BAG MACHINE, AND PROCESS FOR FORMING LAYERS OF PACKAGED OR UNPACKAGED PRODUCTS POSSIBLY INSERTED INTO BAGS

Description

1 / 22 BAG MACHINE, AND PROCESS FOR FORMING LAYERS OF PACKAGED OR UNPACKAGED PRODUCTS POSSIBLY INSERTED IN BAGS DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging products through the use of a bagging machine in which, if necessary, the bagging function can be deactivated. For example, the invention can be applied to packaging paper rolls, such as rolls of paper tissues.

[0002] It is known that rolls of tissue paper, in particular rolls of toilet paper or kitchen paper, are generally packaged by means of a packaging machine that produces packages or bundles containing a predetermined number of rolls. The packages are conveyed to a bagging machine where batches are formed, each consisting of a predefined number of packages, and where the batches are bagged to produce bags, each of which contains a predefined number of said packages. For this purpose, the bagging machine has a tunnel, usually called a sealing tunnel, through which the products to be bagged and the film used to produce the bags pass. Downstream from the bagging machine, there is usually a palletizing station where robotic manipulators are installed that collect the bags and arrange them on a pallet according to a predefined stratification order.In some processes, the batch bagging phase can be avoided, and in this case, the batches pass through the bagging station of the machine without being bagged, forming a layer of batches intended to be placed on a pallet. This type of procedure is... Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 7 / 29 2 / 22 disclosed in European patent EP1550610B1.

[0003] Chinese patent CH696535 describes a system for grouping and palletizing product packages comprising a product feeding line, an end station of said line from which the grouped products exit, an elevator, a bagging machine, a conveyor, a robot, and a palletizing station. The bagging machine produces bags containing possibly stacked products. The bags are then transported, via an output conveyor, each oriented as desired, to a station where bag groups are formed and where the robot operates. The robot palletizes pre-oriented bag groups at the palletizing station. The system described in Chinese patent CH696535 requires excessive space compared to current production needs.

[0004] The main objective of the present invention is to propose treatment and stratification methods that allow reducing the space required for the installation of treatment units and the formation of bag layers.

[0005] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a bag treatment and layer formation system integrated into a bagging machine.

[0006] This result was achieved, according to the present invention, by providing a bagging machine and an operating process with the characteristics indicated in the independent claims. Other features of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the overall dimensions and cost of bag handling and layering systems, while ensuring high flexibility. Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 8 / 29 3 / 22 operational for managing the palletization of bagged items according to user-programmable methods. Furthermore, it should be noted the simplicity of construction of a machine according to the present invention which, moreover, is equipped with mechanisms that allow the implementation of a process comprising operational phases capable of guaranteeing high production and, at the same time, the integrity of the packaging handled during the process.

[0008] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will be better and more fully understood by those skilled in the art thanks to the following description and the accompanying drawings, provided by way of example, but should not be understood in a limiting sense, in which: - Figs. 1-12 represent a perspective view of a bagging unit according to the present invention in different phases of operation; - Fig. 13 A represents a schematic side view of the layer-forming device positioned downstream of the welding tunnel of the unit shown in Figs. 1-12; Figures 13B, 13C and 13D represent, respectively, a rear view, a perspective view and a top view of the device in Figure 13A; Fig. 14A is a diagram representing one possible way of using a machine according to the present invention; Fig. 14B schematically represents a batch consisting of two packages of tissue paper rolls placed side by side; - Figures 15A and 15B schematically represent the rotation of a bag downstream of the bagging tunnel; Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, p. 9 / 29 4 / 22 - Figs. 16A-16D represent a possible way to make a manipulator for handling bags in a perspective view (Fig. 16A), a bottom view (Fig. 16B), a top view (Fig. 16C) and a sectional view along line HH of Fig. 16C (Fig. 16D); - Fig. 16E represents a top perspective view of the manipulator of Figs. 16A-16D which illustrates, in particular, the beams (4Y) and (4X).

[0009] Reduced to its essential structure and with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, a machine according to the present invention can be configured to bag articles that can be packaged in a plastic bag.

[00010] The following description refers, as an example, to the bagging of batches consisting of packages of tissue paper rolls, such as toilet paper rolls. It is understood, however, that the processed products may be of any other type suitable to allow the use of the machine.

