Machine and method for making blanks for boxes to measure

Abstract

A machine (1) for making blanks (2) for boxes to measure, comprises feed means configured for realizing rectangular pieces (3) of the blank (2). Each rectangular piece (3) has a width (La), measured along a first edge (3a) thereof, which width (La) is equal to a pre-determined width (La) of the blank (2) and a length (Lu), measured along a second edge (3b) of said rectangular piece, said length (Lu) being preferably less than a pre-determined length (Lu) of the blank (2). Joining means (32) are configured for joining at least two rectangular pieces (3) or one rectangular piece (3) and a piece of an intermediate blank previously made, relative to respective first edges (3a), so as to obtain a blank exhibiting an intermediate width (La), which intermediate width (La) is equal to the pre-determined width (La) of the blank (2), and a length which is greater than the pre-determined length (Lu) of the blank (2). Cutting means (40) are configured for cutting the intermediate blank parallel to the first edges in order to obtain the blank (2).

Claims

1. A method for making blanks (2) for boxes to measure, comprising: making rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2), each rectangular piece (3) having a width (La) measured along a first edge (3a) of the rectangular piece, equal to a pre-determined width (La) of the blank (2), and a length (lu), measured along a second edge (3b) of the rectangular piece, making from said rectangular pieces (3) at least an intermediate blank having a width (La), equal to said pre-determined width of the blank (2) and a length greater than the length (lu) of the rectangular pieces (3) and greater than a pre-determined length (Lu) of the blank (2), wherein making at least an intermediate blank comprises joining, at respective first edges (3a), a rectangular piece (3) to another rectangular piece (3) or a rectangular piece (3) to a piece of a previously made intermediate blank, cutting said intermediate blank parallel to said first edges (3a) so as to obtain said blank (2) having said pre-determined width (La) and said pre-determined length (Lu).

2. The method for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 1, wherein making rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2) comprises: preparing a continuous sheet (5) extending along a major direction of extension (6) and having a transverse dimension (Lt), feeding said continuous sheet (5) along said major direction of extension (6), cutting said continuous sheet (5) perpendicularly to said major direction of extension (6) for a length equal to said pre-determined width (La) of said blank (2).

3. The method for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 2, wherein making rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2) further comprises trimming said continuous sheet (5) along said major direction of extension (6) so as to obtain a thickness that is inclined relative to a plane in which said continuous sheet (5) lies.

4. The method for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 1, wherein making rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2) comprises: preparing at least a single sheet (10) having an initial width (la), measured along a first edge (10a) of the single sheet, and an initial length (l), measured along a second edge (10b) of the single sheet, making said rectangular pieces (3) from single sheets (10) by cutting a single sheet perpendicularly to said initial width (la) and/or joining, at respective second edges (10b), a single sheet to another single sheet or to pieces of single sheets so as to obtain said pre-determined width (La) of said blank (2), if said initial width (la) is different from said pre-determined width (La) of said blank (2).

5. The method for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 4, wherein making rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2) further comprises trimming said single sheet (10) along said initial width (la), so as to obtain a thickness that is inclined relative to a plane in which said single sheet (10) lies.

6. The method for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 1, comprising: making said rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2) by conveying a continuous sheet (5) or single sheets (10) along a first feed direction (8) parallel to said major direction of extension (6) or to said initial width (la), making said intermediate blank and cutting said intermediate blank by conveying said rectangular pieces and said intermediate blank along a second feed direction (12) perpendicular to the first feed direction (8).

7. A machine (1) for making blanks (2) for boxes to measure, comprising: feed means configured to make rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2), each rectangular piece (3) having a width (La), measured along a first edge (3a) of the rectangular piece, equal to a pre-determined width (La) of the blank (2) and a length (lu) measured along a second edge (3b) of the rectangular piece, joining means (32) for joining at least two rectangular pieces (3) or one rectangular piece (3) and a piece of a previously made intermediate blank at respective first edges (3a) so as to obtain an intermediate blank having a width (La) equal to said pre-determined width (La) of the blank (2) and a length greater than said a pre-determined length (Lu) of the blank (2), cutting means (40) to cut said intermediate blank parallel to said first edges so as to obtain said blank (2) having said pre-determined width (La) and said pre-determined length (Lu).

8. The machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 7, wherein said feed means for making rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2) comprises: an automatic store (4) configured to receive a continuous sheet (5) extending along a major direction of extension (6) and having a transverse dimension (Lt), a feed path (7) configured for planar feeding of said continuous sheet (5) along said major direction of extension (6) corresponding to a first feed direction (8).

