阅读说明：本技术 从纸板坯件实现箱子并用箱子装箱多件物品的方法和机器 (Method and machine for realising boxes from cardboard blanks and boxing a plurality of articles in a box ) 是由 朱塞佩·蓬蒂 于 2020-04-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种从纸板坯件(2)实现箱子(1)并用所述箱子(1)装箱多件物品(3)的方法,包括以下步骤：将待装箱的多件物品(3)布置在可重复使用的板条箱(4)中以形成一组物品(3a)；检测所述可重复使用的板条箱(4)内部的所述一组物品(3a)所占体积(V)的值；基于检测到的所述体积(V)的值,进料纸板坯件(2),包括：第一纵向划线(9)和第二纵向划线(10),以便定义：主要部分(16)；第一侧面部分(17)；第二侧面部分(18)；第三侧面部分(19)；第四侧面部分(22)；第一切口(25)；第二切口(26)；第三切口(27)；第四切口(28)；所述切口(25、26、27、28)将辅助部分(20、21、23、24)细分为第一部分(20a、21a、23a、24a)和第二部分(20b、21b、22b、24b)；相互定位所述纸板坯件(2)和所述可重复使用的板条箱(4)；打开所述可重复使用的板条箱(4)的可打开底部(6)以释放所述一组物品(3a)；相对于所述主要部分(16)朝向所述一组物品(3a)将所述第一、第二、第三和第四侧面部分(17、18、19、22)与所述辅助部分(20、21、23、24)中的每一个的所述相对第一部分(20a、21a、23a、24a)和所述相对第二部分(20b、21b、23b、24b)折叠,其相互折叠以分别形成第一邻接折板(29)、第二邻接折板(30)、第三邻接折板(31)和第四邻接折板(32),以邻接所述主要部分(16)上接收的所述一组物品(3a)。(A method of realising a box (1) from a cardboard blank (2) and boxing a plurality of articles (3) with the box (1), comprising the steps of: arranging a plurality of articles (3) to be boxed in a reusable crate (4) to form a group of articles (3 a); -detecting the value of the volume (V) occupied by said group of articles (3a) inside said reusable crate (4); -feeding a paperboard blank (2) based on the detected value of the volume (V), comprising: a first longitudinal score line (9) and a second longitudinal score line (10) so as to define: a main portion (16); a first side portion (17); a second side portion (18); a third side portion (19); a fourth side portion (22); a first cut (25); a second cut (26); a third incision (27); a fourth cut (28); said incisions (25, 26, 27, 28) subdivide the auxiliary portion (20, 21, 23, 24) into a first portion (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and a second portion (20b, 21b, 22b, 24 b); -mutually positioning the cardboard blank (2) and the reusable crate (4); opening an openable bottom (6) of the reusable crate (4) to release the set of articles (3 a); folding the first, second, third and fourth side portions (17, 18, 19, 22) and the opposing first portion (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and the opposing second portion (20b, 21b, 23b, 24b) of each of the secondary portions (20, 21, 23, 24) toward the group of articles (3a) relative to the main portion (16), which are folded over each other to form a first abutment flap (29), a second abutment flap (30), a third abutment flap (31) and a fourth abutment flap (32), respectively, to abut the group of articles (3a) received on the main portion (16).)

1. A method of realising a box (1) from a cardboard blank (2) and boxing a plurality of articles (3) with the box (1), comprising the steps of:

presetting a reusable crate (4) with an openable bottom (6) and a movable wall (7);

arranging a plurality of articles (3) to be boxed in the reusable crate (4), and moving the movable wall (7) to bring the articles of the plurality of articles (3) into abutment flanking each other to form a set of articles (3 a):

wherein the rack base (3b) and the maximum height (3c) are limited when items of the plurality of items (3) flank each other;

-detecting the value of the volume (V) occupied by said group of articles (3a) inside said reusable crate (4) on the basis of the dimensions of said rack base (3b) and said maximum height (3 c);

providing a paperboard blank (2) based on the detected value of the volume (V), comprising:

-a first longitudinal score line (9) and a second longitudinal score line (10) parallel to each other, and-a first transverse score line (11) and a second transverse score line (12) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10), so as to define on the cardboard blank (2):

a central sector (13) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10); a first side sector (14) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and a first longitudinal end (2a) of the paperboard blank (2); a second side sector (15) comprised between the second longitudinal score line (10) and a second longitudinal end (2b) of the cardboard blank (2);

the two longitudinal (9, 10) and transverse (11, 12) score lines intersect the cardboard blank (2) longitudinally and transversely, respectively, and at a distance from each other such that:

-identifying, in said central sector (13):

-a main portion (16) comprised between said first transverse score line (11) and said second transverse score line (12) and having dimensions such as to receive at rest said rack base (3b) of said group of articles (3 a); -a first side portion (17) and a second side portion (18) located on opposite sides of the main portion (16) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12);

to identify in the first side sector (14):

a third side portion (19) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the first longitudinal end (2a) of the paperboard blank (2) and the first longitudinal score line (9); -a first auxiliary portion (20) and a second auxiliary portion (21) located on opposite sides of the third side portion (19) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12);

to identify in said second lateral sector (15):

a fourth side portion (22) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second longitudinal end (2b) of the paperboard blank (2); -a third auxiliary portion (23) and a fourth auxiliary portion (24) located on opposite sides of the fourth side portion (22) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12);

said first side portion (17), said second side portion (18), said third side portion (19) and said fourth side portion (22) being sufficient to extend to all of said maximum heights of said group of articles (3a) so as to laterally accommodate said group of articles (3a) when said main portion (16) is received;

the paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

-a first cut (25) on the first auxiliary portion (20), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the first transverse score line (11);