[00011] With reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, a machine according to the present invention comprises a batch forming and bagging section (1). Downstream of the machine, with respect to a direction (D5) along which the bags move away from the bagging machine, a palletizing section (2) is arranged. The batch forming and bagging section (1) has an infeed station (10) that receives the packages (CP) of paper rolls produced by a packaging machine arranged upstream. The packaging machine is a machine known to those skilled in the art and is therefore not described in more detail. In the illustrative diagram of Fig. 14A, the packaging machine is indicated by the block MC. Each package (CP) is composed of a predetermined number of Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 10 / 29 5 / 22 rolls of paper (R) arranged in a single layer or in multiple layers, wrapped by a winding sheet which typically consists of a plastic film.

[00012] Between the packaging machine (MC) and the aforementioned entry station (10) there is a corresponding conveyor (IM).

[00013] The packaging machine (MC) arranges the packages (CP) horizontally on the conveyor (IM), i.e., with the axes of the paper rolls arranged horizontally.

[00014] At the entry station (10) there is a tilting device (IR) which, using known methods, inverts the packages (CP), placing them in the vertical position.

[00015] The tilting device (IR) distributes the packages (CP) to a diverter (ID) which, in cooperation with a specific conveyor (IT), commonly called a bar feeder, located downstream of the diverter in relation to the direction of origin of the packages (CP), forms batches (L), each of which is composed of a predetermined number of packages (CP) placed side by side. In the illustrative diagram of Fig. 14B, a batch (L) is composed of two packages (CP), each containing four rolls (R). It is understood, however, that the quantity of packages that form the batches and

[00016] The number of rolls in each package may be different from what is exemplified. For example, a lot (L) may also consist of a single package (CP) and a package (CP) may also contain a single roll (R).

[00017] The bar feeder (IT) comprises a conveyor belt (IN) and a series of bar-shaped pushers (IB) oriented transversely to the belt. Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, p. 11 / 29 6 / 22 conveyor. Using known methods, the diverter (ID), rotating around a vertical axis (K) as schematically indicated by the arrows FD in Fig. 14A, places each package (CP) in a corresponding area (Z) of the bar feeder (IT), and the latter, thanks to the coordinated movement of the belt (IN) and the pushers (IB), transports the packages (CP) to an elevator (IE) in which, finally, the individual batches are arranged. The elevator (E) has a surface (PE) that receives the packages that make up the individual batches and raises the batches to a height corresponding to the entrance of a tunnel (TS) in which the means are arranged and act to enclose the batches in a bag (S) of plastic material and to seal the bag itself at the end of the bagging. In practice, the surface (PE) is positioned at the height of the tunnel (TS), after which a pusher (SP) intervenes, which pushes the batch into the tunnel (TS). The batches are bagged using methods known to technicians in this field.In the example shown in the attached drawings, the pusher (SP) has a front plate (AP), facing the tunnel (TS), which comes into contact with the batch to be inserted into the tunnel. To perform the bagging, a plastic film fed by a reel (BE) placed under the tunnel (TS) is used to produce a tube which, after the products enter the tunnel determined by the pusher (SP), is welded along its sides and on its rear side. A procedure of this type is described, for example, in European patent EP1801012B1.

[00018] The coordinated intervention of the diverter (ID) and the bar feeder (IT) determines the formation of individual batches (L) according to the programmed production. It goes without saying that the operation of the operating units Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 12 / 29 7 / 22 described above is controlled by a programmable control unit in which programmed production data is entered or stored. The operation and structure of the packaging machine (MC), tilting device (IR), diverter (ID), bar feeder (IT), elevator (E), pusher (SP) and bagging tunnel (TS) are known to those skilled in the art.

[00019] In the bagging process, the batches (L) are pushed by the pusher (SP) to a surface (3A, 3B, 3C) located downstream of the bagging tunnel (TS). Therefore,

[00020] the bags containing the batches are on said surface (3A, 3B, 3C) which acts as a temporary support for the bags (S) in a position immediately downstream of the welding tunnel (TS). As further described below, the surface (3A, 3B, 3C) that temporarily supports the bags (S) is advantageously divided into several independent sections.

