wheel (73); a sixth support (86) which is constrained to the first shaft (70) and which in turn bears the fourth scoring wheel (74).

    [0106] The third scoring wheel (73) and the fourth scoring wheel (74) are preferably drawn in rotation by actuators (not illustrated).

    [0107] The position of the third score line (13) and the fourth score line (14) can be regulated in accordance with the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed; for this purpose, it is possible to regulate the positions of the third scoring wheel (73) and the fourth scoring wheel (74) along the first shaft (70).

    [0108] The fifth support (85) and the sixth support (86) can therefore be carriages able to slide along the first shaft (70) (which functions as a sliding guide) so that the third scoring wheel (73) and the fourth scoring wheel (74) can easily translate along the third score line (13) and the fourth score line (14) according to the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0109] In a case in which it is necessary to vary the positions of the third score line (13) and the fourth score line (14) in passing from a first region of band (R1) to a successive second region of band (R2) (figure 2), the first shaft (70), the third scoring wheel (73) and the fourth scoring wheel (74) can be translated when the band is stationary.

    [0110] The method preferably comprises further steps of: realising a fifth score line (15) on the first lateral sector (4) of the band which is parallel to the extension direction and comprised between the first score line (11) and the third score line (13), such that a fifth portion (105) of band is identified in the first portion (101) of band comprised between the first score line (11) and the fifth score line (15) and a sixth portion (106) of band is identified in the first portion (101) of band comprised between the fifth score line (15) and the third score line (13), the positions of the third score line (13) and the fifth score line (15) being selected such that it is in particular the extension of the sixth portion (106) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the extension direction, that is in relation with the height of the first flank (41) of the article (9) to be packed; realising a sixth score line (16) on the second lateral sector (5) of the belt that is parallel to the extension direction and comprised between the second score line (12) and the fourth score line (14), such that a seventh portion (107) of band is identified in the third portion (103) of band comprised between the second score line (12) and the sixth score line (16) and an eighth portion (108) of band is identified in the third portion (103) of band comprised between the sixth score line (16) and the fourth score line (14), the positions of the fourth score line (14) and the sixth score line (16) being selected such that it is in particular the extension of the eighth portion (108) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the extension direction, that is in relation with the height of the second flank (42) of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0111] The first closing wing (49) is preferably foldable to wrap the first flank (41) and the third part of the upper side of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), so that: the fifth portion (105) of band, hinged to the first score line (11) rotates by an angle, preferably 180°, so as to adhere to the central sector (3); the sixth portion (106) of band, hinged to the fifth score line (15), rotates by an angle, preferably 90°, with respect to the central sector (3) and the fifth portion (105) of band so as to wrap the first flank (41) of the article (9), the second portion (102) of band, hinged to the third score line (13), rotates by an angle, preferably of 90°, with respect to the sixth portion (106) of band so as to wrap the third part of the upper side of the article (9) to be wrapped.

    [0112] Therefore, the fifth portion (105) of band superposes on the central sector (3), arranging itself parallel thereto and forming a first reinforced edge (89) (figures 13A, 13B, 14, 15, 16, 17A, 17B) which further protects the article (9) once the wrapping has been completed, from impacts and accidental falls.

    [0113] The second closing wing (50) is preferably foldable to wrap the second flank (42) and the fourth part of the upper side of the article (9) resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), so that: the seventh portion (107) of band, hinged to the second score line (12), rotates by an angle, preferably 180°, so as to adhere to the central sector (3); the eighth portion (108) of band, hinged to the sixth score line (16), rotates by an angle, preferably 90°, with respect to the central sector (3) and the seventh portion (107) of band so as to wrap the second flank (42) of the article (9); the fourth portion (104) of band, hinged to the fourth score line (14), rotates by an angle, preferably of 90°, with respect to the eighth portion (108) of band so as to wrap the fourth part of the upper side of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0114] Therefore, the seventh portion (107) of band superposes on the central sector (3), arranging itself parallel thereto and forming a second reinforced edge (90) (figures 13A, 13B, 14, 15, 16, 17A, 17B) which further protects the article (9) once the wrapping has been completed, from impacts and accidental falls.

    [0115] The scoring means preferably further comprise: a fifth scoring wheel (75) borne by the first shaft (70), which fifth scoring wheel (75) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise a fifth score line (15); a sixth scoring line wheel (76) borne by the first shaft (70), which sixth scoring wheel line (76) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise a sixth score line (16). The first shaft (70), the fifth scoring wheel (75) and the sixth scoring wheel (76) are arranged with respect to the underlying band of carton (2) in advancement so as to realise the fifth score line (15) and the sixth score line (16).

    [0116] The scoring means can further comprise: a seventh support (87) which is constrained to the first shaft (70) and which in turn bears the fifth scoring wheel (75); an eighth support (88) which is constrained to the first shaft (70) and which in turn bears the sixth scoring wheel (76).

    [0117] The fifth scoring wheel (75) and the sixth scoring wheel (76) are preferably drawn in rotation by actuators (not illustrated).

    [0118] The position of the fifth score line (15) and the sixth score line (16) can be regulated according to the position of the article (9) to be packed; for this purpose, the positions of the fifth scoring line (75) and the sixth scoring line (76) along the first shaft (70) can be regulated.

    [0119] The seventh support (87) and the eighth support (88) can therefore be carriages able to slide along the first shaft (70) (which functions as a sliding guide) so that the fifth scoring wheel (75) and the sixth scoring wheel (76) can easily translate along the first shaft (70), enabling regulation of the positions of the fifth score line (15) and the sixth score line (16) in accordance with the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed.

    [0120] In a case where the positions of the fifth score line (15) and the sixth score line (16) are to be varied, in passing from a first region of band (R1) and a successive second region of band (R2), the first shaft (70), the fifth scoring wheel (75) and the sixth scoring wheel (76) can be translated when the band is stationary.

    [0121] The apparatus (10) can comprise means for applying glue (48) which are arranged at the second cutting means (39), which release two strips of glue (109) on the central sector (3), in proximity respective of the first score line (11) and the second score line (12). The two strips of glue (109) lead to cementing: of the fifth reinforcing wing (55), the sixth reinforcing wing (56), the seventh reinforcing wing (57), the eighth reinforcing wing (58), the ninth reinforcing wing (59), the tenth reinforcing wing (60), the eleventh reinforcing wing (99), the twelfth reinforcing wing (100), the fifth portion (105) of band and the seventh portion (107) of band at the central sector (3).

    [0122] The apparatus (10) is part of a system, illustrated in figure 1, for packing articles (9).

    [0123] The above has been described by way of non-limiting example, and any constructional variants are understood to fall within the protective field of the present technical solution, as claimed in the following.


