Patent Description:
The present machine and method concern in particular the production, in a precise and repeatable manner, of at least one through hole on at least one side of a box-shaped element, so as to then be able to insert a gripping element of the box-shaped element into the through hole, such as a strip-shaped element or other.

The through hole made in the box can have any shape and size whatsoever, so it can be a circular hole, an elliptical hole, a slot, a polygonal hole, for example square or rectangular, or other.

It is known that there exist different types of box-shaped elements, or boxes, to which it is desirable to apply at least one strip-shaped element in order to make a grip, a handle or other. The strip-shaped element can be, for example, a strip made of flexible material, for example a fabric, such as cotton or suchlike.

A box-shaped element of a known type, which is mentioned here by way of a non-restrictive example, is the so-called wrapped box.

The wrapped box normally consists of a cardboard sheet, or suchlike, of suitable sizes depending on the object or objects that it will have to contain, and a sheet of paper, suitably shaped, which covers the box-shaped element externally and sometimes covers it also internally. When the box-shaped body is covered both on the inside and also on the outside, it is usually referred to as a coupled cardboard box.

To produce a wrapped box, with at least the external covering of the paper sheet, commercial machines are used that, from a cardboard blank, allow to obtain a crude box and then a box with a sheet of paper applied at least on the outside. The last phase of this wrapping can be completed in a so-called covering machine, the purpose of which is to cover the sides of the crude box and tuck the excess paper toward the inside of the box.

If on this box-shaped element, for example the wrapped box, it is necessary or desirable to apply a strip-shaped element that then functions as a grip, handle or other, it is necessary to make a through hole on one wall of the box-shaped element.

The through hole can be made manually or by means of punching machines, which however are often very complex since they require, for example, means to move the box-shaped element which are able to move the side of the box to be punched into a substantially horizontal position.

Known punching machines also often do not allow the effective elimination of scraps or trimmings resulting from making the through hole, and also they often do not guarantee optimum precision and repeatability in making the through hole.

Known punching machines can therefore be complex, expensive and do not guarantee the precise and repeatable production of at least one through hole on at least one side of a box-shaped element.

A known punching machine is described in document <CIT>. Document <CIT> describes a method and equipment for installing plastic handle on packaging box.

There is therefore a need to perfect a punching machine and method that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a punching machine for punching a box-shaped element or suchlike which allows to make at least one through hole on at least one side of a box-shaped element in an automatic, precise and repeatable manner, therefore for example for a series of box-shaped elements that arrive at the machine one after the other. The through hole can have any shape and size whatsoever.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a punching machine which allows to make a through hole on the box-shaped element without requiring special positioning means for the box-shaped element, without requiring, for example, means that rotate or overturn the box-shaped element, therefore which allows in particular to make a through hole on a vertical side of the box-shaped element.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a punching machine which, in addition to allowing a rapid, effective and repetitive production of at least one through hole on at least one side of a box-shaped element, is also able to effectively eliminate the scrap produced by making the through hole.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a punching machine which is compact and structurally simple compared with the punching machines known in the state of the art.

Another purpose is to perfect a method to punch a box-shaped element or suchlike which allows to make at least one through hole, of any shape and size whatsoever, automatically, accurately and repeatably, on at least one side of a box-shaped element.

In accordance with the above purposes, a punching machine according to the present invention comprises at least one punching head provided with at least one punch and translatable in a direction toward or away from a substantially vertical side of the box-shaped element and at least one counter-head that contrasts the punching head. During use, the side of the box-shaped element is positioned between the punching head and the counter-head. The counter-head is configured to be inserted inside the box-shaped element and rest against an internal surface of the side in order to maintain the box-shaped element in position on a work plane. The punching head is translated toward the counter-head in this direction so as to perforate the side by means of the punch and make at least one through hole therein. The counter-head is provided with a piston configured to rest on the bottom of the box-shaped element.