[00021] Above the surface (3A, 3B, 3C) there are gripping means intended to engage the bags (S) that exit the welding tunnel (TS) and, as further described below, are used to form layers (LS) of bags in which each bag (S) has a predefined orientation depending on the programmed production. In the diagram of Fig. 14A, the tunnel exit (TS) is indicated by the reference UT.

[00022] With reference to the example shown in Figs. 3A-3B, the said gripping means comprise a programmable manipulator (4) with a gripper (4P) having two grippers whose opening and closing movement is controlled according to the size of the batches progressively positioned on the surface (3). With reference to the examples shown in Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 13 / 29 8 / 22 attached drawings, the gripper (4P) is constrained to a corresponding beam (4Y) oriented parallel to the direction (Y) from which the bags (S) exit the welding tunnel (TS), the gripper (4P) being connected to a belt (C4) driven by a respective geared motor (M4) that controls its movement parallel to the beam (4Y). The said beam (4Y) is, in turn, constrained to a second beam (4X) fixed to the machine structure (SI) and oriented along the direction (X) orthogonal to the direction (Y) of origin of the bags (X), the beam (4Y) being connected to a belt (CX) driven by a respective geared motor (MX) that controls its movement parallel to the beam (4X). Therefore, the gripper (4P) can be moved along both directions (X, Y). In other words, the gripper (4P) can be translated along both directions (X) and (Y) which are orthogonal to each other.

[00023] With reference to the example shown in Figs. 16A-16D, the claw (4P) comprises a base plate (40) with a rear orthogonal appendage (41) through which the claw is connected to the belt (4C). On the upper side of the plate (40) is mounted a first electric motor (42), whose shaft (43) passes through a fifth toothed wheel (44) with external teeth applied to the lower side of the plate (40). The fifth toothed wheel (44) is parallel to the plate (40) and has an axis of rotation (Z) orthogonal to the same plate. A lever is mounted at the end of the shaft (43) of the motor (42) which sets two arms (45) in diametrically opposite positions. A rod (46) is mounted on each arm (45) which, on the opposite side, is applied to an appendage (47A) of a linear slide (47B) on which a corresponding jaw (47) is mounted. Each slide (47B) is inserted into a corresponding guide (47C) formed on the lower side of the fifth toothed wheel (44). The latter is hooked, with its teeth Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 14 / 29 9 / 22 external, with a pinion (48A) driven by a second electric motor (48) whose shaft passes through the plate (40) and is connected to the pinion (48A) which is also on the underside of the plate (40). Therefore, the motor (42) controls the opening and closing, i.e., the mutual distancing and approaching, of the jaws (47) along the direction of the slides (47B), while the motor (48) controls the rotation of the fifth toothed wheel (44) and, consequently, of the jaws (47), around the aforementioned axis (Z).

[00024] Preferably, the said jaws (47) are formed from molded metal plates with a relatively reduced thickness.

[00025] Ultimately, the gripper (4P) can be moved along the (X) and (Y) directions and can rotate around the (Z) axis and the grippers (47) of the same gripper can be moved further apart and closer to each other.

[00026] All the actuators mentioned above are controlled by the programmable control unit into which the programmed production data is entered or stored.

[00027] Preferably, according to the present invention, the aforementioned temporary support surface (3) of the bags (S) is formed by several sections.

[00028] In particular, the surface (3) for temporarily supporting the bags (S) may be formed by two or more sections (3B, 3C; 3A) following one another along the direction (Y) of exit of the bags from the welding tunnel (TS) and one of them (3C), arranged in a position further downstream than the others (3B; 3A) in relation to said direction (Y), is connected to a mechanism that controls its descent and elevation in order to create a temporary support surface for the bags that may Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 15 / 29 10 / 22 can be positioned at different heights relative to the welding tunnel (TS) exit, depending on the phase of the process being performed. A description of a possible way to implement such a system is provided below.

[00029] The said section (3C) of the surface (3) with the respective lifting and lowering mechanism constitutes a useful device for forming layers of bags (S), that is, a useful device for forming several overlapping layers of bags (S), integrated into the bagging machine.