    Claims

    1. A method for realising cartons (1) for packing, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

    feeding a cardboard band (2) for packing along an advancement direction (A) which is parallel to the development direction of the cardboard band (2);

    making a first score line (11) and a second score line (12) on the cardboard band (2), such that the first score line (11) and the second score line (12) are parallel to the development direction and the following are identified: a central sector (3) comprised between the first score line (11) and the second score line (12); a first lateral sector (4) comprised between the first score line (11) and a first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2); and a second lateral sector (5) comprised between the second score line (12) and a second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) which is opposite the first lateral end (6);

    identifying on the cardboard band (2) band regions (8) that are consecutive to one another;

    carrying out, on each band region (8), at least a first cut (21), a second cut (22), a third cut (23) and a fourth cut (24) made in a transversal direction to the development direction of the cardboard band (2) such that: the first cut (21) and the second cut (22) are performed on the first lateral sector (4) and extend up to the first score line (11), such that a first closing wing (49), a first reinforcing wing (51) and a second reinforcing wing (52) are defined in first lateral sector (4), the first closing wing (49) being interposed between the first reinforcing wing (51) and the second reinforcing wing (52); the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) are performed on the second lateral sector (5) and extend up to the second score line (12), such that a second closing wing (50), a third reinforcing wing (53) and a fourth reinforcing wing (54) are defined on the second lateral sector (5), the second closing wing (50) being interposed between the third reinforcing wing (53) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54); the first closing wing (49) is opposite the second closing wing (50), the first reinforcing ring (51) is opposite the third reinforcing wing (53), the second reinforcing wing (52) is opposite the fourth reinforcing wing (54);

    cutting the cardboard band (2) transversally such as to separate the above-cited band regions (8) from one another, thus obtaining cartons (1) for packing.


     
    2. The method of the preceding claim, comprising steps of selectively regulating, according to dimensions of the article (9) to be packed:

    the position of the first score line (11);

    the position of the second score line (12);

    the extensions of each band region (8), measured in a parallel direction to the extension direction, and consequently the positions in which transversally cut the cardboard band (2) to separate the band regions (8) to one another;

    the position of the first cut (21), the second cut (22), the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) internally of each band region (8).


     
    3. The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step or steps of cutting an edge strip of the cardboard band (2) which is located at the first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2) and/or at the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) as a function of the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed.
     
    4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein on each band region (8) the following are further carried out: a fifth cut (25) made in a transversal direction to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the first reinforcing wing (51) into two parts, i.e. a fifth reinforcing wing (55) and a sixth reinforcing wing (56); a sixth cut (26) made in a transversal direction to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the third reinforcing wing (53) into two parts, i.e. a seventh reinforcing wing (57) and an eighth reinforcing wing (58); the fifth reinforcing wing (55) being opposite the seventh reinforcing wing (57) and the sixth reinforcing wing (56) being opposite the eighth reinforcing wing (58); the positions of the fifth cut (25) and the sixth cut (26) being selected such that the extensions of the sixth reinforcing wing (56) and the eighth reinforcing wing (58), measured along the extension direction, are in relation to the height of a third flank (43) of an article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the third flank (43) being exposed towards the tract of central sector (3) to which are hinged, by the first score line (11) and the second score line (50), the fifth reinforcing wing (55), the sixth reinforcing wing (56), the seventh reinforcing wing (57) and the eighth reinforcing wing (58).
     
    5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the following are further realised on each band region (8): a seventh cut (27) made transversally to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the second reinforcing wing (52) into two parts, i.e. a ninth reinforcing wing (59) and a tenth reinforcing wing (60); an eighth cut (28) made in a transversal direction to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2) such as to divide the fourth reinforcing wing (54) into two parts, i.e. an eleventh reinforcing wing (99) and a twelfth reinforcing wing (100); the ninth reinforcing wing (59) being opposite the eleventh reinforcing wing (99) and the tenth reinforcing wing (60) being opposite the twelfth reinforcing wing (100); the positions of the seventh cut (27) and the eighth cut (28) being selected such that the extensions of the ninth reinforcing wing (59) and the eleventh reinforcing wing (99), measured along the development direction, are in relation with the height of a fourth flank (44) of an article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the fourth flank (44) being exposed towards the tract of central sector (3) to which are hinged, by the first score line (11) and the second score line (12), the ninth reinforcing wing (59), the tenth reinforcing wing (60), the eleventh reinforcing wing (99) and the twelfth reinforcing wing (100).
     
    6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising further steps of: making a third score line (13) on the first lateral sector (4) of the band which is parallel to the extension direction, such that a first portion (101) of band is identified in the first closing wing (49), comprised between the first score line (11) and the third score line (13) and a second portion (102) of band is identified in the first closing wing (49), comprised between the third score line (13) and the free end of the first closing wing (49), the position of the third score line (13) being selected in such a way that the extension of the first portion (101) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the development direction, is in relation with the height of a first flank (41) of an article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3), between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the first flank (41) being exposed towards the first closing wing (49); realising a fourth score line (14) on the second lateral sector (5) of the band which is parallel to the extension direction, such that a third portion (103) of band is identified in the second closing wing (50) comprised between the second score line (12) and the fourth score line (14) and a fourth portion (104) of band is identified in the second closing wing (50) comprised between the fourth score line (14) and the free end of the second closing wing (50), the position of the fourth score line (14) being selected such that the extension of the third portion (103) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the extension direction, is in height relation with a second flank (42) of the article (9) to be packed which is resting on the central sector (3) between the first closing wing (49) and the second closing wing (50), the second flank (42) being exposed towards the second closing wing (50).
     
    7. The method of the preceding claim, further comprising steps of: realising a fifth score line (15) on the first lateral sector (4) of the band which is parallel to the extension direction and comprised between the first score line (11) and the third score line (13), such that a fifth portion (105) of band is identified in the first portion (101) of band comprised between the first score line (11) and the fifth score line (15) and a sixth portion (106) of band is identified in the first portion (101) of band comprised between the fifth score line (15) and the third score line (13), the positions of the third score line (13) and the fifth score line (15) being selected such that it is in particular the extension of the sixth portion (106) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the extension direction, that is in relation with the height of the first flank (41) of the article (9) to be packed; realising a sixth score line (16) on the second lateral sector (5) of the belt that is parallel to the extension direction and comprised between the second score line (12) and the fourth score line (14), such that a seventh portion (107) of band is identified in the third portion (103) of band comprised between the second score line (12) and the sixth score line (16) and an eighth portion (108) of band is identified in the third portion (103) of band comprised between the sixth score line (16) and the fourth score line (14), the positions of the fourth score line (14) and the sixth score line (16) being selected such that it is in particular the extension of the eighth portion (108) of band, measured along a perpendicular direction to the extension direction, that is in relation with the height of the second flank (42) of the article (9) to be packed.
     