Advantageously, by means of the present punching machine it is possible to make at least one through hole on at least one side of a box-shaped element in an automatic, precise and repeatable manner, therefore for example for a series of box-shaped elements that arrive at the machine in succession. The through hole can have any shape and size whatsoever and is made on a substantially vertical side of the box-shaped element, which therefore reaches the zone of the machine where the punching head and the counter-head are positioned already in a position suitable for the punching.

According to another aspect of the invention, the punching head can be mobile in a substantially vertical direction toward or away from the work plane.

The counter-head can be mobile along this substantially vertical direction toward and away from the box-shaped element. The box-shaped element can be provided with an open upper side to allow the entry or exit of the counter-head.

The counter-head can be provided with a tailstock in which the punch is inserted when the punching head makes the through hole in the side of the box-shaped element.

In some embodiments, the present punching machine can comprise one or more centering devices provided with at least one piston configured to translate in one sense or the other in a direction transverse to a direction of advance of the box-shaped element on the work plane. The piston is configured to abut against one side of the box-shaped element directed parallel to the direction of advance.

The work plane can be made on the upper surface of a conveyor belt which automatically moves one or more box-shaped elements toward the punching head.

The machine can also comprise abutment elements configured to abut on a front side of the box-shaped element, and which can be moved by means of suitable actuators toward or away from the work plane, so as to interfere or not interfere with the side.

The machine can also comprise at least one suction device fluidically connected to a chamber made in the counter-head. The suction device is configured to suck from the inside of the chamber a part of the box-shaped element removed as a result of the punching and transfer it to another chamber for collection.

Another purpose of the invention is a method to punch a box-shaped element, or suchlike, comprising: the disposition of a box-shaped element on a work plane so that at least one substantially vertical side of the box-shaped element is positioned resting on a counter-head inserted inside the box-shaped element and configured to provide a contrast to a punching head and maintain the box-shaped element in position on the work plane; the translation of the punching head, provided with at least one punch, toward the side and toward the counter-head, wherein said counter-head is provided with a piston configured to rest on the bottom of the box-shaped element; and the perforation of the side by the punch with consequent production of at least one through hole in the side.

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, one or more characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be varied or adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such possible modifications and variants.

With reference to the attached drawings and with particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> thereof, a machine <NUM> for punching a box-shaped element <NUM> or suchlike comprises at least one punching head <NUM> provided with at least one punch <NUM> and translatable in a direction A1 toward or away from a substantially vertical side <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM> and at least one counter-head <NUM> that contrasts the punching head <NUM>.

The counter-head <NUM> is configured to be inserted inside the box-shaped element <NUM> and rest on an internal surface of the side <NUM> in order to maintain the box-shaped element <NUM> in position on a work plane <NUM>.

The side <NUM> is positioned between the punching head <NUM> and the counter-head <NUM> and the punching head <NUM> is translated toward the counter-head <NUM> in the direction A1 so as to perforate the side <NUM> by means of the punch <NUM> and make at least one through hole <NUM> therein, see <FIG>.

The internal surface of the side <NUM> is therefore in contact with the counter-head <NUM> while the external surface of the side <NUM> is suitably distanced from the punching head <NUM>, which is translated in the direction A1 toward the side <NUM> at the time of punching, so as to perforate the side <NUM>.

The punching head <NUM> can also be mobile toward or away from the work plane <NUM> in a direction A2, for example substantially vertical.

The counter-head <NUM> can be mobile in a direction A3, for example substantially vertical, toward or away from the box-shaped element <NUM>. The box-shaped element <NUM> can be provided with an open upper side <NUM>, see <FIG>, to allow the entry or exit of the counter-head <NUM>, which will rest on the bottom <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM>.

In particular, the counter-head <NUM> is provided with a piston <NUM> that rests on the bottom <NUM>. The piston <NUM> can be mobile with respect to the counter-head <NUM> in a direction A4, for example a substantially vertical direction toward or away from the bottom <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM>.