9. The machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 7, wherein said feed means for making rectangular pieces (3) of said blank (2) comprises: an automatic store (9) of single sheets (10), each having an initial width (la), measured along a first edge (10a) of the single sheet, and an initial length (l), measured along a second edge (10b) of the single sheet, a feed path (7) configured for planar feeding of said single sheets (10) along a first feed direction (8) parallel to said initial width (la).

10. The machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 8, comprising preliminary cutting means (13) configured to cut said continuous sheet (5) perpendicularly to said major direction of extension (6) for a length equal to said pre-determined width (La) of said blank (2) and/or to cut a single sheet (10) perpendicularly to said initial width (la).

11. The machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 10, wherein said preliminary cutting means (13) comprises at least a cutter (14), movable perpendicularly to said first feed direction (8) along a slit (15) in a supporting surface (7a) for said continuous sheet (5) and/or said single sheet (10) and cooperating with a matrix (16) positioned on the side opposite the supporting surface (7a).

12. The machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 8, comprising a trimming device (24) configured to trim said continuous sheet (5) and/or said single sheet (10) along said first feed direction (8) so as to obtain a thickness that is inclined relative to a plane in which said continuous sheet (5) and/or said single sheet (10) lie.

13. The machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 9, comprising preliminary joining means (25) configured to join, at respective second edges (10b), said single sheet (10) to another single sheet or to pieces of single sheets so as to obtain said pre-determined width (La) of said blank (2), if said initial width (la) is different from said pre-determined width (La) of said blank (2).

14. The machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to claim 8, comprising: a forming path (11) configured for planar feeding of said rectangular pieces (3) along a second feed direction (12) perpendicular to the first feed direction (8), said joining means (32) and said cutting means (40) being disposed along said forming path (11).

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said length (lu) measured along the second edge (3b) of the rectangular piece (3) is less than the pre-determined length (Lu) of the blank (2).

16. The machine of claim 7, wherein said length (lu) measured along the second edge (3b) of the rectangular piece (3) is shorter than the pre-determined length (Lu) of the blank (2).

Description

(1) Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a machine for making blanks for boxes to measure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view in perspective of a machine for making blanks for boxes to measure according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 1a is a schematic view of the machine of FIG. 1, in which an automatic store for sheets feeding is realized according to an alternative embodiment;

(4) FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an enlarged detail of the machine of FIG. 1, according to a different angle, in which some elements have been omitted to highlight others;

(5) FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an enlarged detail of the machine of FIG. 1, according to a different angle, in which some elements have been omitted to highlight others;

(6) FIG. 4 is a schematic view in perspective of an enlarged detail of the machine of FIG. 1, wherein some elements have been omitted to highlight others;

(7) FIG. 5 is a schematic view in perspective of an enlarged detail of the machine of FIG. 1, according to a different angle, in which some elements have been omitted to highlight others;

(8) FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the enlarged detail VI of the machine of FIG. 5;

(9) FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the machine of FIG. 5, according to a different angle;

(10) FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the enlarged detail VIII of the machine of FIG. 7.

(11) With reference to the attached figures, with 1 it is indicated a machine for making blanks 2 for boxes to measure in its entirety, hereinafter also referred to as machine 1. In FIG. 1 there were indicated two different blanks having different sizes for making two boxes with different sizes.

(12) The machine 1 comprises feed means configured for realizing rectangular pieces 3 of the blank 2.

(13) Each rectangular piece 3 exhibits a width La, measured along a first edge 3a of the former, which width La is equal to a pre-determined width La of the blank 2.

(14) Each rectangular piece 3 further exhibits a length Lu measured along a second edge 3b of said rectangular piece, said length Lu being preferably less than a pre-determined length Lu of the blank 2.

(15) According to a possible embodiment, the feed means comprises an automatic store 4, configured for receiving a continuous sheet 5 extending along a major direction of extension 6 and having a transverse dimension Lt. A feed path 7 is configured for planar feeding of continuous sheet 5 along the major direction of extension 6 corresponding to a first feed direction 8.

(16) In a further embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1a, the feed means comprises an automatic store 41 configured for receiving a continuous sheet 5 wound in a roll along the major direction of extension 6.

(17) According to a possible embodiment, the feed means comprises an automatic store 9 of single sheets 10.

