Packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) for packaging products (100) selectively in packs of the tray and U-lid type (150, 151) or in packs of the wrap-around type (152), folding and forming respective cardboard blanks (201, 202, 203), comprises moving means (2, 3, 4) for moving products (100), first feeding means (5) for dispensing first blanks (201) or second cardboard blanks (202) to be associated with the products (100) to form a tray (150) or a wrap-around package (152) respectively; second feeding means (6) for dispensing third blanks (203) to be associated with the products (100) to form a U-lid (151); first guiding and abutting means (7) for abutting an upper portion (100b) of the products (100); second guiding and abutting means (8) selectively positionable in an operating position (B), in which they are adjacent to and almost aligned with the first guiding and abutting means (7) for maintaining the third blanks (203) associated with the products (100) during the folding and forming of the first blanks (201) or in a non-operating position (C), in which they are spaced apart from the first guiding and abutting means (7) to allow second blanks (202) to come out from an exit opening (20) of a supporting plane (2) of the products.

Description

[0001] Packaging machine

[0002] The invention concerns packaging machines for packaging products using cardboard blanks. In particular, the invention relates to an in-line packaging machine with continuous operation, capable of making a plurality of different packages using cardboard blanks and / or heat- shrinkable film.

[0003] Packaging machines, also called cartoning machines, are known and widely used, suitable for enclosing products, objects, articles, generally grouped on one or more rows and / or on several overlapping layers, in wrappers or packages made by folding suitably shaped and sized cardboard blanks.

[0004] The known machines typically comprise a movement or sliding plane on which the products, for example already grouped in a previous separation station, are moved along an advancement direction towards a packaging station in which they are partially or completely enclosed in the cardboard wrappers.

[0005] Machines capable of making so-called "tray" packages are known in which the products are placed inside a tray- shaped container, formed by a folded cardboard blank and having a horizontal base wall of generally rectangular shape, on which the products rest, and vertical rectangular lateral walls connected to the base wall to form a peripheral frame that encloses and blocks the products.

[0006] The still unfolded cardboard blank is placed on a section of the movement plane immediately before the arrival of a group of products. For example, the blank is inserted on the work plane through a lateral opening or through an opening provided on the movement plane and suitably folded around the products (its four lateral walls) during the advancement of the products on the movement plane.

[0007] The tray and the products are then wrapped in a plastic film, for example of a heat- shrinkable type, in order to create the final packaging (tray + film).

[0008] Alternatively, before wrapping with the film, a lid also obtained by folding a respective cardboard blank (so-called "U-lid") in a U-shape can be applied to the products in addition to the tray, so as to form a horizontal upper wall and two vertical lateral walls.

[0009] For this purpose, the machine comprises a lid feeding group capable of picking up the respective cardboard blanks from a magazine one at a time and conveying them to the packaging station. In the packaging station each blank is positioned above a respective group of products and held in position above them while the blank of the tray is inserted, for example dispensed through the exit opening on the movement plane. Abutting means keep the lid blank in position on the products while these are moved along an advancement direction to allow the folding of the flaps of the lid blank that form the vertical lateral walls and the flaps of the blank of the tray that form the vertical lateral walls of the latter.

[0010] Also known are machines that make so-called "wrap-around" packages in which the products in advancement on the work plane are wrapped and completely enclosed by a cardboard blank that is folded around them. For this purpose, the machines comprise a blank feeding group located below a movement plane which is suitably provided with an opening for the blank to come out.

[0011] The latter then partially comes out from the movement plane, inclined or almost vertical so as to be abutted by the group of products to be packaged and then folded around them during their progressive advancement. For this purpose, the initial portion of the blank that must come out of the movement plane must have a length such as to cover at least the front and the upper part of the group of products, the lower (base) and rear parts of the group of products being covered by the remaining portion of the blank that progressively comes out while the group of products transits over the exit opening. The initial portion of the blank is folded around the products, in particular on the upper part, by special folding means, for example fixed and arranged above the movement plane.

