Packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) for packaging stacked groups (102) of unstable products (100) comprises moving means (2) for moving the products (100) along an advancement direction (A), separating means (3) for separating the products (100) arranged aligned and in contact into groups (101) of set number, stacking means (4) for gripping and lifting one group (101) of products and overlapping it on a subsequent group (101) of products and forming a respective stacked group (102) of products and packaging means (5) located downstream of the stacking means (4) for packaging the stacked groups (102) of products (100); the packaging machine (1) includes abutting means (6, 7) interposed between the stacking means (4) and the packaging means (5), movable along the advancement direction (A) to abut an upper portion (102a) of each stacked group (102) of products opposite to a lower portion (102b) in contact with the movement plane (M) and guiding and supporting said stacked group (102) of products above while it is moved by the moving means (2) so as to keep the products (100) forming the stacked group (102) stably stacked.

Description

[0001] Packaging machine

[0002] The invention concerns packaging machines for packaging products using cardboard blanks. In particular, the invention relates to a machine adapted to package groups of products arranged on one or more rows and on one or more overlapping layers.

[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] Known machines typically comprise a movement or sliding plane on which the products are moved in succession through a separation and grouping station, a stacking or overlapping station and a packaging station in which the groups of products grouped and stacked are partially or completely enclosed in cardboard wrappers.

[0005] In particular, in the separation and grouping station the products generally moved along an advancement direction are separated to form separate groups each of which consists of one or more rows of products in contact each of which consists of a plurality of products.

[0006] In the stacking station, a group of products is gripped, picked up and lifted by a gripping device and then rested and overlapped on a subsequent group of products that is advanced.

[0007] In the packaging station, the complete group of products stacked or overlapping to form two or more layers is packaged by means of one or more cardboard blanks suitably folded and stacked and / or wrapped in a plastic film, for example of the heat- shrinkable type.

[0008] In particular, the known packaging stations may be able to insert the groups of products stacked in open containers called trays formed by folding a cardboard blank and having a horizontal base wall of rectangular shape, on which the products rest, and four vertical rectangular lateral walls connected to the base wall to form a peripheral frame that encloses and blocks the products.

[0009] 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).

[0010] 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.

[0011] In another alternative, the groups of stacked products can be directly wrapped by the plastic film, for example of the heat- shrinkable type, to make the final package.

[0012] Such packaging machines are however able to process only products, objects, or articles that are stackable or superimposable on each other in a stable and reliable manner, typically due to the conformation of the base and the upper part of each container having a complementary shape. For example, in the case of cans or jars or boxes, the base of a product can be inserted in a complementary shaped seat made on the upper portion of the underlying product (or vice versa). In this way two or more stacked and overlapping products are substantially stably constrained to each other and can be moved from the stacking station to the packaging station reliably without the risk of falling.

[0013] In the case of so-called "non- stackable" or "unstable" products because they have bases that cannot be housed stably in the seats of the upper portions (or vice versa), the problem is solved, in particular cases, by binding the products of each layer together in advance, for example by connecting the upper portions of the containers together to form a continuous supporting plane for the containers of the upper layer.

[0014] For example, in the case of plastic containment containers, typically for food products, it is known to use single-layer containers arranged on several parallel rows that are obtained in a single body by thermoforming a single sheet of plastic material, so that the openings of the containers include flanges connected to each other.

[0015] However, this solution is not feasible in the case of individual products, such as cans or tins. In this case, it is known to provide a separation element inserted between two adjacent layers to form a continuous supporting plane for the upper layer.

[0016] However, in order to insert this intermediate separation element, it is necessary to provide special gripping and handling means in the stacking station, which is therefore more complex and expensive to produce. In addition, the separation element, if provided with seats to lock the products in position, is expensive.

[0017] WO 2016 / 053788 discloses an apparatus for a packaging machine comprising a first conveyor for transporting a flow of incoming articles, a second conveyor for transporting a flow of outgoing articles, a guiding path configured as a loop, and one or more tools coupled to the guiding path. Each tool comprises a tool head for engaging one or more articles in the inflow of articles. The tool head is operated to transfer one or more articles from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. One or more articles are placed on the second conveyor in discrete groups according to one or more levels.