-a second cut (26) on the second auxiliary portion (21), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second transverse score line (12);

-a third cut (27) on said third auxiliary portion (23), starting from the intersection between said second longitudinal score line (10) and said first transverse score line (11);

-a fourth cut (28) on a fourth auxiliary portion (24), starting from the intersection between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second transverse score line (12);

said first cut (25) subdivides said first auxiliary portion (20) into a first portion (20a) and a second portion (20b) of the first auxiliary portion (20); a second cut (26) subdivides the second auxiliary portion (21) into a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) of the second auxiliary portion (21); a third cut (27) subdivides the third auxiliary portion (23) into a first portion (23a) and a second portion (23b) of the third auxiliary portion (23); and a fourth cut (28) subdivides the fourth auxiliary portion (24) into a first portion (24a) and a second portion (24b) of the fourth auxiliary portion (24);

-positioning the cardboard blank (2) and the reusable crate (4) in relation to each other such that the portion of the reusable crate (4) containing the group of articles (3a) is located above the main portion (16);

opening the openable bottom (6) of the reusable crate (4) to release the set of articles (3a) on the main portion (16);

folding the first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) with respect to the main portion (16) towards the group of articles (3a) with the first auxiliary portion (20), the second auxiliary portion (21), the third auxiliary portion (23) and the fourth auxiliary portion (24) at the opposing first portion (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and the opposing second portion (20b, 21b, 23b, 24b) of each of them, folded with respect to the first cut (25), the second cut (26), the third cut (27) and the fourth cut (28) to form a first abutment flap (29), a second abutment flap (30), a third abutment flap (31) and a fourth abutment flap (32), respectively, to abut the group of articles (3a) received on the main portion (16).

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) are folded simultaneously towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) are folded simultaneously towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16), and subsequently the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) are folded simultaneously towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of moving the main portion (16) downwards to bring the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) into abutment against a first pair of rollers (60) so as to bring the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) into simultaneous folding towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16), so as to bring the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) into abutment against a second pair of rollers (61) so as to bring the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) into simultaneous folding towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paperboard blank (2) comprises a third transverse score line (33), the third transverse score line (33) being parallel and adjacent to the second transverse score line (12) in order to identify:

-in said central sector (13), a fifth lateral surface portion (34) adjacent to said second lateral surface portion (18);

-in the first side sector (14), a first flap (35) adjacent to the second auxiliary portion (21);

in the second side sector (15), a second flap (36) is adjacent to the fourth auxiliary portion (24).

The paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

a first cut (37) in the first side sector (14) extending laterally from the first longitudinal end (2a) of the paperboard blank (2) to the first longitudinal score line (9) so as to separate the first flap (35) from the second auxiliary portion (21);

a second cut (38) in the second side sector (15) extending laterally from the second longitudinal end (2) of the paperboard blank (2) to the second longitudinal score line (10) so as to separate the second flap (36) from the fourth auxiliary portion (24); wherein the method comprises the step of folding the fifth side portion (34) so as to cover the group of articles (3a) when the main portion (16) is received.

6. A machine (100) for realising a box (1) from a cardboard blank (2) and boxing a plurality of articles (3) with said box (1), comprising:

a conveyor belt (42) for transporting reusable crates (4) in which pieces of articles (3) to be crated are arranged, the crates (4) having an openable bottom (6) and a movable wall (7);

the movable wall (7) being movable to bring the articles of the plurality of articles (3) into abutment, so as to flank each other to form a group of articles (3 a);

wherein the items of the plurality of items (3) define a rack base (3b) and a maximum height (3c) when flanking each other;

-a detection sensor (43) for detecting the value of the volume (V) occupied by the group of articles (3a) inside the reusable crate (4) as a function of the dimensions of the rack base (3b) and the maximum height (3 c);

-supply means (44) for feeding the cardboard blank (2) according to the detected value of the volume (V), comprising:

-a first longitudinal score line (9) and a second longitudinal score line (10) parallel to each other, and-a first transverse score line (11) and a second transverse score line (12) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10), so as to define on the cardboard blank (2):

a central sector (13) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10); a first side sector (14) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and a first longitudinal end (2a) of the paperboard blank (2); a second side sector (15) comprised between the second longitudinal score line (10) and a second longitudinal end (2b) of the paperboard blank (2).

The two longitudinal (9, 10) and the two transverse (11, 12) score lines pass respectively longitudinally and transversely through the cardboard blank (2) so as to:

-identifying in the central sector (13):

-a main portion (16) comprised between said first transverse score line (11) and said second transverse score line (12) and dimensioned to be able to receive, at rest, said rack base (3b) of said group of articles (3 a); -a first side portion (17) and a second side portion (18) located on opposite sides of the main portion (16) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12);

to identify in the first side sector (14):

-a third side portion (19) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the first longitudinal end (2a) of a paperboard blank (2) and the first longitudinal score line (3); -a first auxiliary portion (20) and a second auxiliary portion (21) located on opposite sides of the third side portion (19) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12);

to identify in said second lateral sector (15):

a fourth side portion (22) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second longitudinal end (2b) of the paperboard blank (2); -a third auxiliary portion (23) and a fourth auxiliary portion (24) located on opposite sides of the fourth side portion (22) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12);

said first side portion (17), said second side portion (18), said third side portion (19) and said fourth side portion (22) being sufficient to extend over all of said maximum height (3c) of said group of articles (3a) so as to laterally accommodate said group of articles (3a) when said main portion (16) is received;

the paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

-a first cut (25) on the first auxiliary portion (20), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the first transverse score line (11);

-a second cut (26) on the second auxiliary portion (21), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second transverse score line (12);

-a third cut (27) on said third auxiliary portion (23), starting from the intersection between said second longitudinal score line (10) and said first transverse score line (11);