The piston <NUM> comprises a support base that allows to maintain the box-shaped element <NUM> stationary during the punching operation. Preferably, the counter-head <NUM> is mechanically constrained to the support of the punching head <NUM>. The piston <NUM> moves in the direction A3, in particular by falling, and rests on the bottom <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM>. The height at which the through hole <NUM> is made can be automatically calculated by the control panel <NUM> after the measurements of the box-shaped element <NUM> have been entered.

The counter-head <NUM> is also provided with a tailstock <NUM>, or die, inside which the punch <NUM> of the punching head <NUM> is positioned when the punching is carried out.

The tailstock <NUM> is in fluidic communication with a chamber <NUM>, in particular a suction chamber, in which the part <NUM> of box-shaped element <NUM> which is removed from the side <NUM> in order to create the through hole <NUM> ends, therefore substantially the scrap part. The complete detachment of the part <NUM> from the box-shaped element <NUM> is facilitated by a jet of compressed air which comes out of a blowing device <NUM> located in the proximity of the tailstock <NUM>. The part <NUM> can in fact have smears of fresh glue, therefore the blowing device <NUM> helps to detach the part <NUM> once the punch <NUM> has performed the punching.

The punching head <NUM> is also equipped with an extractor <NUM>, the functioning of which will be explained below when we describe a functioning mode of the machine <NUM>.

The work plane <NUM> on which the box-shaped element <NUM> rests can be in particular the upper surface of a conveyor belt <NUM>, see also <FIG>, which allows to position the box-shaped element <NUM> in the correct position with respect to the punching head <NUM> and the counter-head <NUM>. The conveyor belt <NUM> can move the box-shaped elements <NUM> resting on it, for example in a direction A5, for example substantially horizontal. The direction A5 is therefore the direction of advance of the box-shaped elements <NUM> along the machine <NUM>.

The machine <NUM> can comprise a frame <NUM> in which the conveyor belt <NUM> is positioned, see in particular <FIG>.

The conveyor belt <NUM> can be driven in the direction A5, or vice versa, for example by means of an electric motor <NUM> or other suitable drive system.

The box-shaped element <NUM> enters the machine by means of an inlet section <NUM> which can be provided with lateral guides <NUM>. The position of the lateral guides <NUM> present along the machine can be adjusted by means of an adjustment device <NUM>, which substantially adjusts their reciprocal distance so that they adapt perfectly to the width of the box-shaped element <NUM>, see for example <FIG>.

A drive system <NUM> can be positioned on the frame <NUM>, configured to allow the lifting and lowering of the punching head <NUM> and the counter-head <NUM> in the direction A2. The drive system <NUM> can be for example a hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical actuator, which allows to lift or lower the punching head <NUM> and the counter-head <NUM> along a guide, for example a vertical guide. It could also be provided that the head <NUM> and counter-head <NUM> are independent and have different drives in direction A2 and in direction A3.

A control panel <NUM> can be positioned on the frame <NUM>, provided with buttons, a display or other, which allows an operator to manage and control the punching operations.

In a punching zone, the machine <NUM> can comprise a pair of centering devices <NUM> configured to allow the correct centering of the box-shaped element <NUM> in the punching position and able to be positioned in correspondence with opposite lateral walls of the box-shaped element <NUM>, for example the sides <NUM> of <FIG>. See also <FIG>. The centering devices <NUM> allow to perfectly adjust the position of the box-shaped element <NUM> with respect to the punching head <NUM> and therefore make the through hole <NUM> precisely. The sides <NUM> are therefore substantially parallel to the direction A5 of advance of the box-shaped element <NUM> along the machine <NUM>.

The machine <NUM> can also comprise abutment elements <NUM> located at the front part and the longitudinal position of which, that is, the position parallel to the direction A5, can be adjusted by means of a slider <NUM> configured to translate in one sense or the other parallel to the direction A5.