[0012] The remaining portion of the blank is folded around the products, in particular on the rear, by further folding means, for example associated with means for pushing the products.

[0013] These packaging machines are generally equipped with intermittent motion operation to allow the execution of the various packaging operations during the standstill phases.

[0014] However, this mode of movement does not make it possible to obtain high production rates due to kinematic limits caused by accelerations and decelerations deriving from intermittent motion.

[0015] Another disadvantage of the known packaging machines is that they do not allow both the package with tray and U-lid and the wrap-around type package to be made since the abutting means for the lid blanks arranged parallel to and above the movement plane do not allow the initial portion of the blank of the wrap-around package to come out and be subsequently folded.

[0016] EP 1985541 describes a multifunctional packaging line for wrapping products in two-piece packs comprising a quadrangular lateral-edged tray and a lid or in wrap-around packs comprising bi-functional positioning-translator-forming means, alternatively adapted to insert, position and form a blank tray under the base of the products or to insert, position and form a blank wrap-around around the base of the products; upper positioning- translator-forming means adapted to insert, position and form a blank lid on top of the product; upper folding-forming means adapted to fold and form the upper portion of said blank wrap-around on top of the product.

[0017] An object of the invention is to improve packaging machines known for packaging products using cardboard blanks, and in particular cartoning machines.

[0018] Another object is to provide an in-line packaging machine having continuous motion operation that allows a plurality of different packages to be made using cardboard blanks.

[0019] A further object is to create a packaging machine that allows the packaging of products in both tray and U-lid type and wrap-around type packages.

[0020] Another further object is to provide a packaging machine having simple and economical construction and precise and reliable operation.

[0021] These and further objects are achieved by a packaging machine according to one or more of the claims set out below.

[0022] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate some exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which: figure 1 is a schematic and interrupted front view of the packaging machine of the invention in a configuration for packaging products in tray and U-lid packages; figure 2 is an enlarged partial view of the packaging machine of figure 1 ; figures 3 and 4 are partial and enlarged views of the packaging machine of figure 1 in a configuration for packaging products in wrap-around packages in respective operating phases.

[0023] With reference to figures 1 to 4, the packaging machine 1 of the invention is illustrated, arranged to package products 100 selectively in packs of the tray and U-lid type or in packs of the wrap-around type, folding and forming respective cardboard blanks 201, 202, 203. Each product 100 may comprise a single article or object or a plurality of articles or objects grouped on one or more rows and / or on one or more overlapping layers.

[0024] The packaging machine 1 comprises moving means 2, 3, 4 for moving, in particular with continuous motion, the products 100 arranged on a supporting plane 10, in particular substantially horizontal, along an advancement direction A, first feeding means 5 for dispensing through an exit opening 20 provided on the supporting plane 10 first cardboard blanks 201 or second cardboard blanks 202 to be associated with at least one base portion 100a of respective products 100 to respectively form a tray 150 or a wrap-around package 152 and second feeding means 6 for providing third cardboard blanks 203 to be associated with an upper portion 100b of respective products 100 to form a U-lid 151, in particular when the machine 1 is configured to package the products 100 in tray with U-lid type packages, of known type.

[0025] The first feeding means 5 are of known type and therefore not described and shown in detail. The second feeding means 6 comprise a first feeding belt 61 and a second feeding belt 62. The first feeding belt 61 is configured to take a third blank 203 from a magazine 65 one at a time and convey it along the advancement direction A towards the second feeding belt 62, the latter having an arcuate shape and descending towards the supporting plane 10 and provided with an exit end 60 from which the third blanks 203 come out.