    8. An apparatus (10) for actuating the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises:

    supply means for feeding a cardboard band (2) for packaging along an advancement direction (A) which is parallel to the extension direction of the cardboard band (2);

    scoring means for making a first score line (11) and a second score line (12) on the cardboard band (2), such that the first score line (11) and the second score line (12) are parallel to the extension direction and the following are identified: a central sector (3) comprised between the first score line (11) and the second score line (12); a first lateral sector (4) comprised between the first score line (11) and a first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2); and a second lateral sector (5) comprised between the second score line (12) and a second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2) which is opposite the first lateral end (6);

    identifying means for identifying band regions (8) on the cardboard band (2) that are consecutive to one another;

    first cutting means for realising, on each band region (8), at least a first cut (21), a second cut (22), a third cut (23) and a fourth cut (24) made in a transversal direction to the development direction of the cardboard band (2) such that: the first cut (21) and the second cut (22) are performed on the first lateral sector (4) and extend up to the first score line (11), such that a first closing wing (49), a first reinforcing wing (51) and a second reinforcing wing (52) are defined the in first lateral sector (4), the first closing wing (49) being interposed between the first reinforcing wing (51) and the second reinforcing wing (52); the third cut (23) and the fourth cut (24) are performed on the second lateral sector (5) and extend up to the second score line (12), such that a second closing wing (50), a third reinforcing wing (53) and a fourth reinforcing wing (54) are defined on the second lateral sector (5), the second closing wing (50) being interposed between the third reinforcing wing (53) and the fourth reinforcing wing (54); the first closing wing (49) is opposite the second closing wing (50), the first reinforcing ring (51) is opposite the third reinforcing wing (53), the second reinforcing wing (52) being opposite the fourth reinforcing wing (54);

    second cutting means for cutting the cardboard band (2) transversally such as to separate the above-cited band regions (8) from one another, thus obtaining cartons (1) for packing.


     
    9. The apparatus (10) of the preceding claim, wherein the scoring means comprise: a first shaft (70) arranged above the advancing cardboard band (2); a first scoring wheel (71) borne by the first shaft (70), which first scoring wheel (71) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise the first scoring wheel (11); a second scoring wheel (72) borne by the first shaft (70), which second scoring wheel (72) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise the second score line (12).
     
    10. The apparatus (10) of the preceding claim, wherein the first shaft (70) is borne by the frame (67) and is nearingly and distancingly mobile with respect to the advancing band, and wherein the positions of the first scoring wheel (71) and the second scoring wheel (72) are adjustable along the first shaft according to the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed.
     
    11. The apparatus (10) of the preceding claim, comprising a cutting wheel (68, 69) borne by the first shaft (70) for cutting an edge strip (46, 47) of the cardboard band (2) according to the dimensions of the article (9) to be packed, the edge strip (46, 47) being located at the first lateral end (6) of the cardboard band (2) or at the second lateral end (7) of the cardboard band (2); the position of the cutting wheel (68, 69) being adjustable along the first shaft (70) according to the dimensions of the edge strip (46, 47) to be cut.
     
    12. The apparatus (10) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the scoring means further comprise: a third scoring wheel (73) borne by the first shaft (70), which third scoring wheel (73) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise a third score line (13) on the first lateral sector (4) of the cardboard band (2); a fourth scoring wheel (74) borne by the first shaft (70), which fourth scoring wheel (74) is rotatable about an axis thereof such as to realise a fourth score line (14) on the second lateral sector (5) of the cardboard band (2); the positions of the third scoring wheel (73) and the fourth scoring wheel (74) being adjustable along the first shaft (70) in order respectively to vary the positions of the third score line (13) on the first lateral sector (4) of the cardboard band (2) and the fourth score line (14) on the second lateral sector (5) of the cardboard band (2).
     
    13. The apparatus (10) of the preceding claim, wherein the scoring means further comprise: a fifth scoring wheel (75) borne by the first shaft (70), which fifth scoring wheel (75) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise a fifth score line (15) on the first lateral sector (4) of the cardboard band (2); a sixth scoring wheel (76) borne by the first shaft (70), which sixth scoring wheel (76) is rotatable with respect to an axis thereof such as to realise a sixth score line (16) on the second lateral sector (5) of the cardboard band (2); the positions of the fifth scoring wheel (75) and the sixth scoring wheel (76) being adjustable along the first shaft (70) such as respectively to vary the positions of the fifth score line (15) on the first lateral sector (4) of the cardboard band (2) and of the sixth score line (16) on the second lateral sector (5) of the cardboard band (2).
     
    14. The apparatus (10) of any one of claims from 8 to 13, wherein the first cutting means are arranged downstream of the scoring means and wherein the second cutting means (39) are arranged downstream of the first cutting means.
     
    15. The apparatus of any one of claims from 8 to 14, wherein the feeding means of the cardboard band (2) are step-feeding means, and wherein the first cutting means comprise: a first guillotine (121) acting vertically on the firstlateral sector (4) of each region of band (8) so as to perform a plurality of cuts (21, 22, 25, 27) in synchrony with the step-advancing of the cardboard band (2), and a second guillotine (122) acting vertically on the second lateral sector (5) of each region of band (8) so as to perform a plurality of cuts (23, 24, 25, 28) in synchrony with the step-advancing of the cardboard band (2).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Verfahren zur Herstellung von Kartons (1) zum Verpacken, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es die folgenden Schritte beinhaltet:

    Zuführen eines Kartonstreifens (2) zum Verpacken entlang einer Vorschubrichtung (A), die parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2) ist;

    Herstellen einer ersten Rilllinie (11) und einer zweiten Rilllinie (12) auf dem Kartonstreifen (2), so dass die erste Rilllinie (11) und die zweite Rilllinie (12) parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung sind und Folgendes identifiziert wird: ein mittlerer Sektor (3), der zwischen der ersten Rilllinie (11) und der zweiten Rilllinie (12) enthalten ist; ein erster seitlicher Sektor (4), der zwischen der ersten Rilllinie (11) und einem ersten seitlichen Ende (6) des Kartonstreifens (2) enthalten ist; und ein zweiter seitlicher Sektor (5) der zwischen der zweiten Rilllinie (12) und einem zweiten seitlichen Ende (7) des Kartonstreifens (2), das dem ersten seitlichen Ende (6) gegenüberliegt, enthalten ist;