The machine <NUM> can also comprise a suction device <NUM>, configured to suck the parts <NUM> or trimmings detached from the box-shaped element <NUM> and deriving from the punching, and collect them in a chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is provided with a shutter <NUM>, the opening of which allows to discharge the trimmings from the cutting or punching, that is, the scrap parts <NUM>.

The chamber <NUM> is fluidically connected by means of a first duct <NUM> to the suction device <NUM>, for example a vacuum pump, and by means of a second duct <NUM> to the chamber <NUM> made inside the counter-head <NUM>, see also <FIG>.

The shutter <NUM> can be driven to open or close by means of a suitable actuator <NUM>. Downstream of the shutter <NUM>, there can be provided a tank for collecting the trimmings from the cutting or punching.

Advantageously, the box-shaped element <NUM> reaches the zone where the punching head <NUM> is positioned from the inlet section <NUM>, performing only a translation in the direction A5, therefore the box-shaped element <NUM> is already ready for the punching of the substantially vertical side <NUM>, without needing to move the box-shaped element <NUM> further, that is, without needing to rotate it, overturn it or other.

In order to carry out the punching operations by means of the present machine <NUM>, first of all the measurements of the box-shaped element <NUM> to be perforated can be set on the control panel <NUM>, and then the positions of the lateral guides <NUM> and of the abutment elements <NUM> are set. The setting of the lateral guides <NUM> and of the abutment elements <NUM> is preferably carried out manually by an operator. Once the measurements of the box-shaped element <NUM> have been entered in the control panel <NUM>, a measurement is suggested on a setting page so that the operator, again manually, will displace the abutment elements <NUM> by means of the slider <NUM>, <FIG>. There are metric rulers in the proximity of the sliders <NUM>.

Alternatively, these settings could be completed by the machine <NUM> in an automated manner.

The punching head <NUM> automatically moves to a predetermined height with respect to the upper edge of the box-shaped element <NUM> or with respect to the conveyor belt <NUM>. The conveyor belt <NUM> starts moving in the direction A5, see <FIG>.

The box-shaped element <NUM> is deposited manually, or by means of an automatic apparatus, in the inlet section <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. The inlet section <NUM> can be provided with an inclined plane <NUM>, having a suitable inclination toward the conveyor belt <NUM> and able to facilitate the entry operation of the box-shaped element <NUM>.

The conveyor belt <NUM> drags the box-shaped element <NUM> in the indicated direction A5. When the box-shaped element <NUM> intercepts an axis V, see <FIG>, the abutment elements <NUM> are translated toward the conveyor belt <NUM> by means of corresponding actuators <NUM>, so as to create a contrast for the incoming box-shaped element <NUM>.

In particular, the front side <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM> will abut against the abutment elements <NUM>, see also <FIG>. The actuators <NUM> can for example be commanded to determine the exit of the abutment elements <NUM> by means of a photocell or suchlike, which detects when the box-shaped element <NUM> arrives in correspondence with the axis V.

The longitudinal position in which to place the abutment elements <NUM> is determined manually or automatically by means of the control panel <NUM> which indicates its value based on the sizes of the box-shaped element <NUM> inserted and the operator will be able to adjust, for example manually, the longitudinal position of the abutment elements <NUM> with the aid of metric rulers or suchlike.

The box-shaped element <NUM> then proceeds in direction A5 until it stops, retained by the abutment elements <NUM>. The longitudinal position of the abutment elements <NUM> is determined in such a way that the part opposite them uncovers the axis V of interception of the box-shaped element <NUM>, or that the box-shaped element <NUM> goes completely beyond this axis V, see <FIG>.

In other words, when the front side <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM> abuts against the abutment elements <NUM>, the rear side of the box-shaped element <NUM> will leave the axis V of interception uncovered.