[00030] In the attached illustrative figures, the temporary support surface (3) for the bags (S) is composed of three sections (3B, 3C, 3A) one following the other along the direction (Y) of exit of the bags from the welding tunnel (TS): one of them (3C) is arranged in a position further downstream than the others (3B, 3A) in relation to said direction (Y) and is connected to a mechanism that controls its descent and elevation in order to create a temporary support surface for the bags that can be positioned at different heights in relation to the exit of the welding tunnel (TS); another section (3B) intermediate between the other two (3C, 3A) is fixed; and yet another section (3A) is provided in the vicinity of the exit of the welding tunnel and is a movable surface.In particular, the movable surface (3A) can be rotated from a horizontal position, in which it acts as a support for a bag at the exit of the welding tunnel, to a vertical position to determine the corresponding rotation of the bag whose orientation therefore changes from horizontal to vertical. In other words, the rotating section (3A) of said surface (3), if provided, can be used to knock down the exiting bags. Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 16 / 29 11 / 22 of the welding tunnel rotating them 90° around a respective side, as described below. In the example shown in Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, the said movable surface (3A) is served by a pneumatic actuator (3AC) which, using a suitable lever (3AL), controls its positioning in the horizontal position (Fig. 15A) and, respectively, in the vertical position (Fig. 15B). The arrow RS in Fig. 15B represents this movement of the surface (3 A).

[00031] A possible cycle for the formation of layers of the bags (S) in the aforementioned section (3C) is as follows.

[00032] The gripper (4P) engages a bag (S) at the exit of the welding tunnel as in Fig. 2, oriented along a programmed direction (i.e., moving it parallel to itself or rotating it 90° clockwise or counterclockwise as in Fig. 2) to release it in a pre-established area of ​​the aforementioned section (3C). Subsequently, the gripper (4P) is brought back to the exit of the welding tunnel to engage a second bag that was produced in the meantime and place it, also oriented along a pre-established direction, in the aforementioned section (3C). In Fig. 3, the second bag is arranged with an orientation parallel to the bag previously transported in section (3C), i.e., both the first and second bags are oriented parallel to the direction (Y) in section (3C); In this example, the first and second bags are spaced by a pre-established value sufficient to form a space (SL) in which to insert a third bag as described below.Next, the gripper (4P) releases the second bag and is brought back to the exit of the welding tunnel to engage a third bag that was produced in the meantime, as in Fig. 4. At this point, section (3A) is rotated upwards and,. Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 17 / 29 12 / 22 Consequently, the third bag is turned 90°, that is, it rotates 90° around one of its sides, so that the same bag goes from an initially horizontal position to a vertical position, as exemplified in Fig. 5, where the arrow RS represents the aforementioned rotation. At this stage, the gripper (4P) does not prevent the aforementioned inversion, but the grippers (47) constitute two guiding surfaces on two opposite sides of the bag that allow the inversion to be guided correctly, preventing the bag from moving laterally. The pressure exerted by the grippers (47) on the bags is contained within a range of relatively low values, so as not to damage the film from which the bags are made or the products inside them. Subsequently, the gripper (4P) rotates 90° around its axis (Z) determining the corresponding rotation of the bag contained between the jaws (47), as shown by way of example in Fig. 6.Meanwhile, or immediately afterwards, section (3C) is lowered by a value substantially corresponding to the height (HS) of the bags previously arranged in the same section, and the gripper (4P) transports the third bag to section (3C), placing it in the aforementioned space (SL) and releasing it, as exemplified in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Arrow G in Fig. 8 represents the gravity descent of the third bag into space (SL). At this point, the gripper (4P) first picks up a fourth bag and then a fifth bag at the exit of the welding tunnel, placing them in the first bag and, respectively, in the second bag as described previously, as shown by way of example in Figs. 9-11. In this way, in section (3C) layers are formed, composed of two layers of overlapping bags, with four bags in the horizontal position and one bag in the vertical position between the other four. In practice, as... Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 18 / 29 13 / 22 jaws (47) of the gripper (4P) form, during the positioning of the third bag, two surfaces presented by the manipulator (4) that define a channel for guided insertion of the third bag above the space (SL).