    Identifizieren von aufeinander folgenden Streifenbereichen (8) auf dem Kartonstreifen (2); Ausführen, auf jedem Streifenbereich (8), von zumindest einem ersten Schnitt (21), einem zweiten Schnitt (22), einem dritten Schnitt (23) und einem vierten Schnitt (24), angefertigt in einer Querrichtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2), so dass: der erste Schnitt (21) und der zweite Schnitt (22) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) ausgeführt werden und sich bis zu der ersten Rilllinie (11) erstrecken, so dass ein erster Verschlussflügel (49), ein erster Verstärkungsflügel (51) und ein zweiter Verstärkungsflügel (52) in dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) definiert werden, wobei der erste Verschlussflügel (49) zwischen dem ersten Verstärkungsflügel (51) und dem zweiten Verstärkungsflügel (52) angeordnet ist; der dritte Schnitt (23) und der vierte Schnitt (24) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) ausgeführt werden und sich bis zu der zweiten Rilllinie (12) erstrecken, so dass ein zweiter Verschlussflügel (50), ein dritter Verstärkungsflügel (53) und ein vierter Verstärkungsflügel (54) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) definiert werden, wobei der zweite Verschlussflügel (50) zwischen dem dritten Verstärkungsflügel (53) und dem vierten Verstärkungsflügel (54) angeordnet ist; der erste Verschlussflügel (49) dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) gegenüberliegt, der erste Verstärkungsflügel (51) dem dritten Verstärkungsflügel (53) gegenüberliegt, der zweite Verstärkungsflügel (52) dem vierten Verstärkungsflügel (54) gegenüberliegt;

    Schneiden des Kartonstreifens (2) in Querrichtung, um die oben genannten Streifenbereiche (8) voneinander zu trennen und somit die Kartons (1) zum Verpacken zu erhalten.


     
    2. Verfahren nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, beinhaltend Schritte zum selektiven Regulieren, gemäß den Abmessungen des zu verpackenden Artikels (9):

    der Position der ersten Rilllinie (11);

    der Position der zweiten Rilllinie (12);

    der Ausdehnungen jedes Streifenbereichs (8), gemessen in paralleler Richtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung, und infolgedessen der Positionen, in denen der Kartonstreifen (2) in Querrichtung zu schneiden ist, um die Streifenbereiche (8) voneinander zu trennen;

    der Position des ersten Schnittes (21), des zweiten Schnittes (22), des dritten Schnittes (23) und des vierten Schnittes (24) innerhalb jedes Streifenbereichs (8).


     
    3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend einen Schritt oder Schritte zum Schneiden eines Randstreifens des Kartonstreifens (2), der an dem ersten seitlichen Ende (6) des Kartonstreifens (2) und/oder an dem zweiten seitlichen Ende (7) des Kartonstreifens (2) angeordnet ist, in Abhängigkeit von den Abmessungen des zu verpackenden Artikels (9).
     
    4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, worin ferner auf jedem Streifenbereich (8) Folgendes ausgeführt wird: ein fünfter Schnitt (25) in Querrichtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2), um den ersten Verstärkungsflügel (51) in zwei Teile aufzuteilen, d.h. einen fünften Verstärkungsflügel (55) und einen sechsten Verstärkungsflügel (56); ein sechster Schnitt (26) in Querrichtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2), um den dritten Verstärkungsflügel (53) in zwei Teile aufzuteilen, d.h. einen siebten Verstärkungsflügel (57) und einen achten Verstärkungsflügel (58); wobei der fünfte Verstärkungsflügel (55) dem siebten Verstärkungsflügel (57) gegenüberliegt und der sechste Verstärkungsflügel (56) dem achten Verstärkungsflügel (58) gegenüberliegt; wobei die Positionen des fünften Schnittes (25) und des sechsten Schnittes (26) so ausgewählt sind, dass die Ausdehnungen des sechsten Verstärkungsflügels (56) und des achten Verstärkungsflügels (58), entlang der Ausdehnungsrichtung gemessen, in Beziehung zu der Höhe einer dritten Flanke (43) eines zu verpackenden Artikels (9) stehen, der auf dem mittleren Sektor (3) zwischen dem ersten Verschlussflügel (49) und dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) aufliegt, wobei die dritte Flanke (43) dem Teilabschnitt des mittleren Sektors (3) zugewandt ist, an dem, mittels der ersten Rilllinie (11) und der zweiten Rilllinie (12), der fünfte Verstärkungsflügel (55), der sechste Verstärkungsflügel (56), der siebte Verstärkungsflügel (57) und der achte Verstärkungsflügel (58) angelenkt sind.
     
    5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, worin ferner auf jedem Streifenbereich (8) Folgendes ausgeführt wird: ein siebter Schnitt (27) in Querrichtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2), um den zweiten Verstärkungsflügel (52) in zwei Teile aufzuteilen, d.h. einen neunten Verstärkungsflügel (59) und einen zehnten Verstärkungsflügel (60); ein achter Schnitt (28) in Querrichtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2), um den vierten Verstärkungsflügel (54) in zwei Teile aufzuteilen, d.h. einen elften Verstärkungsflügel (99) und einen zwölften Verstärkungsflügel (100); wobei der neunte Verstärkungsflügel (59) dem elften Verstärkungsflügel (99) gegenüberliegt und der zehnte Verstärkungsflügel (60) dem zwölften Verstärkungsflügel (100) gegenüberliegt; wobei die Positionen des siebten Schnittes (27) und des achten Schnittes (28) so ausgewählt sind, dass die Ausdehnungen des neunten Verstärkungsflügels (59) und des elften Verstärkungsflügels (99), entlang der Ausdehnungsrichtung gemessen, in Beziehung zu der Höhe einer vierten Flanke (44) eines zu verpackenden Artikels (9) stehen, der auf dem mittleren Sektor (3), zwischen dem ersten Verschlussflügel (49) und dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) aufliegt, wobei die vierte Flanke (44) dem Teilabschnitt des mittleren Sektors (3) zugewandt ist, an dem, mittels der ersten Rilllinie (11) und der zweiten Rilllinie (12), der neunte Verstärkungsflügel (59), der zehnte Verstärkungsflügel (60), der elfte Verstärkungsflügel (99) und der zwölfte Verstärkungsflügel (100) angelenkt sind.
     