Basically, in an extracted position the abutment elements <NUM> interfere with the box-shaped element <NUM>, in particular with the front side <NUM>, while in a retracted position the abutment elements <NUM> do not interfere with the box-shaped element <NUM>.

The interception photocell, where provided, is uncovered and the vertical side <NUM> of the box is positioned approximately in the center between the punch <NUM> and counter-head <NUM>.

The punching head <NUM> and the counter-head <NUM> descend in direction A2 to the punching position determined automatically by the control panel <NUM>, based on the measurements of the box-shaped element <NUM>, and the piston <NUM> goes to rests on the bottom <NUM>, see <FIG>. The through hole <NUM> can be made at any height whatsoever.

When the punching head <NUM> reaches the punching position, the abutment elements <NUM> move back and the internal part of the box-shaped element <NUM>, dragged by the conveyor belt <NUM>, rests on the counter-head <NUM>, in particular the internal surface of the side <NUM> to be punched rests on the counter-head <NUM>.

At this point, the centering devices <NUM> come into operation, which comprise, for example, see <FIG>, a piston <NUM> the position of which can be adjusted by means of a corresponding actuator <NUM>. The piston <NUM> of each of the two centering devices <NUM> allows to perfectly center the box-shaped element <NUM> in the desired punching position, by acting on the sides <NUM> of the box-shaped element.

Basically, the pistons <NUM> of the centering devices <NUM> move in one sense or the other in a direction transverse to the direction A1 of the punching head <NUM>. These pistons <NUM> move in one sense or the other also transversely to the direction A5.

The pistons <NUM> can be associated with elastic means <NUM> which have the task of allowing the pistons <NUM> to be retracted. The operator can adjust the incisiveness of the pistons <NUM> on the sides <NUM> by positioning the lateral guides <NUM>. The operator, when setting the machine <NUM>, adjusts the lateral guides <NUM>, after having made the pistons <NUM> advance manually with the suitable key on the control panel <NUM>, so that the box can slide with the minimum play.

At this point, the conveyor belt <NUM> stops. The box-shaped element <NUM> and the punching head <NUM> are in the correct position to perform the punching, see for example the sequence of operations in <FIG>.

The punching head <NUM> is translated in the direction A1 toward the counter-head <NUM> in order to punch the side <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM>. Once the through hole <NUM> has been made in the side <NUM>, the punching head <NUM> is translated in the direction A1 away from the counter-head <NUM>. Then both the punching head <NUM> and also the counter-head <NUM> are raised in the direction A2.

Before the step in which the punching head <NUM> rises, the conveyor belt <NUM> performs a small backward movement in the direction A5, <FIG>, so that the side <NUM> of the box-shaped element <NUM> does not remain glued to the counter-head <NUM>. Once this small backward movement has been made, the punching head <NUM> rises to its initial position and the conveyor belt <NUM> resumes the forward movement in the direction A5, see <FIG>.

As previously mentioned, see <FIG>, the punching head <NUM> is equipped with an extractor <NUM>. The box-shaped element <NUM> can be made of cardboard with an additional layer of glued paper, therefore the side <NUM> to be perforated also has glue. The glue, at the time of punching, may not be perfectly dry and therefore may tend to glue the punch <NUM> to the through hole <NUM>.

In order to prevent the punch <NUM>, during its backward return, from dragging the box-shaped element <NUM> with it, provision is made for an extractor <NUM>. This extractor <NUM> comprises a plate that wraps around the punch <NUM> and is kept in an advanced position by a pair of actuators always under pressure inside the punching head <NUM>.

Substantially, therefore, the extractor <NUM> can translate forward or backward and therefore toward or away from the side <NUM>, and therefore perform a translation motion with respect to the punch <NUM>.