[0026] The second feeding means 6 are selectively positionable in a working position F, in which the exit end 60 is adjacent to the upper portions 100b of the products to position thereon the third blanks 203 or in a disengagement position G, in which said exit end 60 is spaced apart from the products 100 to allow their movement along the advancement direction A, in particular when the products 100 are to be packaged with wrap-around packages 152 that do not require U-lids 151. More precisely, in the illustrated embodiment it is the only second feeding belt 62 that is movable, in particular along a movement direction H almost perpendicular to the supporting plane 2, between the working position F and the disengagement position G.

[0027] The machine 1 further comprises first guiding and abutting means 7 interposed between the exit end 60 of the second feeding means 6 and the exit opening 20 provided on the supporting plane 10 and configured to abut an upper portion 100b of the products 100, in particular to keep the third blanks 203 dispensed by the second feeding means 6 associated with the products 100, in particular constrained to their upper portion 100b, during their movement along the advancement direction A.

[0028] The machine 1 also comprises second guiding and abutting means 8 positioned downstream of the exit opening 20 with reference to the advancement direction A and selectively positionable in an operating position B or in a non-operating position C. In the operating position B, the second guiding and abutting means 8 are adjacent to and almost aligned with the first guiding and abutting means 7 so as to abut an upper portion 100b of the products 100 and keep the third blanks 203 associated with the products 100, in particular constrained to their upper portion 100b, during the folding and forming of the first blanks 201 dispensed by the first feeding means 5. In the non-operating position C, the second guiding and abutting means 8 are spaced apart from the first guiding and abutting means 7 and from the supporting plane 10 to allow second blanks 202, adapted to be folded around the products 100 to form wrap-around packages 152, to come out from the exit opening 20. The first guiding and abutting means 7 comprise at least one endless first belt 11 wrapped around first pulley means 31a, 31b, 31c, 3 Id and comprising a respective operating section 1 la in which it abuts the upper portions 100b of the products 100. The operating section I la has a variable length to adapt to the operation of the machine 1 according to the type of packaging to be made, as better explained in the following description.

[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first belt 11 is wrapped around respectively first and second movable pulleys 31a, 31b and third and fourth fixed pulleys 31c, 3 Id. The first pulley 31a and the second pulley 3 lb are movable parallel to the advancement direction A to make it possible to vary the length of the operating section 1 la of the first belt 11, from a minimum value, in the case of packaging of the tray type with U-lid (Fig. 2) to a maximum value, in the case of packaging of the wrap-around type (Fig. 2 and 4).

[0030] The second guiding and abutting means 8 comprise at least one endless second belt 12 wrapped around second pulley means 32a, 32b. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second belt 12 is wrapped respectively around a respective first motorized pulley 32a and a second idle pulley 32b. In particular, the second belt 12 comprises a respective operating section 12a in which it abuts the upper portions 100b of the products 100.

[0031] First folding means 21, of known type and therefore not described in detail, are associated with the guiding and abutting means 8 and arranged to abut and fold the lateral flaps of the third blanks 203 so as to make the U-lids 151.

[0032] The second guiding and abutting means 8 are movable between the operating position B and the non-operating position C, for example linearly along the movement direction H.

[0033] The packaging machine 1 further comprises second folding means 22 arranged downstream of the exit opening 20 on the supporting plane 10, with reference to the advancement direction A, and configured to abut a head portion 202a of each second blank 202 supplied by the first feeding means 5, and fold this around an upper portion 100b of the products 100. The second folding means 22 are movable between an inactive position D (Fig. 2) and an active position E (Fig. 3 and 4). In the inactive position D, the second folding means 22 are spaced apart from the products 100 and the second guiding and abutting means 8 so as not to interfere with the latter when arranged in the operating position B. In the active position E, the second folding means 22 are arranged so as to abut the head portion 202 of each second blank 202, when the second guiding and abutting means 8 are arranged in the nonoperative position C.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment the second folding means 22 comprise for example a shaped folding element rotatable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis between the inactive position D and an active position E.