(18) Each single sheet has an initial width La, measured along a first edge 10a of the single sheet, and an initial length l, measured along a second edge 10b of the single sheet.

(19) A feed path 7 is configured for planar feeding of single sheets 10 along a first feed direction 8 which is parallel to the initial width La.

(20) In one embodiment of the machine 1, illustrated by way of example in the appended figures, there can be provided both the automatic store 4 and the automatic store 9. In other words, the machine 1 can be fed selectively either with a continuous sheet 5 or with single sheets 10. In this case the continuous sheet 5 and the single sheets 10 are fed along the same feed path 7 and along the same first feed direction 8.

(21) Preferably, at least a portion of the feed path 7 comprises a supporting surface 7a adapted to receive the continuous sheet 5 and/or the single sheets 10 arranged planar. Particularly the supporting surface 7a is arranged horizontally in the use configuration of the machine 1.

(22) According to a possible embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a forming path 11 configured for planar feeding of the rectangular pieces 3 along a second feed direction 12.

(23) Preferably, the second feed direction 12 is perpendicular to the first feed direction 8 as illustrated by way of example in the appended figures.

(24) According to a possible embodiment, the feed means comprises preliminary cutting means 13. Preferably, the preliminary cutting means 13 are arranged along the first feed direction 8.

(25) Where it is provided to start from a continuous sheet 5, the preliminary cutting means 13 are configured for cutting the continuous sheet 5 perpendicularly to its major direction of extension 6, i.e., to the first feed direction 8, along a length which is equal to the pre-determined width La of the blank 2.

(26) On the other hand, where it is provided to start from a single sheet 10, the preliminary cutting means 13 are configured for cutting the single sheet 10 perpendicularly to the initial width La.

(27) Advantageously the preliminary cutting means can be configured for cutting both the continuous sheet 5 and the single sheets 10.

(28) In a possible embodiment, the preliminary cutting means 13 comprises at least one cutter 14 movable perpendicularly to the first feed direction 8 along a slit 15 of the supporting surface 7a. Preferably, the cutter 14 co-operates with a matrix 16 disposed on the opposite side of the supporting surface 7a. For this purpose the matrix 16 may exhibit a groove 17 (FIG. 4) inside which at least one portion of the cutter 14 can slide. In the non-limiting example illustrated in the figures, the cutter 14 is associated to a sliding block 18 slidable on a guide 19 positioned inferiorly to the supporting plane 7a. The matrix 16 is arranged above the supporting plane 7a.

(29) According to a possible embodiment, actuators 20, for example linear actuators, may be associated to the matrix 16 so as to raise it and lower it relative to the supporting plane 7a and the cutter 14. Preferably a bar 21 arranged perpendicularly to the first feed direction 8 and movable between a raised position and a lowered position, is associated to the matrix 16.

(30) Pressing elements 22 are movable between a raised position and a lowered position for pressing the continuous sheet or the single sheet on the supporting surface 7a. Preferably, the pressing elements 22 are solidly constraint to the bar 21 and to the matrix 16, for example by means of plates 23 arranged transversely to the bar 21. The preliminary cutting means 13, together with a portion of the supporting surface 7a and the matrix 16, are preferably slidable along the first feed direction 8 for example along guides 23a.

(31) According to a possible embodiment, of which the appended drawings form a non-limiting example, the machine 1 can comprise at least a trimming device 24 configured for trimming the continuous sheet and/or the single sheet along the first feed direction 8 so as to obtain a thickness inclined relative to a plane in which the continuous sheet and/or the single sheet lie. Particularly the laying plane is defined by the supporting surface 7a.

(32) The trimming device 24 is arranged so as to trim one of the first edges 3a of the continuous sheet 5 or one of the first edges 10a of the single sheet 10. If necessary, there can be provided two trimming devices 24 disposed on opposite sides of the supporting surface 7a. Each trimming device 24 is suitable for trimming a first edge 3a of the continuous sheet 5 or a first edge 10a of the single sheet.

(33) The trimming device/s 24 is/are arranged and operate along the first feed direction 8.

(34) In accordance with a possible embodiment, particularly where feeding process starts from the single sheets, it is useful to provide preliminary joining means 25 configured for joining, at respective second edges 10b, a single sheet to another single sheet or to pieces of single sheets so as to obtain the pre-determined width La of the blank 2, particularly if the initial width La is different from the pre-determined width La of the blank 2.