[00033] As described above, the operations of forming and overlapping the various layers are performed by the gripping means (4) in the said section (3C). In other words, the gripping means (4) and the product (CP) or bag (S) deposition area are arranged in the same station on the exit side of the bagging machine. Therefore, in this station, the gripping means (4) provide both for the movement and orientation of the products (CP) or bags (S), and for the formation of said layers in the deposition area.

[00034] Obviously the horizontal or vertical orientation of the individual bags and their position in section (3C) may vary, compared to what was described earlier by way of example, depending on the planned production.

[00035] Depending on the desired configuration of the layers formed in section (3C), section (3A) may not be a rotating section, or section (3A) may not be rotated, so as to form layers of bags without gaps between the bags of the individual layers and without bags arranged vertically.

[00036] The number of bag layers in section (3C) will depend on the number of down steps in section (3C) allowed by the available space below it and the dimensions of the bags.

[00037] Once the programmed layer formation is complete, section (3C) is returned to its initial position and a new layer formation cycle is initiated as described above.

[00038] For example, the aforementioned section (3C) is composed Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 19 / 29 14 / 22 by a belt enclosed in a ring on a respective support structure (3CS) and driven by a corresponding electric geared motor (3CM). The structure (3CS) is, in turn, constrained to fixed vertical guides (3CG) in which it is moved by a second geared motor (3MM) via a belt drive (3CC). The double arrow (3U, 3D) in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13D represents the raising (3U) and lowering (3D) of section (3C). Since the belt forming section (3C) is oriented parallel to the direction (Y) of exit of the bags from the welding tunnel, i.e., it is wound on rollers (3CR) oriented orthogonally to said direction (Y), it also acts as a conveyor belt for the layers formed on it. In particular, once the layers have been formed on the said belt, it is activated to transfer the layers to a conveyor (5) which, in turn, transports the layers to the palletizing section (2) where the layers are palletized.The conveyor (5) transports each layer to the palletizing section (2), where a second manipulator (M2) is positioned and operating, which picks up the layers and places them on a pallet. This last operation can be performed with means and methods known to those skilled in the art and is therefore not described in more detail. The conveyor (5) is schematically represented in Fig. 12 by dashed lines to better highlight other parts of the machine. The conveyor (5) is also plotted in Fig. 11A.

[00039] Preferably, a surface (3CB) is mounted on the structure (3CS) which, by means of a respective actuator (not visible in the drawings), is raised during the formation of the layers of bags, so as to form a support surface that reduces the risk of the bags falling off the surface (3C) and is Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, p. 20 / 29 15 / 22 lowered to allow the transfer of layers from section (3C) to the conveyor belt (5). In Figs. 1-10 the movable stop surface (3CB) is raised while it is lowered in Fig. 11.

[00040] The aforementioned surface (3CB) is mounted on the back of section (3C).

[00041] From the previous description, it is evident that the formation of bag layers (S) in the aforementioned section (3C) of the bagging machine derives from the provision of a system configured and controlled to perform the formation of layers by transporting, after the formation of a first layer in section (3C), the bags of the layers following the first along their respective deposition paths above the first layer, in such a way that the bags of each layer are above the bags of an underlying layer. In the machine configured as described above, this process is implemented through the controlled lowering of section (3C) during the formation of the layers after the first layer.However, it is understood that, according to the present invention, this process can be implemented differently, for example, by connecting the manipulator (4) to a lifting mechanism that allows the bags (S) to be lifted to arrange them above the already formed layers without necessarily requiring the lowering of section (3C), or by combining the lifting of the bags (S) by the manipulator (4) with the lowering of section (3C).

[00042] From the previous description, it is also evident that the formation of layers of bags (S) can be achieved by providing a spacing between the bags of two adjacent layers to form a space (SL) in which it is possible Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, page 21 / 29 16 / 22 insert more bags positioned orthogonally in relation to the bags of the aforementioned adjacent layers. During the transport of said additional bags towards the space (SL), the manipulator (4) forms a guide that prevents their uncontrolled descent into the space (SL). In the example described above, the guide that controls the descent of the additional bags into the space (SL) is formed by the grippers (47) of the gripper (4P) which, at this stage, constitute two containment surfaces on two opposite vertical sides of the additional bags.