-a fourth cut (28) on the fourth auxiliary portion (24), starting from the intersection between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second transverse score line (12);

said first cut (25) subdivides said first auxiliary portion (20) into a first portion (20a) and a second portion (20b) of said first auxiliary portion (20); said second cut (26) subdividing said second auxiliary portion (21) into a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) of said second auxiliary portion (21); said third cut (27) subdivides said third auxiliary portion (23) into a first portion (23a) and a second portion (23b) of said third auxiliary portion (23); said fourth cut (28) subdivides said fourth auxiliary portion (24) into a first portion (24a) and a second portion (24b) of said fourth auxiliary portion (24);

the conveyor (42) and the supply device (44) being arranged and configured to mutually position the cardboard blank (2) and the reusable crate (4) such that the portion of the reusable crate (4) containing the group of articles (3a) is located above the main portion (16) such that the openable bottom (6) of the reusable crate (4) can release the group of articles (3a) on the main portion (16);

a folding mechanism (60, 61) for folding the first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) with respect to the main portion (16) towards the group of articles (3a) with the first (20), the second (21), the third (23) and the fourth (24) auxiliary portions, the opposing first portion (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and the opposing second portion (20b, 21b, 23b, 24b) of each of the first (25), the second (26), the third (27) and the fourth (28) cuts folded with respect to the first (25), the second (26), the third (27) and the fourth (28) cuts to form a first (29), a second (30), a third (31) and a fourth (32) abutment flap, respectively, to abut the group of articles (3a) received on the main portion (16).

7. The machine (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the folding mechanism (60, 61) comprises a first pair of rollers (60) and a second pair of rollers (61), and wherein: -when the supply device (44) feeds the cardboard blank (2) to align the cardboard blank (2) with the first side portion (17) facing a roller (60a) of the first pair of rollers (60) and the second side portion (18) facing the other roller (60b) of the first pair of rollers (60), the first pair of rollers (60) is activated so as to simultaneously fold the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16);

when the supply device (44) feeds the cardboard blank (2) to align the cardboard blank (2) with the third side portion (19) facing a roller (61a) of the second pair of rollers (61) and the fourth side portion (22) facing another roller (61b) of the second pair of rollers (61), the second pair of rollers (61) is activated so as to simultaneously fold the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

8. Machine (100) according to claim 7, comprising a suction element (62), said suction element (62) being interposed between said first pair of rollers (60) and said second pair of rollers (61); and wherein the supply means (44) are preset to arrange the cardboard blank (2) at the suction element (62) such that, when the group of articles (3a) is arranged on the main portion (16), the suction element (62) can grip the main portion (16) and move the main portion (16) downwards under the suction force, thereby bringing the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) against the first pair of rollers (60) and the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) against the second pair of rollers (61).

9. The machine (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first pair of rollers (60) is translatable in a first direction (X) and the second pair of rollers (61) is translatable in a second direction (X) transverse to the first direction (X), such that the first pair of rollers (60) and the second pair of rollers (61) can approach or move away from each other depending on the size of the main portion (16) of the paperboard blank (2) provided in the feed.

10. The machine (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the paperboard blank (2) comprises a third transverse score line (33), the third transverse score line (33) being parallel and adjacent to the second transverse score line (12) so as to identify:

-in said central sector (13), a fifth lateral surface portion (34) adjacent to said second lateral surface portion (18);

-in the first side sector (14), a first flap (35) adjacent to the second auxiliary portion (21);

-in said second lateral sector (15), a second flap (36) adjacent to said fourth auxiliary portion (24);

the paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

a first cut (37) in the first side sector (14) extending laterally from the first longitudinal end (2a) of the paperboard blank (2) to the first longitudinal score line (9) so as to separate the first flap (35) from the second auxiliary portion (21);

a second cut (38) in the second side sector (15) extending laterally from the second longitudinal end (2b) of the paperboard blank (2) to the second longitudinal score line (10) so as to separate the second flap (36) from the fourth auxiliary portion (24); and wherein the roller (60b) of the first pair of rollers (60) abuts the fifth side portion (34) so as to fold the fifth side portion (34) when received by the main portion (16) so as to cover the group of articles (3 a).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of case manufacturing, e.g. for encasing pieces of an article.

In particular, the present invention relates to a method and machine for realising boxes from cardboard blanks and boxing a plurality of articles in the boxes.

Background

Generally, packaging paperboard is available from blanks that can be used for various purposes, such as forming cartons.

In this case, it is first necessary to realise fold lines, also called score lines, which divide the packaging board into sections so that it can be easily folded, preventing the packaging board from forming unattractive deformations and cracks, and thus obtaining a carton.

Thus, once the above-mentioned score lines have been realised on the packaging board, a blank is obtained which can be easily folded around the score lines, so as to obtain a carton for packaging articles in a simple and quick manner.

Hitherto, a known method for realising boxes from cardboard blanks and boxing a plurality of articles in the boxes comprises the following steps:

presetting a reusable crate having an openable bottom and a movable wall; arranging a plurality of articles to be boxed in a reusable crate and moving the movable wall to bring the articles of the plurality of articles into abutment so as to flank each other to form a group of articles: wherein the rack base and maximum height are limited when the articles in the plurality of articles flank each other.

The known method further comprises the steps of: detecting values of volume occupied by a plurality of items inside the reusable crate based on the size and maximum height of the rack base; based on the detected volume, providing a blank comprising in sequence: a first longitudinal score line and a second longitudinal score line parallel to each other, and a first transverse score line and a second transverse score line parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first longitudinal score line and the second longitudinal score line, so as to define on the paperboard blank:

a central sector comprised between the first longitudinal score line and the second longitudinal score line; a first side sector comprised between the first longitudinal score line and the first longitudinal end of the paperboard blank; a second side sector included between the second longitudinal score line and the second longitudinal end of the paperboard blank.