(35) According to a possible embodiment, the preliminary joining means comprises a gun 26 suitable for providing a layer of adhesive material or glue at the second edges 10b of a single sheet or of a piece of a single sheet. Preferably the gun 26 is mounted slidably along a direction perpendicular to the first feed direction 8. In particular, the gun 26 comprises a sliding block 27 slidable on a guide 28 arranged perpendicularly to the first feed direction 8.

(36) The preliminary joining means 25 are preferably arranged on the opposite side of the supporting surface 7a relative to the single sheet, and are adapted to operate relative to an interruption 29 of said supporting surface 7a.

(37) According to a possible embodiment, the preliminary joining means 25 are arranged and operate along the first feed direction 8.

(38) With the numeral 30 it is indicated a comb-shaped supporting element which is movable, for example, between a raised position and a lowered position by means of linear actuators 31 thereby keeping the ends of the trimmed edges in contact with one another, thus facilitating bonding thereof.

(39) In use, it is now described how the feed means realize the rectangular pieces 3 of the blank 2 starting from the continuous sheet 5.

(40) In particular it is provided to predispose a continuous sheet 5 which develops along the major direction of extension 6 and exhibits a transversal dimension Lt, which is perpendicular to the major direction of extension 6. Preferably, said continuous sheet 5 is predisposed for starting from an automatic store 4 associated to the machine 1. The transversal dimension Lt can be equal to or greater than the length Lu of the rectangular piece 3 that will be obtained from the continuous sheet 5.

(41) In particular there is provided to feed the continuous sheet 5 along the major direction of extension 6, i.e. along the first feed direction 8, along the feed path 7. According to a possible embodiment illustrated by way of example in the appended figures, the continuous sheet 5 is always fed along the same first feed direction 8a.

(42) Along the feed path 7, the continuous sheet 5 is cut by means of preliminary cutting means 13 perpendicularly to its major direction of extension 6, and then perpendicularly to the first feed direction 8, along a length which is equal to the pre-determined width La of the blank 2.

(43) According to a possible embodiment, along the feed path 7, the continuous sheet 5 can be trimmed along the major direction of extension 6, i.e. along the first feed direction 8. In this case the transversal dimension Lt of the continuous sheet 5 is greater than the length Lu of the rectangular piece 3. Following the trimming, a thickness is obtained, which is inclined with respect to a plane in which the continuous sheet lies. In other words it is possible to trim the continuous sheet so as to obtain a thickness which is inclined relative to one or both the first edges 3a of the rectangular piece 3.

(44) At the end of the feed path 7, a rectangular piece is then obtained having a La width measured along a first edge 3a, equal to the pre-determined width La of the blank 2 and to the length Lu, measured along a second edge 3b, said length Lu being preferably less than a pre-determined length Lu of the blank 2.

(45) In use, it is now described how the feed means realizes rectangular pieces 3 of the blank 2 starting from single sheets 10.

(46) In particular it is provided to predispose at least one single sheet 10 exhibiting an initial width La, measured along a first edge 10a of the single sheet, and an initial length l, measured along a second edge 10b of the single sheet. Preferably such single sheet 10 is arranged for starting from an automatic store 9 associated to the machine 1. The initial width La can be equal to or different, preferably greater, than the pre-determined width La of the blank 2, and thus of the rectangular piece 3. The initial length L is preferably less than a pre-determined length Lu of the blank 2 and can be greater than the length Lu of the rectangular piece 3.

(47) In order to obtain the pre-determined width La of the blank 2, there is subsequently provided to attain rectangular pieces 3 by cutting a single sheet perpendicularly to the initial width La and/or by joining, at respective second edges 10b, a single sheet to another single sheet or to rectangular pieces of single sheets. Cutting and/or joining are performed particularly if the initial width La differs from the pre-determined width La of the blank 2.

(48) In particular there is provided to feed the single sheet 10 along the first feed direction 8 and along the feed path 7. According to a possible embodiment, illustrated by way of example in the appended figures, the single sheet 10 can also be fed according to opposite feed directions.

(49) For example a single sheet 10 can be picked up from the automatic store 9 and first fed along a direction 8b opposite to the feed direction 8a, and subsequently along the feed direction 8a. During this step, a cut is made perpendicularly to the initial width La and/or a joining is performed perpendicularly to the initial width La (relative to the second edges 10b), and/or a trimming is carried out along one or both the first edges 10a, so as to obtain an inclined thickness. The three above operations can be performed according to various timelines.