[0035] The packaging machine 1 comprises third guiding and abutting means 9 located downstream of the second guiding and abutting means 8 with reference to the advancement direction A and configured to abut an upper portion 100b of the products 100. The third guiding and abutting means 9 comprise, for example, at least one endless third belt 13 wrapped around third pulley means 33a, 33b. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the third belt 13 is wrapped around a respective first motorized pulley 33a and a respective second idler pulley 33b. In particular, the third belt 13 comprises a respective operating section 13a in which it abuts the upper portions 100b of the products 100.

[0036] Third folding means 23, of known type and therefore not described in detail, are arranged at the third guiding and abutting means 9 to abut and fold lateral flaps of the second blanks 202 so as to make the wrap-around packages 152 of the products 100.

[0037] The moving means 2, 3, 4 comprise first moving means 2 for moving the products 100 towards the first guiding and abutting means 7, second moving means 3 for moving the products 100 at the first guiding and abutting means 7 and third moving means 4 for moving the products 100 at the second guiding and abutting means 8.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated, the first moving means 2 comprise, for example, a moving belt, of known type and not described in detail, motorized and having an upper product supporting portion 100 that is parallel and aligned, i.e. coplanar, to the supporting plane 10. The second moving means 3 comprise at least one endless fourth belt 14 wrapped around fourth pulley means 34a, 34b, motorized and provided with a plurality of pushing elements 18 arranged to abut at the back and push along the advancement direction A of the products 100. In particular, the fourth belt 14 is wrapped around a respective first motorized pulley 34a and a plurality of respective second idle pulleys 33b.

[0039] The packaging machine 1 also comprises fourth folding means 24 arranged to abut and fold the front flaps of the first blanks 201 or the second blanks 202. More precisely, the fourth folding means 24 comprise, for example, a plurality of respective abutting elements fixed regularly spaced on at least one fifth belt 15 and arranged to abut and fold the front flaps of the first and second blanks 201, 202.

[0040] The endless fifth belt 15 is wrapped around fifth pulley means 35a, 35b, comprising a respective first motorized pulley 35a and a respective second idler pulley 35b.

[0041] The packaging machine 1 includes fifth folding means 25 arranged to abut and fold the rear flaps of the first blanks 201 or of the second blanks 202. More precisely, the fifth folding means 25 comprise a plurality of respective abutting elements fixed regularly spaced on at least one sixth belt 16 and arranged to abut and fold the rear flaps of the first blanks 201 or of the second blanks 202. The at least one endless sixth belt 16 is wrapped around sixth pulley means 36a, 36b, comprising a respective first motorized pulley 36a and a respective second idler pulley 36b.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the third moving means 4 of the packaging machine 1 comprise the sixth belt 16 provided with a plurality of respective abutting elements 25 adapted to abut at the back and therefore push along the advancement direction A of the products 100.

[0043] The operation of the packaging machine 1 of the invention initially provides for its configuration to package products 100 in packages of the tray and U-lid type or of the wraparound type.

[0044] In the first case, a magazine of the first feeding means 5 is loaded with first blanks 201 intended to form trays 150 and the second feeding means 6 are arranged in the working position F to provide and position on the products 100 the third blanks 203 intended to form the U-lids 151.

[0045] Similarly, the second guiding and abutting means 8 are arranged in the operating position B to abut the upper portion 100b of the products 100 moved along the advancement direction A and maintain the third blanks 203 associated with the products 100 during the folding and forming of the first blanks 201 dispensed by the first feeding means 5.

[0046] The first guiding and abutting means 7 are also adjusted so that the length of the operating section I la of the first belt 11 is that required for the type of product 100 and the type of packaging. More precisely, the first pulley 31a and the second pulley 3 lb of the first pulley means of the first guiding and abutting means 7 are moved parallel to the advancement direction A to vary the length of the operating section I la of the first belt 11 for example to a minimum value (Fig. 2).