The two longitudinal and two transverse score lines intersect the cardboard blank in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, and are at a distance from each other that ensures identification at the central sector:

a main portion comprised between the first transverse score line and the second transverse score line and having dimensions such as a rack base for statically receiving a group of articles; first and second side portions located on opposite sides of the main portion with respect to the first and second transverse score lines.

Thus, in the first side sector, the following is determined:

a third side portion included between the first transverse score line, the second transverse score line, the first longitudinal end of the packaging paperboard blank, and the first longitudinal score line; first and second reinforcement portions located on opposite sides of the third side portion relative to the first and second transverse score lines.

Likewise, in the second side sector, the following is determined:

a fourth side portion comprised between the first transverse score line, the second longitudinal score line and the second longitudinal end of the paperboard blank; third and fourth reinforcing portions located on opposite sides of the fourth side portion with respect to the first and second transverse score lines.

The first side portion, the second side portion, the third side portion, and the fourth side portion are sufficient to extend to all of the maximum height of a group of articles so as to laterally accommodate the group of articles when the main portion is received.

The paperboard blank further includes: a first cut in the first reinforcing portion from an intersection between the first longitudinal score line and the first transverse score line; a second cutout in the second reinforcing portion, starting from an intersection between the first longitudinal score line and the second transverse score line; a third cut in the third reinforcing portion, starting from the intersection between the second longitudinal score line and the first transverse score line; a fourth cut in the fourth reinforcing portion begins at an intersection between the second longitudinal score line and the second transverse score line.

The first cut subdivides the first reinforcing portion into a first portion and a second portion of the first reinforcing portion; the second cut subdivides the second reinforcing portion into a first portion and a second portion of the second reinforcing portion; the third cut subdivides the third reinforcing portion into a first portion and a second portion of the third reinforcing portion; and the fourth cut subdivides the fourth reinforcing portion into a first portion and a second portion of the fourth reinforcing portion.

The method further comprises the steps of: folding the first side portion, the second side portion, the third side portion, and the fourth side portion with respect to the main portion; folding the opposing first and second portions of each of the first, second, third, and fourth reinforcing portions over each other relative to the first, second, third, and fourth cuts, respectively, forms a first, second, third, and fourth reinforcing flap to reinforce the box.

Subsequently, the known method comprises the following steps: a step of applying an adhesive substance on the first reinforcement flap, the second reinforcement flap, the third reinforcement flap, and the fourth reinforcement flap; and adhering the first reinforcement flap and the third reinforcement flap to the first side portion; and adhering the second and fourth reinforcement flaps to the second side portion in order to make the box stiffer.

At this point, the group of articles contained in the reusable crate is disposed on the main portion between the folded side portions, and the reinforcement flaps have been glued to the main portion, which will constitute the side walls of the crate. Thus, the group of articles may be packed using a box formed from a cardboard blank, the dimensions of which are based on the value of the volume that the group of articles to be packed will occupy.

In other words, once the value of the volume that a group of articles to be boxed will occupy within the box is detected, the first and second longitudinal and transverse score lines are realised so that the main portion can receive the remaining base over its entire size, the lateral portion can extend over the maximum height of the group of articles to laterally cover the group of articles.

Thus, the dimensions of the main part and the side parts are determined by an estimation based on the value of the volume that the group of articles will occupy within the box, and the estimation may include a margin of error, since the main part and the side parts may be too large in order to obtain a box that is slightly larger than the volume occupied by the plurality of articles.

This may result in a box being obtained in which empty spaces are formed between the walls of the box and a group of articles.

These empty spaces may lead to accidental movement of the articles in the box.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to obviate the above disadvantages.

The above object is achieved by the following method and machine: a method of realising a box from a cardboard blank and boxing a plurality of articles in the box according to claim 1 and a machine for realising a box from a cardboard blank and boxing a plurality of articles in the box according to claim 6.

Advantageously, in the step of folding the first side portion, the second side portion, the third side portion and the fourth side portion relative to the main portion, the opposing first portion and the opposing second portion of each of the first secondary portion, the second secondary portion, the third secondary portion and the fourth secondary portion are folded relative to each other towards the group of articles arranged on the main portion to form a first abutment flap, a second abutment flap, a third abutment flap and a fourth abutment flap interposed between the group of articles and the side portion to abut the group of articles arranged on the main portion, thereby reducing movement thereof within the box.

Drawings

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the description with the help of the attached tables of drawings and according to what is set forth in the claims, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine for realising boxes from cardboard blanks and boxing a plurality of articles in the boxes, object of the present invention;

figure 2 is a perspective view of a reusable crate;

figure 3 is a perspective view of a first step of the method of realising a box from a cardboard blank and boxing a plurality of articles in the box, another object of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the method steps;

FIGS. 5-9 are perspective views illustrating further steps of the method;

FIGS. 10-12 are perspective views illustrating further steps of the method;

figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a cardboard blank.

Detailed Description

Reference is now made to fig. 1, 5-8 and 13.

In the present description, it is specified that a cardboard blank (2) refers to a cardboard sheet which is shaped by die cutting so as to have a determined shape.