When the punching head <NUM> advances to make the through hole <NUM>, the extractor <NUM> rests on the box-shaped element <NUM>, therefore on the external surface of the side <NUM>, and exerts a pressure on it in the punching zone. There can be a pressure regulator for the extractor <NUM> in order to find an optimization of the force it produces, so as not to damage the paper of the lining of the box-shaped element <NUM>. During the return of the punching head <NUM>, the extractor <NUM>, since it has a continuous and constant pressure, keeps the box-shaped element <NUM> stationary on the counter-head <NUM>. In this way, even if there is a certain adhesion between the punch and the box, the box-shaped element <NUM> is not dragged backward by the punch <NUM>, therefore by the backward movement of the punching head <NUM>. Once the punching head <NUM> has moved backward completely, neither the punch <NUM> nor the extractor <NUM> are in contact with the box-shaped element <NUM>.

As seen, following the punching, trimmings or scrap parts of the box-shaped element <NUM> are generated, see for example the scrap part <NUM>. The trimming is sucked from the chamber <NUM> made in the counter-head <NUM> by means of the suction device <NUM>.

The suction of the trimming essentially presents two problems: the part <NUM> is normally small and has smears of fresh glue that tend to make it remain attached to the punch <NUM>; furthermore, the part <NUM> cannot be stored inside the suction chamber <NUM>. After a few scrap parts, the chamber <NUM> would be full and would no longer allow the operations of the machine <NUM> to be carried out.

To overcome the first problem, a jet of compressed air is introduced, delivered by means of the blowing device <NUM>, inside the suction chamber <NUM>, in the proximity of the upper part of the punch <NUM> when this is inside the tailstock <NUM>. The blow produces the detachment of the part <NUM> from the punch <NUM> and aids the suction device <NUM>.

The second problem has been solved by taking the parts <NUM> gradually detached from the box-shaped elements <NUM> worked in the machine <NUM> to the outside, precisely by means of the suction device <NUM>.

To prevent the parts <NUM> from undesirably ending up in the filters of the suction device, for example a vacuum pump, the chamber <NUM> is placed under vacuum and the duct <NUM> enters the chamber <NUM> by a certain depth, see the end <NUM> of the duct <NUM> shown with a dashed line. In this way, the parts <NUM> which are drawn from the counter-head <NUM> to the duct <NUM> and therefore to the chamber <NUM> cannot move back up toward the duct <NUM>, which instead goes from the suction device <NUM> to the chamber <NUM> and creates the vacuum in the chamber <NUM>.

The machine <NUM> can for example be programmed so that when the parts <NUM> deposited in the chamber <NUM> reach the end <NUM> or a slightly lower height, the actuator <NUM> opens the shutter <NUM> and allows the scrap parts <NUM> to be discharged.

It is easy to understand that the punch <NUM> can have any shape and size whatsoever, as a function of the shape of the through hole <NUM> to be made, therefore it can have a polygonal shape, for example rectangular, square or other, a circular or elliptical shape or suchlike, or more.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the punching machine and method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of punching machine and method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claim 1:
Machine suitable for punching a box-shaped element (<NUM>), characterized in that it comprises at least one punching head (<NUM>) provided with at least one punch (<NUM>) and translatable in a direction (A1) toward or away from a substantially vertical side (<NUM>) of the box-shaped element (<NUM>) and at least one counter-head (<NUM>) that contrasts said punching head (<NUM>), wherein said side (<NUM>) of the box-shaped element (<NUM>) is configured to be positioned during use between said punching head (<NUM>) and said counter-head (<NUM>), wherein said counter-head (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted inside the box-shaped element (<NUM>) and to rest against an internal surface of said side (<NUM>) in order to maintain the box-shaped element (<NUM>) in position on a work plane (<NUM>), and wherein said punching head (<NUM>) is configured to be translated toward said counter-head (<NUM>) in said direction (A1) so as to perforate said side (<NUM>) by means of said punch (<NUM>) and make at least one through hole (<NUM>) therein, wherein said counter-head (<NUM>) is provided with a piston (<NUM>) configured to rest on the bottom (<NUM>) of the box-shaped element (<NUM>).