[0047] The distance from the supporting plane 10 of the second feeding means 6 (more precisely of the exit end 60 of the second feeding belt 61) and of the first, second and third guiding and abutting means 7, 8, 9 (more precisely of the operating sections I la, 12a, 13a of the first, second and third belts 11, 12, 13) is a function of a height of the products 100, i.e. of a dimension thereof along a direction orthogonal to the supporting plane 10. It should therefore be noted that the operating position B of the second guiding and abutting means 8 and the working position F of the second feeding means 6 vary as a function of the height of the products 100.

[0048] During operation of the machine 1, the products 100 are moved by the first moving means 2 along the advancement direction A towards the first guiding and abutting means 7. Transiting below the exit end 60 of the second feeding means 6, each product 100 receives a respective third blank 203 which is positioned on its upper portion 100b. Advancing further, the upper portions 100b of the products 100 are abutted by the first belt 11 of the first guiding and abutting means 7 which thus holds the third blanks 203 associated with the products 100 while the latter are moved by the second moving means 3 towards the exit opening 20 on the supporting plane 10 from which the first blanks 201 come out. In particular, during the advancement along the advancement direction A each product 100 (moved by a respective pushing element 18 of the second moving means 3) abuts with its base portion 100a a respective first blank 201 that comes out of the exit opening 20. Continuing to advance, while the front and rear flaps of the first blank 201 are folded by the fourth and fifth folding means 24, 25 around the base portion 100a of the product 100, the upper portion 100b of the latter with the respective third blank 203 is abutted by the second belt 12 of the second guiding and abutting means 8. In particular, the second belt 12 keeps the third blanks 203 associated with the products 100 during the folding and forming of the first blanks 201.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, while the second belt 12 holds the third blanks 203 associated with the products 100, the first folding means 21 abut and fold the lateral flaps of the third blanks 203 so as to make the U-lids 151.

[0050] The products 100 are moved at the second guiding and abutting means 8 and the third guiding and abutting means 9 by the third moving means 4 comprising the sixth belt 16 provided with respective abutting elements 25 arranged to abut at the back and push along the advancement direction A of the products 100. The abutting elements 25 of the sixth belt 16 also constitute the fifth folding means 25 that abut and fold the rear portion of each first blank 201 when the respective product 100 passes the exit opening 20.

[0051] The third belt 13 of the third guiding and abutting means 9 maintains the third blanks 203, i.e. the U-lids 151, associated with the products 100 during the folding of the lateral flaps of the first blank 201 performed by the third folding means 23.

[0052] The product 100 coming out of the third guiding and abutting means 9 is therefore equipped and inserted in a tray 120 and equipped with a U-lid 151.

[0053] In the case of packaging of the products 100 in packages of the wrap-around type, the magazine of the first feeding means 5 is loaded with second blanks 202 intended to form the wrap-around packages and the second feeding means 6 are arranged in the disengagement position G to allow the free advancement of the products 100 along the advancement direction A.

[0054] Similarly, the second guiding and abutting means 8 are arranged in the inactive position C to allow the second blanks 202 to come out from the exit opening 20 and the positioning of the second folding means 22 in the active position E to abut and fold the head portion 202 of each second blank 202 on the upper portion 100a of the respective product 100.

[0055] Also in this case, the distance from the supporting plane 10 of the first and third guiding and abutting means 7, 9 is a function of a height of the products 100, i.e. of a dimension thereof along the direction orthogonal to the supporting plane 2.

[0056] During operation of the machine 1, the products 100 are moved by the first moving means 2 along the advancement direction A towards the first guiding and abutting means 7. Advancing further, the upper portions 100b of the products 100 are met by the first belt 11 of the first guiding and abutting means 7. The length of the operating section I la of the first belt 11 increases with the advancement of the product 100. More precisely, the first pulley 31a and the second pulley 31b of the first pulley means of the first guiding and abutting means 7 are moved parallel to the advancement direction A to vary the length of the operating section 1 la of the first belt 11 from a minimum value (Fig. 3) to a maximum value (Fig. 4) while the products 100 are moved by the second moving means 3 towards the exit opening 20 from which the second blanks 202 come out. More precisely, during movement along the advancement direction A each product 100 (moved by a respective pushing element 18 of the second moving means 3) abuts the head portion 202a of a respective second blank 202 that comes out from the exit opening 20 with its base portion 100a.