A method of realising a box (1) from a cardboard blank (2) and boxing a plurality of articles (3) with the box (1), comprising the steps of: presetting a reusable crate (4) with an openable bottom (6) and a movable wall (7); arranging a plurality of articles (3) to be boxed in a reusable crate (4) and moving the movable wall (7) to bring the articles of the plurality of articles (3) into abutment flanking each other to form a group of articles (3 a); defining a rack base (3b) and a maximum height (3c) when articles of the plurality of articles (3) flank each other;

-detecting the value of the volume (V) occupied by a group of articles (3a) inside the reusable crate (4) according to the dimensions and the maximum height (3c) of the support base (3 b); -feeding a cardboard blank (2) according to the value of the detected volume (V), comprising:

-a first longitudinal score line (9) and a second longitudinal score line (10) parallel to each other, and-a first transverse score line (11) and a second transverse score line (12) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10), so as to define on the cardboard blank (2):

a central sector (13) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10); a first side sector (14) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the first longitudinal end (2a) of the cardboard blank (2); a second side sector (15) comprised between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second longitudinal end (2b) of the cardboard blank (2).

The two longitudinal (9, 10) and transverse (11, 12) scores intersect the cardboard blank (2) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, and are at a distance from each other that ensures identification at the central sector (13):

a main portion (16) comprised between the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12) and having dimensions such as a support base (3b) for statically receiving a group of articles (3 a); a first side portion (17) and a second side portion (18) located on opposite sides of the main portion (16) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12).

In this way, in the first side sector (14), the following is determined:

a third side portion (19) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the first longitudinal end (2a) of the paperboard blank (2) and the first longitudinal score line (9); a first auxiliary portion (20) and a second auxiliary portion (21) located on opposite sides of the third side portion (19) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12).

Likewise, in the second side sector (15), the following is determined:

a fourth side portion (22) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second longitudinal end (2b) of the paperboard blank (2); a third auxiliary portion (23) and a fourth auxiliary portion (24) located on opposite sides of the fourth side portion (22) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12).

The first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) are sufficient to extend to all of the maximum height (3c) of a group of articles (3a) so as to laterally accommodate a group of articles (3a) when the main portion (16) is received.

The paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

a first cut (25) on the first auxiliary portion (20), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the first transverse score line (11);

a second cut (26) in the second auxiliary portion (21), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second transverse score line (12);

a third cut (27) in the third auxiliary portion (23), starting from the intersection between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the first transverse score line (11);

a fourth cut (28) in the fourth subsidiary portion (24) starting from the point of intersection between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second transverse score line (12).

A first cut (25) subdivides the first auxiliary portion (20) into a first portion (20a) and a second portion (20b) of the first auxiliary portion (20); a second cut (26) subdivides the second auxiliary portion (21) into a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) of the second auxiliary portion (21); a third cut (27) subdivides the third auxiliary portion (23) into a first portion (23a) and a second portion (23b) of the third auxiliary portion (23); the fourth cut (28) subdivides the fourth auxiliary portion (24) into a first portion (24a) and a second portion (24b) of the fourth auxiliary portion (24).

The method further comprises the steps of:

-positioning the cardboard blank (2) and the reusable crate (4) in relation to each other such that the portion of the reusable crate (4) containing a group of articles (3a) is located above the main portion (16);

opening an openable bottom (6) of the reusable crate (4) to release a group of articles (3a) on the main portion (16);

folding the first (17), second (18), third (19) and fourth (22) side portions with respect to the main portion (16) towards a group of articles (3a) with the first (20), second (21), third (23) and fourth (24) auxiliary portions each of an opposite first (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and an opposite second (20b, 21b, 23b, 24b) portion of each, which is folded with respect to the first, second, third and fourth cuts (25, 26, 27, 28) to form a first (29), second (30), third (31) and fourth (32) abutment flap, respectively, to abut a group of articles (3a) received on the main portion (16) (see figures 5-8).

The supplied cardboard blank (2) may be of a flat construction.

With particular reference to fig. 2, the mobile wall (7) may protrude from the bottom wall (6).

The reusable crate (4) may comprise an outer wall (8).

The outer wall (8), the movable wall (7) and a portion of the bottom wall (2) can identify a chamber (5) for accommodating a group of articles (3a) to be boxed (see fig. 2 and 3).

The first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10) may extend longitudinally through the paperboard blank (2) from the first longitudinal end (2a) to the second longitudinal end (2 b).

The first longitudinal end (2a) and the second longitudinal end (2b) may be lateral ends of the paperboard blank (2).

With particular reference to fig. 13, the first longitudinal end (2a) is opposite the second longitudinal end (2 b).

The main portion (16) may be interposed between the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18).

The third side portion (19) may be interposed between the first auxiliary portion (20) and the second auxiliary portion (21).

The fourth side portion (22) may be interposed between the third auxiliary portion (23) and the fourth auxiliary portion (24).

The main portion (16) may be interposed between the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22).

The first cut (25) may extend from the intersection of the first longitudinal score line (9) and the first transverse score line (11) according to an inclined trajectory with respect to the first longitudinal score line (9).

The second cut (26) may extend from the intersection of the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second transverse score line (12) according to an inclined trajectory with respect to the first longitudinal score line (9).

The third cut (27) may extend from the intersection of the second longitudinal score line (10) and the first transverse score line (11) according to an inclined trajectory with respect to the second longitudinal score line (10).

The fourth cut (28) may extend from the intersection of the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second transverse score line (12) according to an inclined trajectory relative to the second longitudinal score line (10).

The first cut (25) may have a smaller depth with respect to the thickness (S) of the cardboard blank for packaging (2) in order to identify the respective fold line (see fig. 6-8, 13).

The second cut (26) may have a smaller depth with respect to the thickness (S) of the cardboard blank (2) for packaging, in order to identify the respective fold line.

The third cut (27) may have a smaller depth with respect to the thickness (S) of the cardboard blank (2) for packaging, in order to identify the respective fold line.

The fourth cut (28) may have a smaller depth with respect to the thickness (S) of the cardboard blank (2) for packaging, in order to identify the respective fold line.