[00043] A process according to the example described above is a process for carrying out the layering of bags (S), each containing a predetermined number of products (CP), comprising a bagging step of the products (CP) using a bagging machine equipped with automatic bagging means with which said bags (S) are formed, a step of picking up the bags (S) at an exit side of the bags of said

[00044] bagging means using an automatic manipulator (4), a subsequent transport step of the bags (S) to a bag deposition area (3C) in which the manipulator (4) forms layers composed of more layers of bags depositing each bag in a respective pre-established position and oriented according to a direction that is also pre-established, the transport of the bags by means of the manipulator (4) being carried out along selectively predefined trajectories for each of the bags (S).

[00045] As described above, a process according to the present invention implies that said handle means (4) and the product deposition area (CP) or bags (S) are Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, p. 22 / 29 17 / 22 arranged in the same station on the said exit side so that in this station the said gripping means (4) ensure both the movement and the orientation of the products (CP) or bags (S) and the formation of said layers in said deposition area.

[00046] Preferably, the process provides that the said deposition zone (3C) is a movable surface served by means of movement that control its descent, by a step of a value proportional to the height of the bags, to lower said surface at the end of the formation of each layer of bags, for example, along a vertical trajectory.

[00047] The aforementioned process can be implemented using a machine configured as described previously.

[00048] Preferably, said layer formation is performed by forming a spacing between the bags of two adjacent layers to form a space (SL) in which additional bags are inserted positioned with orthogonal orientation in relation to the bags of said adjacent layers and, in a release step of said additional bags in the space (SL), the manipulator (4) guides the additional bags along an insertion channel formed by surfaces (47) of the same manipulator.

[00049] The same layering procedure can also be implemented, with the machine described above, to form layers of unbagged products. In this case, the film is not unwound from the reel (BF) and the products, consisting of the packaging (CP), pass through the tunnel (TS) without being bagged. In other words, the bagging function can be deactivated.

[00050] The products can also be unpackaged, that is, Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, pp. 23 / 29 18 / 22 not sealed in a packaging envelope.

[00051] Therefore, in more general terms, a machine according to the present invention is a machine comprising bagging means (TS; SP) that can be activated and deactivated and are configured to form, when activated, bags (S) containing a predetermined number of products (CP), wherein the bagging means comprise an inlet side and an outlet side for the products (CP) possibly contained in the bags (S), wherein gripping means (4) are provided on said outlet side and configured to engage the products (CP) or bags (S) and move them along a predetermined path between said outlet side and a deposition area for the products (CP) or bags (S) in which layers of products (CP) or bags (S) are formed by means of the same gripping means (4), each composed of a predetermined number of products (CP) or bags (S) which, in turn, are arranged and oriented according to a predefined order by the gripping means. (4).

[00052] In practice, the gripping means (4) actively contribute to the formation of the layers, since they are configured and controlled to move the products (CP) or bags (S) and organize them in the said deposition zone, each oriented according to a programmed orientation.

[00053] As highlighted earlier, products can be packages, each containing a predetermined number of items enclosed in a wrapper, or even individual packaged or unpackaged items, and the product packaging methods can be activated or deactivated depending on the scheduled production.

[00054] Therefore, the process described earlier in Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, pp. 24 / 29 19 / 22 in relation to bag handling (S) generally extends to the handling of products that may be packages, each containing a predetermined number of items enclosed in a wrapper, or even individually packaged or unpackaged items, and the product bagging step may or may not be implemented depending on the scheduled production.

[00055] If the products are not bagged, the gripping means (4) act directly on the products and not on the bags (S).

[00056] From the preceding description, it is evident that a machine according to the present invention is a bagging machine comprising bagging means (TS) that can be activated and deactivated and are configured to form, if activated, bags (S) containing a predetermined number of products (CP), wherein the bagging means comprise an inlet side and an outlet side for the products (CP) possibly contained in the bags (S), and in which gripping means (4) are provided on said outlet side and configured to engage the products (CP) or bags (S) and move them along a predetermined path between said outlet side and a product (CP) or bag (S) deposition area in which layers of products (CP) or bags (S) are formed by means of the same gripping means (4), each layer composed of a predetermined number of products (CP) or bags (S) which, in turn,They are arranged and oriented each according to a predefined order by the gripping means (4).