    6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner beinhaltend die folgenden Schritte: Herstellen einer dritten Rilllinie (13) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) des Streifens, die parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung ist, so dass in dem ersten Verschlussflügel (49) ein erster Abschnitt (101) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der ersten Rilllinie (11) und der dritten Rilllinie (13) enthalten ist, und in dem ersten Verschlussflügel (49) ein zweiter Abschnitt (102) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der dritten Rilllinie (13) und dem freien Ende des ersten Verschlussflügels (49) enthalten ist, wobei die Position der dritten Rilllinie (13) derart ausgewählt ist, dass die Ausdehnung des ersten Abschnittes (101) des Streifens, gemessen entlang einer orthogonalen Richtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung, in Beziehung zu der Höhe einer ersten Flanke (41) eines zu verpackenden Artikels (9) steht, der auf dem mittleren Sektor (3) zwischen dem ersten Verschlussflügel (49) und dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) aufliegt, wobei die erste Flanke (41) dem ersten Verschlussflügel (49) zugewandt ist; Herstellen einer vierten Rilllinie (14) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) des Streifens, die parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung ist, so dass in dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) ein dritter Abschnitt (103) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der zweiten Rilllinie (12) und der vierten Rilllinie (14) enthalten ist, und in dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) ein vierter Abschnitt (104) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der vierten Rilllinie (14) und dem freien Ende des zweiten Verschlussflügels (50) enthalten ist, wobei die Position der vierten Rilllinie (14) derart ausgewählt ist, dass die Ausdehnung des dritten Abschnittes (103) des Streifens, gemessen entlang einer orthogonalen Richtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung, in einer in Höhenbeziehung zu einer zweiten Flanke (42) des zu verpackenden Artikels (9) steht, der auf dem mittleren Sektor (3) zwischen dem ersten Verschlussflügel (49) und dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) aufliegt, wobei die zweite Flanke (42) dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) zugewandt ist.
     
    7. Verfahren nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, ferner beinhaltend die folgenden Schritte: Herstellen einer fünften Rilllinie (15) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) des Streifens, die parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung ist und zwischen der ersten Rilllinie (11) und dritte Rilllinie (13) enthalten ist, so dass in dem ersten Abschnitt (101) des Streifens ein fünfter Abschnitt (105) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der ersten Rilllinie (11) und der fünften Rilllinie (15) enthalten ist, und in dem ersten Abschnitt (101) des Streifens ein sechster Abschnitt (106) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der fünften Rilllinie (15) und der dritten Rilllinie (13) enthalten ist, wobei die Positionen der dritten Rilllinie (13) und der fünften Rilllinie (15) derart ausgewählt sind, dass es insbesondere die entlang einer orthogonalen Richtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung gemessene Ausdehnung des sechsten Abschnittes (106) des Streifens ist, die in Beziehung zu der Höhe der ersten Flanke (41) des zu verpackenden Artikels (9) steht; Herstellen einer sechsten Rilllinie (16) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) des Streifens, die parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung ist und zwischen der zweiten Rilllinie (12) und der vierten Rilllinie (14) enthalten ist, so dass in dem dritten Abschnitt (103) des Streifens ein siebter Abschnitt (107) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der zweiten Rilllinie (12) und der sechsten Rilllinie (16) enthalten ist, und dem dritten Abschnitt (103) des Streifens ein achter Abschnitt (108) des Streifens identifiziert wird, der zwischen der sechsten Rilllinie (16) und der vierten Rilllinie (14) enthalten ist, wobei die Positionen der vierten Rilllinie (14) und der sechsten Rilllinie (16) derart ausgewählt sind, dass es insbesondere die entlang einer orthogonalen Richtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung gemessene Ausdehnung des achten Abschnittes (108) des Streifens ist, die in Beziehung zu der Höhe der zweiten Flanke (42) des zu verpackenden Artikels (9) steht.
     
    8. Vorrichtung (10) zur Ausführung des Verfahrens nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie Folgendes beinhaltet:

    Zuführmittel zum Zuführen eines Kartonstreifens (2) zum Verpacken entlang einer Vorschubrichtung (A), die parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2) ist;

    Ritzmittel zum Herstellen einer ersten Rilllinie (11) und einer zweiten Rilllinie (12) auf dem Kartonstreifen (2), so dass die erste Rilllinie (11) und die zweite Rilllinie (12) parallel zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung sind und Folgendes identifiziert wird: ein mittlerer Sektor (3), der zwischen der ersten Rilllinie (11) und der zweiten Rilllinie (12) enthalten ist; ein erster seitlicher Sektor (4), der zwischen der ersten Rilllinie (11) und einem ersten seitlichen Ende (6) des Kartonstreifens (2) enthalten ist; und ein zweiter seitlicher Sektor (5), der zwischen der zweiten Rilllinie (12) und einem zweiten seitlichen Ende (7) des Kartonstreifens (2), das dem ersten seitlichen Ende (6) gegenüberliegt, enthalten ist;

    Identifizierungsmittel zum Identifizieren von aufeinander folgenden Streifenbereichen (8) auf dem Kartonstreifen (2);

    erste Schneidmittel zum Herstellen, auf jedem Streifenbereich (8), von zumindest einem ersten Schnitt (21), einem zweiten Schnitt (22), einem dritten Schnitt (23) und einem vierten Schnitt (24), angefertigt in einer Querrichtung zu der Ausdehnungsrichtung des Kartonstreifens (2), so dass: der erste Schnitt (21) und der zweite Schnitt (22) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) ausgeführt werden und sich bis zu der ersten Rilllinie (11) erstrecken, so dass ein erster Verschlussflügel (49), ein erster Verstärkungsflügel (51) und ein zweiter Verstärkungsflügel (52) in dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) definiert werden, wobei der erste Verschlussflügel (49) zwischen dem ersten Verstärkungsflügel (51) und dem zweiten Verstärkungsflügel (52) angeordnet ist; der dritte Schnitt (23) und der vierte Schnitt (24) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) ausgeführt werden und sich bis zu der zweiten Rilllinie (12) erstrecken, so dass ein zweiter Verschlussflügel (50), ein dritter Verstärkungsflügel (53) und ein vierter Verstärkungsflügel (54) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) definiert werden, wobei der zweite Verschlussflügel (50) zwischen dem dritten Verstärkungsflügel (53) und dem vierten Verstärkungsflügel (54) angeordnet ist; der erste Verschlussflügel (49) dem zweiten Verschlussflügel (50) gegenüberliegt, der erste Verstärkungsflügel (51) dem dritten Verstärkungsflügel (53) gegenüberliegt, der zweite Verstärkungsflügel (52) dem vierten Verstärkungsflügel (54) gegenüberliegt;

    zweite Schneidmittel zum Schneiden des Kartonstreifens (2) in Querrichtung, um die oben genannten Streifenbereiche (8) voneinander zu trennen und somit Kartons (1) zum Verpacken zu erhalten.


     
    9. Vorrichtung (10) nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, worin die Ritzmittel Folgendes beinhalten: eine erste Welle (70), die über dem vorgeschobenen Kartonstreifen (2) angeordnet ist; ein erstes Ritzrad (71), das von der ersten Welle (70) getragen wird, wobei dieses erste Ritzrad (71) um eine Achse davon drehbar ist, um die erste Rilllinie (11) herzustellen; ein zweites Ritzrad (72), das von der ersten Welle (70) getragen wird, wobei dieses zweite Ritzrad (72) um eine Achse davon drehbar ist, um die zweite Rilllinie (12) herzustellen.
     