When folded, the opposing first portions (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and the opposing second portions (20b, 21b, 23b, 24b) of each of the first (20), second (21), third (23) and fourth (24) auxiliary portions may overlap each other, the third (19) and fourth (22) side portions being in a straight position relative to the main portion (16) when the first (17), second (18) side portions.

The first abutment flap (29), the second abutment flap (30), the third abutment flap (31) and the fourth abutment flap (32) may project towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22).

With particular reference to fig. 6-9, when a group of articles (3a) is released into the main portion (16) and the first side portion (17) is folded over, the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) towards the group of articles (3a), once the first (29), second (30), third (31) and fourth (32) abutment flaps are formed, it is intended to abut a group of articles (3a) which, depending on their support base (3b) and maximum height (3c), can push a first abutment flap (29), a second abutment flap (30), a third abutment flap (31) and a fourth abutment flap (32) against a first side section (17), a second side section (18), a third side section (19) or a fourth side section (22), respectively.

In other words, the first abutment flap (29), the second abutment flap (30), the third abutment flap (31) and the fourth abutment flap (32) can abut a group of articles (3a), which group of articles (3a), depending on their size and position, can push: a first abutment flap (29) adjacent the first side portion (17) or the third side portion (19); a second abutment flap (30) adjacent to the second side portion (19) or the third side portion (18); a third abutment flap (31) adjacent to the first side portion (17) or the third side portion (19); a fourth adjoining flap (32) is located adjacent to the third side portion (19) or the second side portion (18).

The first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) are preferably folded towards the group of articles (3a) simultaneously with respect to the main portion (16).

In this way, the boxing of a group of articles (3a) is advantageously simple and quick, ensuring the formation of the first (29), second (30), third (31) and fourth (32) abutment flaps during the step of folding the first (17), second (18), third (19) and fourth (22) side portions.

Alternatively, the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) are folded simultaneously towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16), and subsequently the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) are folded simultaneously towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

In this way, the formation of the first (29), second (30), third (31) and fourth (32) abutment flaps is advantageously facilitated.

The method preferably comprises the step of moving the main portion (16) downwards to bring the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) into abutment against the first pair of rollers (60), thereby folding the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) simultaneously towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16), and bringing the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) into abutment against the second pair of rollers (61), thereby folding the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) simultaneously towards the group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

The steps of folding the first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) are advantageously performed simultaneously with releasing a group of articles (3a) from the reusable crate (4), moving the main portion (16) downwards.

The paperboard blank (2) preferably comprises a third transverse score line (33), said third transverse score line (33) being parallel and adjacent to the second transverse score line (12) in order to identify:

in the central sector (13), a fifth lateral surface portion (34) adjacent to the second lateral surface portion (18);

in the first side sector (14), a first flap (35) adjacent to the second auxiliary portion (21);

in the second side sector (15), a second flap (36) is adjacent to the fourth auxiliary portion (24).

The paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

a first cut (37) in the first side sector (14) extending in a transverse direction from a first longitudinal end (2a) of the cardboard blank (2) to the first longitudinal score (9) so as to separate the first flap (35) from the second auxiliary portion (21);

a second cut (38) in the second side sector (15) extending in a transverse direction from the second longitudinal end (2) of the paperboard blank (2) to the second longitudinal score line (10) so as to separate the second flap (36) from the fourth auxiliary portion (24); wherein the method comprises the step of folding the fifth side portion (34) to cover a group of articles (3a) when the main portion (16) is received.

The fifth side portion (34) is foldable with respect to the third transverse score line (33) towards the second side portion (18) to cover the face above the group of articles (3a) when received on the main portion (16) (see fig. 9-12).

When the fifth side portion (34) is arranged on the main portion (16), it advantageously covers a group of articles (3 a).

Furthermore, when the first flap (35) and the second flap (36) are superimposed on the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22), respectively, during the boxing operation of the group of articles (3a), the first flap (35) and the second flap (36) increase the rigidity of the box (1) obtained with the cardboard blank (2) (see fig. 9-12).

By increasing the stiffness of the boxes (1) obtained using the cardboard blank (2), it will be possible to overlap more boxes with each other and to maximize the storage capacity of a warehouse or truck for transporting the boxes. Furthermore, by increasing the stiffness of the box (1), a higher security of a group of articles (3a) inside the box will be ensured, and the possibility of external influences affecting a group of articles (3a) inside the box will be reduced, as with a stiff box (1) that is less affected by external influences.

The fifth side portion (34) may comprise a contact portion (40), the contact portion (40) being arranged at a free end of the fifth side portion (34) to contact the first side portion (17) when the fifth side portion (34) has been folded to cover a group of articles (3a) arranged on the main portion (16).

The depth of the first and second cuts (37, 38) is equal to the thickness (S) of the packaging paperboard blank (2).

In this way, the first cut (37) ensures that the first flap (35) is spaced from the second auxiliary portion (21), and the second cut (38) ensures that the second flap (36) is spaced from the fourth auxiliary portion (24).

The following includes a description of a machine (100) for realising a box (1) from a cardboard blank (2) and boxing a plurality of articles (3) with the box (1), the machine (100) comprising: a conveyor belt (42) for transporting reusable crates (4) in which pieces of articles (3) to be crated are arranged, the crates (4) having an openable bottom (6) and a movable wall (7); the movable wall (7) being movable to bring the articles of said plurality of articles (3) into abutment so as to flank each other to form a group of articles (3 a); wherein the items of the plurality of items (3) define a rack base (3b) and a maximum height (3c) when flanking each other; a detection sensor (43) for detecting, as a function of the dimensions and of the maximum height (3c) of the support base (3b), the value of the volume (V) occupied by a group of articles (3a) inside the reusable crate (4); -a supply device (44) for feeding the cardboard blank (2) according to the value of the detected volume (V). The paperboard blank (2) comprises:

-a first longitudinal score line (9) and a second longitudinal score line (10) parallel to each other, and-a first transverse score line (11) and a second transverse score line (12) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10), so as to define on the cardboard blank (2):

a central sector (13) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second longitudinal score line (10); a first side sector (14) comprised between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the first longitudinal end (2a) of the cardboard blank (2); a second side sector (15) comprised between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second longitudinal end (2b) of the cardboard blank (2).