[00057] From the preceding description, it is also evident that a machine according to the present invention may also exhibit one or more of the following additional features, even combined with each other: - in the aforementioned disposal area for the products (CP) Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, pages 25 / 29 20 / 22 or bags (S) a movable surface (3C) is provided, on which the gripping means (4) deposit the products (CP) or bags (S) to form said layers, and which movable surface (3C) is served by handling means that control its descent, by a step of a value proportional to the height of the products (CP) or bags (S), to lower said surface (3C) at the end of the formation of each layer of products (CP) or bags (S). - the aforementioned means of movement control the descent of the moving surface (3C) along a vertical trajectory. - the aforementioned movable surface (3C) is the terminal surface of a plurality of surfaces (3B, 3C; 3A, 3B, 3C) aligned along a direction (Y) of product (CP) or bag (S) exit downstream of the bagging means. - a surface (3 A) of said plurality of surfaces is connected to the respective means of motion that selectively control its rotation around a respective horizontal axis that is oriented orthogonally to said output direction (Y). the aforementioned gripping means (4) comprise a manipulator (4) provided with a gripper (4P) with two grippers (47) with a first actuator (42) that controls the opening and closing of the grippers and a second actuator (48) that controls the rotation of the gripper around a respective vertical axis of rotation (Z). - the aforementioned deposition area (3C) is defined by a conveyor belt mounted on a structure (3CS) controlled by handling means that control its descent, by a step of a value proportional to the height of the products (CP) or bags (S), to lower the aforementioned surface (3C) at the end of the formation of each layer of products (CP) or bags. Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, pp. 26 / 29 21 / 22 (S) .

[00058] A process has also been described for forming layers of packaged or unpackaged products (CP) possibly inserted into bags (S), each containing a predetermined number of products (CP), comprising an optional step of bagging the products (CP) by means of a bagging machine equipped with bagging means that can be activated and deactivated with which said bags (S) can be formed, a step of picking up the products (CP) or bags (S) on an exit side (CP) of said bagging means by means of the respective gripping means (4), a subsequent step of transporting the products (CP) or bags (S) to an area (3C) for depositing the products (CP) or bags (S) where the gripping means (4) form a layer composed of more layers of products (CP) or bags (S) placing each product or bag in a respective pre-established position and oriented according to a direction that is also pre-established,the transport of the products or bags by the gripping means (4) being carried out along selectively predefined paths for each of the products (CP) or bags (S), said gripping means (4) and the area (3C) for depositing the products (CP) or bags (S) being arranged in the same station on said exit side so that in said station said gripping means (4) provide both for the movement and orientation of the products (CP) or bags (S), and for the formation of said layers in said deposit area.

[00059] The process mentioned above may also include one or more of the following additional features, even combined: Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, pp. 27 / 29 22 / 22 - the aforementioned deposition area (3C) is a movable surface served by handling means that control its descent, by a step of a value proportional to the height of the products (CP) or bags (S), to lower the said surface at the end of the formation of each layer of products or bags. - the aforementioned means of movement control the descent of the deposition zone (3C) along a vertical trajectory. The process is implemented using a machine configured as described previously. - the bags (S) are made of a plastic film. The products are packages of tissue paper rolls. - the said layer formation is carried out by forming a spacing between the products or bags of two adjacent layers to form a space (SL) in which other products or bags are inserted positioned with orthogonal orientation in relation to the products or bags of said adjacent layers and, in a step to release said additional products or bags into the space (SL), the gripping means (4) guide the other products or bags along an insertion channel formed by surfaces (47) provided by the same gripping means.

[00060] In practice, the details of implementation may, however, vary equally with respect to the individual elements described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the scope of the following claims. Petition 870260081813, dated 08 / 13 / 2026, pages 28 / 29

Claims

1 / 4 - CLAIMS - 1. BAGGING MACHINE, comprising bagging means (BM) that can be activated and deactivated and are configured to form, if activated, bags (B) containing a predetermined number of products (P), wherein the bagging means comprise an inlet side and an outlet side for the products (P) possibly contained in the bags (B), characterized in that gripping means (4) are provided on said outlet side and configured to engage the products (P) or bags (B) and move them along a predetermined path between said outlet side and a product (P) or bag (B) deposition area in which layers of products (P) or bags (B) are formed by means of the same gripping means (4), each composed of a predetermined number of products (P) or bags (B), which in turn are arranged and oriented according to a predefined order by the means. of catch (4).