    10. Vorrichtung (10) nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, worin die erste Welle (70) von dem Rahmen (67) getragen wird und beweglich ist, um sich dem vorgeschobenen Streifen anzunähern oder sich davon zu entfernen, und worin die Positionen des ersten Ritzrades (71) und des zweiten Ritzrades (72) entlang der ersten Welle gemäß den Abmessungen des zu verpackenden Artikels (9) einstellbar sind.
     
    11. Vorrichtung (10) nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, beinhaltend ein Schneidrad (68, 69), das von der ersten Welle (70) getragen wird, zum Schneiden eines Randstreifens (46, 47) des Kartonstreifens (2) gemäß den Abmessungen des zu verpackenden Artikels (9), wobei der Randstreifen (46, 47) an dem ersten seitlichen Ende (6) des Kartonstreifens (2) oder an dem zweiten seitlichen Ende (7) des Kartonstreifens (2) angeordnet ist; wobei die Position des Schneidrades (68, 69) entlang der ersten Welle (70) gemäß den Abmessungen des zu schneidenden Randstreifens (46, 47) einstellbar ist.
     
    12. Vorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, worin die Ritzmittel ferner beinhalten: ein drittes Ritzrad (73), das von der ersten Welle (70) getragen wird, wobei dieses dritte Ritzrad (73) um eine Achse davon drehbar ist, um eine dritte Rilllinie (13) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) des Kartonstreifens (2) herzustellen; ein viertes Ritzrad (74), das von der ersten Welle (70) getragen wird, wobei dieses vierte Ritzrad (74) um eine Achse davon drehbar ist, um eine vierte Rilllinie (14) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) des Kartonstreifens (2) herzustellen; wobei die Positionen des dritten Ritzrades (73) und des vierten Ritzrades (74) entlang der ersten Welle (70) einstellbar sind, um jeweils die Positionen der dritten Rilllinie (13) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) des Kartonstreifens (2) und der vierten Rilllinie (14) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) des Kartonstreifens (2) zu verändern.
     
    13. Vorrichtung (10) nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, worin die Ritzmittel ferner beinhalten: ein fünftes Ritzrad (75), das von der ersten Welle (70) getragen wird, wobei dieses fünfte Ritzrad (75) um eine Achse davon drehbar ist, um eine fünfte Rilllinie (15) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) des Kartonstreifens (2) herzustellen; ein sechstes Ritzrad (76), das von der ersten Welle (70) getragen wird, wobei dieses sechste Ritzrad (76) um eine Achse davon drehbar ist, um eine sechste Rilllinie (16) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) des Kartonstreifens (2) herzustellen; wobei die Positionen des fünften Ritzrades (75) und des sechsten Ritzrades (76) entlang der ersten Welle (70) einstellbar sind, um jeweils die Positionen der fünften Rilllinie (15) auf dem ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) des Kartonstreifens (2) und der sechsten Rilllinie (16) auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) des Kartonstreifens (2) zu verändern.
     
    14. Vorrichtung (10) nach einem der Ansprüche von 8 bis 13, worin die ersten Schneidmittel stromabwärts nach den Ritzmitteln angeordnet sind und worin die zweiten Schneidmittel (39) stromabwärts nach den ersten Schneidmitteln angeordnet sind.
     
    15. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche von 8 bis 14, worin die Zuführmittel des Kartonstreifens (2) Mittel für den schrittweisen Vorschub sind, und worin die ersten Schneidmittel Folgendes beinhalten: ein erstes Guillotine-Schlagmesser (121), das vertikal auf den ersten seitlichen Sektor (4) jedes Bereichs des Streifens (8) wirkt, um mehrere Schnitte (21, 22, 25, 27) synchron zu dem schrittweisen Vorschub des Kartonstreifens (2) auszuführen, und ein zweites Guillotine-Schlagmesser (122), das vertikal auf dem zweiten seitlichen Sektor (5) jedes Bereichs des Streifens (8) wirkt, um mehrere Schnitte (23, 24, 25, 28) synchron zu dem schrittweisen Vorschub des Kartonstreifens (2) auszuführen.
     


    Revendications

    1. Un procédé de fabrication de cartons (1) d'emballage, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les phases suivantes :

    alimenter une bande de carton (2) d'emballage le long d'une direction d'avance (A) qui est parallèle à la direction de développement de la bande de carton (2) ;

    réaliser une première pliure (11) et une deuxième pliure (12) sur la bande de carton (2), de manière à ce que la première pliure (11) et la deuxième pliure (12) soient parallèles à la direction de développement et que soient identifiés : un secteur central (3) compris entre la première pliure (11) et la deuxième pliure (12) ; un premier secteur latéral (4) compris entre la première pliure (11) et une première extrémité latérale (6) de la bande de carton (2) ; et un deuxième secteur latéral (5) compris entre la deuxième pliure (12) et une deuxième extrémité latérale (7) de la bande de carton (2) qui est opposée à la première extrémité latérale (6) ;

    identifier sur la bande de carton (2) des régions de bande (8) qui sont consécutives entre elles ;

    effectuer, sur chaque région de bande (8), au moins une première découpe (21), une deuxième découpe (22), une troisième découpe (23) et une quatrième découpe (24) pratiquées dans une direction transversale à la direction de développement de la bande de carton (2) de manière à ce que : la première découpe (21) et la deuxième découpe (22) soient effectuées sur le premier secteur latéral (4) et s'étendent jusqu'à la première pliure (11), afin qu'une première aile de fermeture (49), une première aile de renfort (51) et une deuxième aile de renfort (52) soient définies dans le premier secteur latéral (4), la première aile de fermeture (49) étant interposée entre la première aile de renfort (51) et la deuxième aile de renfort (52) ; la troisième découpe (23) et la quatrième découpe (24) soient effectuées sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) et s'étendent jusqu'à la deuxième pliure (12), afin qu'une deuxième aile de fermeture (50), une troisième aile de renfort (53) et une quatrième aile de renfort (54) soient définies sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5), la deuxième aile de fermeture (50) étant interposée entre la troisième aile de renfort (53) et la quatrième aile de renfort (54) ; la première aile de fermeture (49) soit opposée à la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), la première aile de renfort (51) soit opposée à la troisième aile de renfort (53), la deuxième aile de renfort (52) soit opposée à la quatrième aile de renfort (54) ;

    couper la bande de carton (2) transversalement de manière à séparer les unes des autres les régions de bande (8) susmentionnées, obtenant ainsi des cartons (1) d'emballage.


     
    2. Le procédé selon la revendication précédente, comprenant les phases consistant à régler sélectivement, selon les dimensions de l'article (9) à emballer :

    la position de la première pliure (11) ;

    la position de la deuxième pliure (12) ;

    les extensions de chaque région de bande (8), mesurées dans une direction parallèle à la direction d'extension, et en conséquence les positions dans lesquelles couper transversalement la bande de carton (2) pour séparer les régions de bande (8) les unes des autres ;

    la position de la première découpe (21), de la deuxième découpe (22), de la troisième découpe (23) et de la quatrième découpe (24) à l'intérieur de chaque région de bande (8).