Two longitudinal (9, 10) and two transverse (11, 12) scores are respectively made longitudinally and transversely through the cardboard blank (2) to identify in the central sector (13):

a main portion (16) comprised between the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12) and sized to be able to receive, at rest, a rack seat (3b) of a group of articles (3 a); a first side portion (17) and a second side portion (18) located on opposite sides of the main portion (16) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12);

in this way, in the first side sector (14) there is identified:

a third side portion (19) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the first longitudinal end (2a) of the paperboard blank (2) and the first longitudinal score line (3); a first auxiliary portion (20) and a second auxiliary portion (21) located on opposite sides of the third side portion (19) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12).

Likewise, in the second side sector (15) there is identified:

a fourth side portion (22) comprised between the first transverse score line (11), the second transverse score line (12), the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second longitudinal end (2b) of the paperboard blank (2); a third auxiliary portion (23) and a fourth auxiliary portion (24) located on opposite sides of the fourth side portion (22) with respect to the first transverse score line (11) and the second transverse score line (12).

The first (17), second (18), third (19) and fourth (22) side portions are sufficient to extend over all of the maximum height (3c) of a group of articles (3a) to laterally accommodate a group of articles (3a) when the main portion (16) is received.

The paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

a first cut (25) on the first auxiliary portion (20), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the first transverse score line (11);

a second cut (26) in the second auxiliary portion (21), starting from the intersection between the first longitudinal score line (9) and the second transverse score line (12);

a third cut (27) in the third auxiliary portion (23), starting from the intersection between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the first transverse score line (11);

a fourth cut (28) in the fourth subsidiary portion (24) starting from the point of intersection between the second longitudinal score line (10) and the second transverse score line (12).

A first cut (25) subdivides the first auxiliary portion (20) into a first portion (20a) and a second portion (20b) of the first auxiliary portion (20); a second cut (26) subdivides the second auxiliary portion (21) into a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) of the second auxiliary portion (21); a third cut (27) subdivides the third auxiliary portion (23) into a first portion (23a) and a second portion (23b) of the third auxiliary portion (23); the fourth cut (28) subdivides the fourth auxiliary portion (24) into a first portion (24a) and a second portion (24b) of the fourth auxiliary portion (24).

The conveyor belt (42) and the supply device (44) are arranged and configured to position the cardboard blank (2) and the reusable crate (4) relative to each other such that the portion of the reusable crate (4) containing a group of articles (3a) is located above the main portion (16) such that the openable bottom (6) of the reusable crate (4) can release the group of articles (3a) on the main portion (16). The machine (100) further comprises:

folding means (60, 61) for folding the first (17), second (18), third (19) and fourth (22) lateral portions and the first (20), second (21), third (23) and fourth (24) auxiliary portions towards a group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16), an opposite first portion (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and an opposite second portion (20b, 21b, 23b, 24b) of each of the first (20), second (21), third (23) and fourth auxiliary portions, which is folded with respect to the first, second, third and fourth cuts (25, 26, 27, 28) to form a first abutment flap (29), a second abutment flap (30), a third abutment flap (31) and a fourth abutment flap (32), respectively, to abut the group of articles (3a) received on the main portion (16).

The machine (100) performs the above-mentioned steps of the method of the invention to realize the above-mentioned case (1).

The same applies to the cardboard blank (2).

The supply device (44) may comprise an advancing roller (48) which advances the cardboard blank (2) in a first advancing direction (Z).

With particular reference to fig. 4, a cardboard blank (2) can be obtained from the value of the detected volume (V).

The machine (100) may comprise a first cutting device (49), said first cutting device (49) comprising a wheel with blades.

The first cutting device (49) can longitudinally cut the strip (2d) of packaging cardboard, while advancing in an advancing direction (Z), delineating a first longitudinal end (2a) and a second longitudinal end (2b) of the cardboard blank (2).

The wheel with the blade of the first cutting device (49) is translatable in a transverse direction to an advancement direction (Z) in order to vary the size of the cardboard blank (2) to be supplied according to the value of the detected volume (V).

With particular reference to fig. 1, the detection sensor (43) may be an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor for detecting the value of the volume (V) occupied by a group of articles (3a) inside the chamber (5) of the reusable crate (4).

Advantageously, with the machine (100), when the first (17), second (18), third (19) and fourth (22) side portions are folded with respect to the main portion (16) towards the group of articles (3a), the first (20), second (21), third (23) and fourth (24) auxiliary portions are each folded with respect to one another so as to form a first (20a, 21a, 23a, 24a) and an opposite second (20b, 21b, 23b, 24b) portion of each of the first (20), second (21), third (23) and fourth (24) abutment flap (29), a second (30), a third (31) and a fourth (32) abutment flap, which is interposed between the group of articles (3a) and the side portions (17, 18, 19, 22) so as to abut the group of articles (3a) arranged on the main portion (16), to reduce its movement inside the box (1).

The folding mechanism (60, 61) preferably comprises a first pair of rollers (60) and a second pair of rollers (61).