[0057] Continuing to advance, while the rear flap of the second blank 202 is folded by the fifth folding means 25 around the base portion 100a of the product 100, the head portion 202a of the second blank is folded over the upper portion 100b and over a front portion of the product 100 by the second folding means 22 arranged in the active position E and by the fourth folding means 24.

[0058] The products 100 are moved at the third guiding and abutting means 9 by the third moving means 4 comprising the sixth belt 16 provided with the respective abutting elements 25 arranged to abut at the back and push the products 100 along the advancement direction A. The abutting elements 25 of the sixth belt 16 also constitute the fifth folding means 25 that abut and fold the rear portion of each second blank 202 when the respective product 100 passes the exit opening 20.

[0059] The third belt 13 of the third guiding and abutting means 9 keeps the head portion 202a of the second blank folded and adhering to the product 100 during the folding of the lateral flaps of the second blank 202 performed by the third folding means 23.

[0060] The product 100 coming out of the third guiding and abutting means 9 is then inserted into a wrap-around package 152.

[0061] The packaging machine 1 of the invention therefore makes it possible to package products 100 both in packages of the tray and U-lid type and in packages of the wrap-around type, performing only minimal adjustment interventions that can be carried out automatically or semi-automatically in a very fast time, i.e. with reduced interruption of productivity. In particular, the second guiding and abutting means 8 are selectively positionable in the operating position B, in which they are adjacent and almost aligned with the first guiding and abutting means 7 to abut an upper portion 100b of the products 100 and maintain the third blanks 203 intended to form the U-lids 151 associated with the products 100 during the folding and forming of the first blanks 201, or in the non-operating position C, in which they are spaced apart from the first guiding and abutting means 7 and from the supporting plane 10 to allow the second blanks 202 to come out from the exit opening 20.

[0062] Similarly, the second folding means 22 are movable between the inactive position D, in which they are spaced apart from the products 100, so as not to interfere with the second guiding and abutting means 8 arranged in the operating position B, and in the active position E, in which they abut the head portion 202 of each second blank 202 to fold it on the respective product 100, in particular with the second guiding and abutting means 8 arranged in the non-operating position C.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Packaging machine (1) for packaging products (100) selectively in tray and U-lid packages or wrap-around packages, by folding and forming respective cardboard blanks (201, 202, 203), comprising:- moving means (2, 3, 4) for moving, in particular with continuous motion, products (100) arranged on a supporting plane (10) along an advancement direction (A);- first feeding means (5) for dispensing through an exit opening (20) provided on said supporting plane (10) first cardboard blanks (201) or second cardboard blanks (202) to be associated at least with a base portion (100a) of respective products (100) in order to form a tray (150) or a wrap-around package (152), respectively;- second feeding means (6) for dispensing third cardboard blanks (203) to be associated with an upper portion (100b) of respective products (100) in order to form a U-lid (151);- first guiding and abutting means (7) interposed between an exit end (60) of said second feeding means (6) and said exit opening (20) on said supporting plane (10) and configured to abut an upper portion (100b) of said products (100), in particular to maintain third cardboard blanks (203) dispensed by said second feeding means (6) associated with the products (100) during a movement thereof;- second guiding and abutting means (8) that are located downstream of said exit opening (20) with reference to said advancement direction (A) and can be selectively arranged in an operating position (B), in which they are adjacent and substantially aligned with said first guiding and abutting means (7) in order to abut an upper portion (100b) of said products (100) and maintain the third cardboard blanks (203) associated with the products (100) during the folding and forming of at least the first cardboard blanks (201) supplied by the first feeding means (5), or in a non-operating position (C), in which they are spaced apart from said first guiding and abutting means (7) and from said supporting plane (10) to allow said second cardboard blanks (202) coming out from said exit opening (20) that are suitable for being folded around said products (100) to form wrap-around packages (152).

2. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein said second feeding means (6) can be selectively positioned in a working position (F), in which said exit end (60) is adjacent to upper portions (100b) of said products (100) so as to position said third cardboard blanks (203) thereon, or in a disengagement position (G), in which said exit end (60) is spaced apart from said products (100) to allow their movement along theadvancement direction (A).

3. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first guiding and abutting means (7) comprise at least one endless first belt (11) wrapped around first pulley means (31a, 31b, 31c, 3 Id) and comprising a respective operating section (I la) at which said first belt abuts said upper portions (100b) of said products (100), said operating section (I la) having variable length.

4. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said second guiding and abutting means (8) comprise at least one endless second belt (12) wrapped around second pulley means (32a, 32b).

5. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising first folding means (21) associated with said second guiding and abutting means (8) and arranged to abut and fold lateral flaps of said third cardboard blanks (203) so as to make said U-lids (151).

6. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said second guiding and abutting means (8) are movable between said operating position (B) and said nonoperating position (C) along a movement direction (H) substantially perpendicular to said supporting plane (10).

7. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising second folding means (22) arranged downstream of said exit opening (20) with reference to said advancement direction (A) and configured to abut and fold around an upper portion (100b) of said products (100) a head portion (202a) of each second cardboard blank (202) supplied by said first feeding means (5).

8. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein said second folding means (22) are movable between an inactive position (D), wherein they are spaced apart from said products (100) so as not to interfere with said second guiding and abutting means (8) arranged in said operating position (B), and an active position (E), in which they abut the head portion (202) of each second cardboard blank (202), in particular with second guiding and abutting means (8) arranged in said non-operating position (C).

9. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising third guiding and abutting means (9) placed downstream of said second guiding and abutting means (8) with reference to said advancement direction (A) and configured to abut an upper portion (100b) of said products (100).

10. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 9, wherein said third guiding and abutting means (9) comprise at least one endless third belt (13) wrapped around third pulleymeans (33 a, 33b).

11. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10, comprising third folding means (23) arranged at said third guiding and abutting means (9) and configured to abut and fold lateral flaps of said second cardboard blanks (202) in order to make said wrap-around packages (152) of said products (100).

12. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said moving means (2, 3, 4) comprise first moving means (2) for moving said products (100) towards said first guiding and abutting means (7), second moving means (3) for moving said products (100) at said first guiding and abutting means (7) and third moving means (4) for moving said products (100) at said second guiding and abutting means (8).

13. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 12, wherein said second moving means (3) comprise at least one endless fourth belt (14) wrapped around fourth pulley means (34a, 34b), motorized and provided with a plurality of pushing elements (18) arranged to abut at the back said products (100) and push them along said advancement direction (A).

14. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising fourth folding means (24) arranged to abut and fold front flaps of said first and second cardboard blanks (201, 202).

15. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 14, wherein said fourth folding means (24) comprise a plurality of respective abutting elements fixed regularly spaced on at least one endless fifth belt (15), in particular wrapped around fifth pulley means (35a, 35b), and arranged to abut and fold said front flaps of said first and second cardboard blanks (201, 202).

16. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising fifth folding means (25) arranged to abut and fold rear flaps of said first and second cardboard blanks (201, 202).

17. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 16, wherein said fifth folding means (25) comprise a plurality of respective abutting elements fixed regularly spaced on at least one endless sixth belt (16), in particular wrapped around sixth pulley means (36a, 36b), and arranged to abut and fold said rear flaps of said first and second cardboard blanks (201, 202).

18. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 17, wherein said third moving means (4) comprise said at least one sixth belt (16) provided with said plurality of respective abutting elements suitable to abut at the rear and push along said advancement direction (A) said products (100).

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