     
    3. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant une phase ou des phases consistant à couper une bande de bord de la bande de carton (2) qui est située au niveau de la première extrémité latérale (6) de la bande de carton (2) et/ou au niveau de la deuxième extrémité latérale (7) de la bande de carton (2) en fonction des dimensions de l'article (9) à emballer.
     
    4. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel sur chaque région de bande (8) sont en outre effectuées : une cinquième découpe (25) pratiquée dans une direction transversale à la direction d'extension de la bande de carton (2) de manière à diviser la première aile de renfort (51) en deux parties, à savoir une cinquième aile de renfort (55) et une sixième aile de renfort (56) ; une sixième découpe (26) pratiquée dans une direction transversale à la direction d'extension de la bande de carton (2) de manière à diviser la troisième aile de renfort (53) en deux parties, à savoir une septième aile de renfort (57) et une huitième aile de renfort (58) ; la cinquième aile de renfort (55) étant opposée à la septième aile de renfort (57) et la sixième aile de renfort (56) étant opposée à la huitième aile de renfort (58) ; les positions de la cinquième découpe (25) et de la sixième découpe (26) étant sélectionnées pour que les extensions de la sixième aile de renfort (56) et de la huitième aile de renfort (58), mesurées le long de la direction d'extension, soient en relation avec la hauteur d'un troisième flanc (43) d'un article (9) à emballer qui est en appui sur le secteur central (3), entre la première aile de fermeture (49) et la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), le troisième flanc (43) étant exposé vers le tronçon de secteur central (3) auquel sont articulées, par le biais de la première pliure (11) et de la deuxième pliure (12), la cinquième aile de renfort (55), la sixième aile de renfort (56), la septième aile de renfort (57) et la huitième aile de renfort (58).
     
    5. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel sur chaque région de bande (8) sont en outre effectuées : une septième découpe (27) pratiquée transversalement à la direction d'extension de la bande de carton (2) de manière à diviser la deuxième aile de renfort (52) en deux parties, à savoir une neuvième aile de renfort (59) et une dixième aile de renfort (60) ; une huitième découpe (28) pratiquée dans une direction transversale à la direction d'extension de la bande de carton (2) de manière à diviser la quatrième aile de renfort (54) en deux parties, à savoir une onzième aile de renfort (99) et une douzième aile de renfort (100) ; la neuvième aile de renfort (59) étant opposée à la onzième aile de renfort (99) et la dixième aile de renfort (60) étant opposée à la douzième aile de renfort (100) ; les positions de la septième découpe (27) et de la huitième découpe (28) étant sélectionnées pour que les extensions de la neuvième aile de renfort (59) et de la onzième aile de renfort (99), mesurées le long de la direction de développement, soient en relation avec la hauteur d'un quatrième flanc (44) d'un article (9) à emballer qui est en appui sur le secteur central (3), entre la première aile de fermeture (49) et la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), le quatrième flanc (44) étant exposé vers le tronçon de secteur central (3) auquel sont articulées, par le biais de la première pliure (11) et de la deuxième pliure (12), la neuvième aile de renfort (59), la dixième aile de renfort (60), la onzième aile de renfort (99) et la douzième aile de renfort (100).
     
    6. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant les autres phases consistant à : réaliser une troisième pliure (13) sur le premier secteur latéral (4) de la bande qui est parallèle à la direction d'extension, de manière à ce qu'une première portion (101) de bande soit identifiée dans la première aile de fermeture (49), comprise entre la première pliure (11) et la troisième pliure (13), et à ce qu'une deuxième portion (102) de bande soit identifiée dans la première aile de fermeture (49), comprise entre la troisième pliure (13) et l'extrémité libre de la première aile de fermeture (49), la position de la troisième pliure (13) étant sélectionnée de manière à ce que l'extension de la première portion (101) de bande, mesurée le long d'une direction perpendiculaire à la direction de développement, soit en relation avec la hauteur d'un premier flanc (41) d'un article (9) à emballer qui est en appui sur le secteur central (3), entre la première aile de fermeture (49) et la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), le premier flanc (41) étant exposé vers la première aile de fermeture (49) ; réaliser une quatrième pliure (14) sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) de la bande qui est parallèle à la direction d'extension, de manière à ce qu'une troisième portion (103) de bande soit identifiée dans la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), comprise entre la deuxième pliure (12) et la quatrième pliure (14), et à ce qu'une quatrième portion (104) de bande soit identifiée dans la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), comprise entre la quatrième pliure (14) et l'extrémité libre de la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), la position de la quatrième pliure (14) étant sélectionnée de manière à ce que l'extension de la troisième portion (103) de bande, mesurée le long d'une direction perpendiculaire à la direction d'extension, soit en relation avec la hauteur d'un deuxième flanc (42) de l'article (9) à emballer qui est en appui sur le secteur central (3) entre la première aile de fermeture (49) et la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), le deuxième flanc (42) étant exposé vers la deuxième aile de fermeture (50).
     
    7. Le procédé selon la revendication précédente, comprenant en outre les phases consistant à : réaliser une cinquième pliure (15) sur le premier secteur latéral (4) de la bande qui est parallèle à la direction d'extension et comprise entre la première pliure (11) et la troisième pliure (13), de manière à ce qu'une cinquième portion (105) de bande soit identifiée dans la première portion (101) de bande comprise entre la première pliure (11) et la cinquième pliure (15) et à ce qu'une sixième portion (106) de bande soit identifiée dans la première portion (101) de bande comprise entre la cinquième pliure (15) et la troisième pliure (13), les positions de la troisième pliure (13) et de la cinquième pliure (15) étant sélectionnées de manière à ce que ce soit en particulier l'extension de la sixième portion (106) de bande, mesurée le long d'une direction perpendiculaire à la direction d'extension, à être en relation avec la hauteur du premier flanc (41) de l'article (9) à emballer ; réaliser une sixième pliure (16) sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) de la bande qui est parallèle à la direction d'extension et comprise entre la deuxième pliure (12) et la quatrième pliure (14), de manière à ce qu'une septième portion (107) de bande soit identifiée dans la troisième portion (103) de bande comprise entre la deuxième pliure (12) et la sixième pliure (16) et à ce qu'une huitième portion (108) de bande soit identifiée dans la troisième portion (103) de bande comprise entre la sixième pliure (16) et la quatrième pliure (14), les positions de la quatrième pliure (14) et de la sixième pliure (16) étant sélectionnées de manière à ce que ce soit en particulier l'extension de la huitième portion (108) de bande, mesurée le long d'une direction perpendiculaire à la direction d'extension, à être en relation avec la hauteur du deuxième flanc (42) de l'article (9) à emballer.
     