When the supply device (44) feeds the cardboard blank (2) such that the cardboard blank (2) is aligned with the first side portion (17) facing a roller (60a) of the first pair of rollers (60) and the second side portion (18) facing the other roller (60b) of the first pair of rollers (60), the first pair of rollers (60) is activated so as to simultaneously fold the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) towards a group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

When the supply means (44) feeds the cardboard blank (2) so that the cardboard blank (2) is aligned with the third side portion (19) facing a roller (61a) of the second pair of rollers (61) and the fourth side portion (22) facing another roller (61b) of the second pair of rollers (61), the second pair of rollers (61) is activated so as to simultaneously fold the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) towards a group of articles (3a) with respect to the main portion (16).

The first pair of rollers (60) and the second pair of rollers (61) advantageously facilitate the boxing of a group of articles (3a), make it simple and quick and ensure the formation of the first (29), second (30), third (31) and fourth (32) abutment flaps in the step of folding the first (17), second (18), third (19) and fourth (22) side portions.

The machine (100) preferably comprises a suction element (62), the suction element (62) being interposed between the first pair of rollers (60) and the second pair of rollers (61). The supply means (44) are preset such that the cardboard blank (2) is arranged at the suction element (62) such that, when a group of articles (3a) is arranged on the main portion (16), the suction element (62) can grip the main portion (16) under the suction force and move the main portion (16) downwards, thereby bringing the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) against the first pair of rollers (60) and the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) against the second pair of rollers (61).

When a group of articles (3a) is released onto the main portion (16), the suction element (62) advantageously performs a gripping function on the main portion (16) so that the cardboard blank (2) is moved downwards to bring the first pair of rollers (60) against the first side portion (17) and the second side portion (18) and the second pair of rollers (61) against the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) so that the first side portion (17), the second side portion (18), the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) are folded towards the main portion (16).

The first pair of rollers (60) is preferably translatable in a first direction (X) and the second pair of rollers (61) is translatable in a second direction (X) transverse to the first direction (X) such that the first pair of rollers (60) and the second pair of rollers (61) can approach or move away from each other depending on the size of the main portion (16) of the paperboard blank (2) provided in the feed. The first (60) and second (61) pairs of rollers advantageously ensure that the box (1) is also formed from cardboard blanks (2) having different dimensions, by translating in the first (X) and second (Y) directions, respectively: in fact, translation of the first pair of rollers (60) in the direction (X) brings the first (17) and second (18) lateral portions into abutment, folding them towards the main portion (16), while translation of the second pair of rollers (61) in the direction (Y) brings the third (19) and fourth (22) lateral portions into abutment, folding them towards the main portion (16).

The paperboard blank (2) preferably comprises a third transverse score line (33), said third transverse score line (33) being parallel and adjacent to the second transverse score line (12) in order to identify:

in the central sector (13), a fifth lateral surface portion (34) adjacent to the second lateral surface portion (18);

in the first side sector (14), a first flap (35) adjacent to the second auxiliary portion (21);

in the second lateral sector (15), a second flap (36) adjacent to the fourth auxiliary portion (24);

the paperboard blank (2) further comprises:

a first cut (37) in the first side sector (14) extending in a transverse direction from a first longitudinal end (2a) of the cardboard blank (2) to the first longitudinal score (9) so as to separate the first flap (35) from the second auxiliary portion (21);

a second cut (38) in the second side sector (15) extending in a transverse direction from the second longitudinal end (2) of the paperboard blank (2) to the second longitudinal score line (10) so as to separate the second flap (36) from the fourth auxiliary portion (24); and wherein a roller (60b) of the first pair of rollers (60) abuts the fifth side portion (34) so as to fold the fifth side portion (34) when received by the main portion (16) so as to cover the group of articles (3 a).

These are the same as the aforementioned note with respect to the advantages of being connected to the fifth side portion (34), the first flap (35) and the second flap (36).

The machine (100) may further include a gripper arm (50) for picking up the reusable crate from the conveyor belt (42) and positioning it at the gripper element (62).

With particular reference to fig. 5-7, once the clamp arm positions the reusable crate (4) at the clamp element (62), it will be activated to exert a suction action on the main portion (16) to move the paperboard blank (2) downwardly.

During the downward movement of the cardboard blank (2), the first (60) and second (61) pairs of rollers are translated in the first (X) and second (Y) direction, respectively, to abut the first (17), second (19), third (19) and fourth (22) side portions.

Subsequently, the second pair of rollers (61) accompanies the cardboard blank (2) during the downward relative movement of the main portion (16) just like the other roller (60b) of the first pair of rollers (60), so that during advancement of the cardboard blank (2) in the advancing direction (Z), the other roller (60b) of the first pair of rollers (60) can abut the fifth side portion (34) when received on the main portion (16) in order to cover the group of articles (3a) to realize the box (1). Further, with particular reference to fig. 10 and 11, the machine (100) comprises a pair of pushing elements (51) for simultaneously folding the first flap (35) and the second flap (36) towards the third side portion (19) and the fourth side portion (22) while the cardboard blank (2) advances in the advancing direction (Z).

In particular, an adhesive substance is applied to the outer walls of the third (19) and fourth (22) side portions, so that when a pair of pushing elements (51) folds the first (35) and second (36) flaps towards the third (19) and fourth (22) side portions, respectively, the first (35) and second (36) flaps remain adhered to the third (19) and fourth (22) side portions by the action of the adhesive substance, thus ensuring the closure of the box (1).

With particular reference to fig. 12, the machine (100) also comprises a further pushing element (53) for folding the contact portion (40) towards the first lateral portion (17) so that they overlap each other.

In particular, the pushing element (53) is first activated to exert a clamping force on the box (1) so as to keep the box (1) in the closed configuration, and subsequently an adhesive substance is applied on the first side portion (17) so that, when the pushing element (53) folds the contact portion (40) towards the first side portion (17), the contact portion (40) remains adhered to the first side portion (17) by the action of the adhesive substance, so as to ensure the closing of the box (1).