(50) Along the feed path 7, the single sheet 10 can be cut by means of preliminary cutting means 13, perpendicularly to its initial width La so as to obtain a length equal to the pre-determined width La of the blank 2.

(51) The cut made by the preliminary cutting means 13 is particularly performed where the initial length La is greater than the pre-determined width La.

(52) According to a possible embodiment, along the feed path 7, the single sheet 10 may be trimmed along the first feed direction 8. In this case the initial length l of the single sheet 10 is greater than the length Lu of the rectangular piece 3. Following the trimming, there is obtained a thickness inclined relative to a plane in which the single sheet lies. In other words it is possible to trim the single sheet in order to obtain a thickness inclined relative to one or both the first edges 3a of the rectangular piece 3.

(53) Along the feed path 7, a single sheet 10 can be possibly joined, via preliminary joining means 25, along second edges 10b, to another single sheet or to pieces of single sheets, obtained for example as a result of cuts previously made through the preliminary cutting means 13. The cut obtained via the preliminary cutting means 13 can be performed prior or after the joining to another single sheet or to pieces of single sheets, said joining being obtained through the preliminary joining means 25.

(54) At the end of the feed path 7, a rectangular piece is then obtained having a width La measured along a first edge 3a, said width La being equal to the pre-determined width La of the blank 2 and a length Lu, measured along a second edge 3b, said length Lu being preferably less than a pre-determined length Lu of the blank 2.

(55) In general it is therefore provided to realize rectangular pieces 3 by conveying a continuous sheet 5 or single sheets 10 along the first feed direction 8, and in particular along the feed path 7.

(56) Following the feed path 7, the machine 1 exhibits the forming path 11.

(57) Along the forming path 11 there is provided to realize at least one intermediate blank obtained by the rectangular pieces 3, which intermediate blank has a width La equal to the pre-determined width of the blank 2 and a length greater than the length Lu of the rectangular pieces 3 and the pre-determined length Lu of the blank 2.

(58) In order to realize an intermediate blank, there is provided to join, relative to respective first edges 3a, a rectangular piece 3 to another rectangular piece 3 or a rectangular piece 3 to a piece of a previously made intermediate blank.

(59) The forming path defines the second feed direction 12 along which the rectangular pieces and the intermediate blank are conveyed.

(60) To this end, there are provided joining means 32 for joining at least two rectangular pieces 3 or one rectangular piece, as well as a piece of a previously made intermediate blank, relative to respective first edges 3a.

(61) The joining means 32 are arranged along the forming path 11.

(62) According to a possible embodiment, the joining means 32 comprises a gun 33 suitable for providing a layer of adhesive material or glue at the first edges 3a. Preferably the gun 33 is mounted slidably along a direction perpendicular to the second feed direction 12. In particular, the gun 33 comprises wheels 34 sliding on a guide 35, which guide 35 is arranged perpendicularly to the second feed direction 12. Actuating means, for example a motor 36, are operatively associated to a belt 37 which is solidly constraint to the gun 33.

(63) Contrasting means, for example in the form of wheels 38, are associated to the joining means 32 from the opposite side of the latter with respect to the intermediate blank. Preferably, the contrasting means are moved by the same actuating means of the joining means 32, for example by means of a further belt 39 driven by the same motor 36. In FIGS. 3 and 5, the gun 33 has been illustrated in two extreme positions.

(64) Along the forming path 11, there is provided to cut the intermediate blank parallel to the first edges so as to obtain the blank 2 having a pre-determined width La and a pre-determined length Lu.

(65) For this purpose, there are provided cutting means 40 arranged along the forming path 11. The cutting means 40 are configured for cutting the intermediate blank parallel to the first edges thereby obtaining the blank 2 having a pre-determined width La and a pre-determined length Lu.

(66) In a possible embodiment, the cutting means 40 comprises at least one cutter 41 movable perpendicularly to the second feed direction 12.

(67) Preferably, the cutter 41 co-operates with a matrix 42. In the non-limiting example illustrated in the figures, the cutter 41 is associated to the wheels 43 sliding on a guide 44 which is arranged perpendicularly to the second feed direction 12.

(68) According to a possible embodiment, it is possible to associate actuators 45, for example linear actuators, to the matrix 42, so as to raise it and lower it with respect to the cutter 41. Actuating means, for example, a motor 46, are operatively associated to a belt 47 which is solidly constraint to the cutter 41.

(69) The cut performed by the cutting means 40 can be performed prior or after the junction carried out by the joining means 32.