    8. Un appareil (10) pour mettre en oeuvre le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

    des moyens d'alimentation pour alimenter une bande de carton (2) d'emballage le long d'une direction d'avance (A) qui est parallèle à la direction d'extension de la bande de carton (2) ;

    des moyens de rainage pour effectuer une première pliure (11) et une deuxième pliure (12) sur la bande de carton (2), de manière à ce que la première pliure (11) et la deuxième pliure (12) soient parallèles à la direction d'extension et que soient identifiés : un secteur central (3) compris entre la première pliure (11) et la deuxième pliure (12) ; un premier secteur latéral (4) compris entre la première pliure (11) et une première extrémité latérale (6) de la bande de carton (2) ; et un deuxième secteur latéral (5) compris entre la deuxième pliure (12) et une deuxième extrémité latérale (7) de la bande de carton (2) qui est opposée à la première extrémité latérale (6) ;

    des moyens d'identification pour identifier des régions de bande (8) sur la bande de carton (2) qui sont consécutives entre elles ;

    des premiers moyens de coupe pour effectuer, sur chaque région de bande (8), au moins une première découpe (21), une deuxième découpe (22), une troisième découpe (23) et une quatrième découpe (24) pratiquées dans une direction transversale à la direction de développement de la bande de carton (2) de manière à ce que : la première découpe (21) et la deuxième découpe (22) soient effectuées sur le premier secteur latéral (4) et s'étendent jusqu'à la première pliure (11), afin qu'une première aile de fermeture (49), une première aile de renfort (51) et une deuxième aile de renfort (52) soient définies dans le premier secteur latéral (4), la première aile de fermeture (49) étant interposée entre la première aile de renfort (51) et la deuxième aile de renfort (52) ; la troisième découpe (23) et la quatrième découpe (24) soient effectuées sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) et s'étendent jusqu'à la deuxième pliure (12), afin qu'une deuxième aile de fermeture (50), une troisième aile de renfort (53) et une quatrième aile de renfort (54) soient définies sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5), la deuxième aile de fermeture (50) étant interposée entre la troisième aile de renfort (53) et la quatrième aile de renfort (54) ; la première aile de fermeture (49) soit opposée à la deuxième aile de fermeture (50), la première aile de renfort (51) soit opposée à la troisième aile de renfort (53), la deuxième aile de renfort (52) soit opposée à la quatrième aile de renfort (54) ;

    des deuxièmes moyens de coupe pour couper la bande de carton (2) transversalement de manière à séparer les unes des autres les régions de bande (8) susmentionnées, obtenant ainsi des cartons (1) d'emballage.


     
    9. L'appareil (10) selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel les moyens de rainage comprennent : un premier arbre (70) disposé au-dessus de la bande de carton (2) qui avance ; une première roue de rainage (71) portée par le premier arbre (70), ladite première roue de rainage (71) peut tourner par rapport à un axe respectif pour réaliser la première pliure (11) ; une deuxième roue de rainage (72) portée par le premier arbre (70), ladite deuxième roue de rainage (72) peut tourner par rapport à un axe respectif pour réaliser la deuxième pliure (12).
     
    10. L'appareil (10) selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel le premier arbre (70) est porté par le châssis (67) et peut être approché et éloigné par rapport à la bande qui avance, et dans lequel les positions de la première roue de rainage (71) et de la deuxième roue de rainage (72) sont réglables le long du premier arbre en fonction des dimensions de l'article (9) à emballer.
     
    11. L'appareil (10) selon la revendication précédente, comprenant une roue de coupe (68, 69) portée par le premier arbre (70) pour couper une bande de bord (46, 47) de la bande de carton (2) en fonction des dimensions de l'article (9) à emballer, la bande de bord (46, 47) étant située au niveau de la première extrémité latérale (6) de la bande de carton (2) ou au niveau de la deuxième extrémité latérale (7) de la bande de carton (2) ; la position de la roue de coupe (68, 69) étant réglable le long du premier arbre (70) en fonction des dimensions de la bande de bord (46, 47) à couper.
     
    12. L'appareil (10) selon la revendication 10 ou 11, dans lequel les moyens de rainage comprennent en outre : une troisième roue de rainage (73) portée par le premier arbre (70), ladite troisième roue de rainage (73) peut tourner par rapport à un axe respectif pour réaliser une troisième pliure (13) sur le premier secteur latéral (4) de la bande de carton (2) ; une quatrième roue de rainage (74) portée par le premier arbre (70), ladite quatrième roue de rainage (74) peut tourner autour d'un axe respectif pour réaliser une quatrième pliure (14) sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) de la bande de carton (2) ; les positions de la troisième roue de rainage (73) et de la quatrième roue de rainage (74) étant réglables le long du premier arbre (70) afin de modifier respectivement les positions de la troisième pliure (13) sur le premier secteur latéral (4) de la bande de carton (2) et de la quatrième pliure (14) sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) de la bande de carton (2).
     
    13. L'appareil (10) selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel les moyens de rainage comprennent en outre : une cinquième roue de rainage (75) portée par le premier arbre (70), ladite cinquième roue de rainage (75) peut tourner par rapport à un axe respectif pour réaliser une cinquième pliure (15) sur le premier secteur latéral (4) de la bande de carton (2) ; une sixième roue de rainage (76) portée par le premier arbre (70), ladite sixième roue de rainage (76) peut tourner par rapport à un axe respectif pour réaliser une sixième pliure (16) sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) de la bande de carton (2) ; les positions de la cinquième roue de rainage (75) et de la sixième roue de rainage (76) étant réglables le long du premier arbre (70) afin de modifier respectivement les positions de la cinquième pliure (15) sur le premier secteur latéral (4) de la bande de carton (2) et de la sixième pliure (16) sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) de la bande de carton (2).
     
    14. L'appareil (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 8 à 13, dans lequel les premiers moyens de coupe sont disposés en aval des moyens de rainage et dans lequel les deuxièmes moyens de coupe (39) sont disposés en aval des premiers moyens de coupe.
     
    15. L'appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 8 à 14, dans lequel les moyens d'alimentation de la bande de carton (2) sont des moyens d'alimentation à pas, et dans lequel les premiers moyens de coupe comprennent : un premier massicot (121) agissant verticalement sur le premier secteur latéral (4) de chaque région de bande (8) de manière à effectuer une pluralité de découpes (21, 22, 25, 27) en synchronisation avec l'avance à pas de la bande de carton (2), et un deuxième massicot (122) agissant verticalement sur le deuxième secteur latéral (5) de chaque région de bande (8) de manière à effectuer une pluralité de découpes (23, 24, 26, 28) en synchronisation avec l'avance à pas de la bande de carton (2).
     




    Drawing












































    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description