2. Bagging machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that in said depositing area for the products (CP) or bags (S) there is provided a movable surface (3C), on which the gripping means (4) deposit the products (CP) or bags (S) to form said layers, and said movable surface (3C) is served by handling means that control its descent, by a step of a value proportional to the height of the products (CP) or bags (S), to lower said surface (3C) at the end of the formation of each layer of products (CP) or bags (S).

3. Bagging machine, according to claim 2, characterized in that said handling means control the descent of the moving surface (3C) Petition 870250061605, dated 07 / 17 / 2025, page 50 / 58 2 / 4 along a vertical trajectory.

4. Bagging machine, according to claim 2, characterized in that said movable surface (3C) is the terminal surface of a plurality of surfaces (3B, 3C; 3A, 3B, 3C) aligned along a direction (Y) for the exit of the products (CP) or bags (S) downstream of the bagging means.

5. Bagging machine, according to claim 4, characterized in that a surface (3 A) of said plurality of surfaces is connected to the respective handling means that selectively control its rotation around a respective horizontal axis that is oriented orthogonally to said output direction (Y).

6. Bagging machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that said gripping means (4) comprise a manipulator (4) provided with a gripper (4P) with two grippers (47) with a first actuator (42) that controls the opening and closing of the grippers and a second actuator (48) that controls the rotation of the gripper around a respective vertical axis of rotation (Z).

7. Bagging machine, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said deposition area (3C) is defined by a conveyor belt mounted on a structure (3CS) controlled by handling means that control its descent, by a step of a value proportional to the height of the products (CP) or bags (S), to lower said surface (3C) at the end of the formation of each layer of products (CP) or bags (S).

8. PROCESS FOR FORMING LAYERS OF PACKAGED OR UNPACKAGED PRODUCTS POSSIBLY INSERTED IN BAGS, Petition 870250061605, dated 17 / 07 / 2025, page 51 / 58 3 / 4 each containing a predetermined number of products (CP), characterized in that it comprises an optional step of bagging the products (CP) by means of a bagging machine equipped with bagging means that can be activated and deactivated with which said bags (S) can be formed, a step of picking up the products (CP) or bags (S) on an exit side (CP) of said bagging means by means of the respective clamping means (4),a subsequent stage of transporting the products (CP) or bags (S) to an area (3C) for depositing the products (CP) or bags (S) where the gripping means (4) form a layer composed of more layers of products (CP) or bags (S) placing each product or bag in a respective pre-established position and oriented according to a direction that is also pre-established, the transport of the products or bags by the gripping means (4) being carried out along selectively predefined trajectories for each of the products (CP) or bags (S), the said gripping means (4) and the area (3C) for depositing the products (CP) or bags (S) being arranged in the same station on the said exit side so that in the said station the said gripping means (4) provide both for the movement and orientation of the products (CP) or bags (S), and for the formation of the said layers in the said deposition area.

9. Process, according to claim 8, characterized in that said deposition area (3C) is a movable surface served by handling means that control its descent, by a step of a value proportional to the height of the products (CP) or bags (S), to lower said surface at the end of the formation of each layer of Petition 870250061605, dated 07 / 17 / 2025, page 52 / 58 4 / 4 products or bags.

10. Process, according to claim 8, characterized in that said handling means control the descent of the deposition zone (3C) along a vertical trajectory.

11. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that it is implemented using a machine configured as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 7.

12. Process, according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the bags (S) are made of a plastic material film.

13. A process, according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the products are packages of rolls of paper tissues.

14. Process, according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that said layering is carried out by forming a spacing between the products or bags of two adjacent layers to form a space (SL) in which other products or bags are inserted positioned with orthogonal orientation relative to the products or bags of said adjacent layers and, in a step to release said additional products or bags into the space (SL), the gripping means (4) guide the other products or bags along an insertion channel formed by surfaces (47) provided by the same gripping means. Petition 870250061605, dated 17 / 07 / 2025, pp. 53 / 58

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