[0018] It is an object of the invention to improve the known packaging machines suitable for packaging products grouped on one or more rows and / or on several overlapping layers, in particular with wrappers or packages made by folding suitably shaped and sized cardboard blanks and / or by wrapping with plastic film.

[0019] Another object is to provide a packaging machine that allows precise and accurate packaging of groups of products, objects, articles grouped on several rows and several overlapping layers, even if of the so-called "non- stackable" or "unstable" type.

[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 front view of the packaging machine of the invention in an operational phase in which in particular stacking means grip a group of products; separation and grouping means, overlapping means, transfer means for products; figure 2 is a plan view from above of the packaging machine of figure 1 ; figure 3 is a schematic front view of the packaging machine of the invention in an operating phase in which, in particular, second abutting means release a stacked group of products to packaging means; figure 4 is a plan view from above of the packaging machine of figure 3; figure 5 is a schematic front view of the packaging machine of the invention in an operating phase in which, in particular, the stacking means overlap a group of products on an underlying group of products to make a stacked group; figure 6 is a plan view from above of the packaging machine of figure 5; figure 7 is a schematic front view of the packaging machine of the invention in an operational phase in which, in particular, first abutting means abut a stacked group of products still constrained to and supported by the stacking means; figure 8 is a plan view from above of the packaging machine of figure 7 ; figure 9 is a schematic front view of the packaging machine of the invention in an operational phase in which, in particular, second abutting means abut a stacked group of products still supported by the first abutting means; figure 10 is a schematic front view of the packaging machine of the invention in an operational phase in which, in particular, first and second abutting means abut and support a stacked group of products; figure 11 is an enlarged and interrupted lateral view of the wrapping machine of the invention, illustrating in particular the stacking means in a product stacking position; figure 12 is an enlarged and interrupted lateral view of the wrapping machine of the invention, illustrating in particular the first and second abutting means acting on a stacked group of products.

[0023] With reference to figures 1 to 12, the packaging machine 1 of the invention is illustrated, configured to package stacked groups 102 of products, articles, objects 100, in particular of an unstable or non-stackable type, in wrappers or packages made by folding and stacking suitably shaped and sized cardboard blanks and / or by wrapping with plastic film, for example of a heat- shrinkable type.

[0024] Products, articles, objects of unstable or non-stackable type means elements having upper portions that do not form or comprise a seat or housing capable of receiving and stably constraining the lower portion or base of the same element overlapping on them or vice versa elements having lower portions or bases that do not form or comprise a seat or housing capable of receiving and stably constraining the upper portion of the same element on which they are overlapping.

[0025] The packaging machine 1 comprises moving means 2 for moving said products 100 arranged on a sliding plane M along an advancement direction A and separating means 3 for separating the products 100 arranged aligned and in contact according to one or more rows F parallel to the advancement direction A into groups 101 of a set number. For example, the products 100 are moved by the moving means 2 towards the separating means 3 arranged on four rows F parallel and in contact with each other.

[0026] The separating means 3 comprise for example a movement belt 31 in a closed loop and supporting a plurality of pushing elements 32 regularly spaced along this. The movement belt 31 is movable so as to move along the advancement direction A the pushing elements 32 that abut, separate and distance the products 100.

[0027] The packaging machine 1 also includes stacking means 4 movable and arranged to grip and lift a group 101 of products coming out of the separating means 3 and then overlap or stack it on a subsequent group 101 of products moved by the moving means 2 and lying on the sliding plane M so as to create a respective stacked group 102 of products and packaging means 5 placed downstream of the stacking means 4 and configured to package the stacked groups 102 of products 100.

[0028] The packaging means 5, of known type and therefore not described and illustrated in detail, are arranged to package the stacked groups 102 of products in wrappers or packages made by folding and filling cardboard blanks and / or made by wrapping with plastic film, for example of the heat- shrinkable type.

[0029] The packaging machine 1 also includes abutting means 6, 7 interposed between the stacking means 4 and the packaging means 5, and movable at least along the advancement direction A so as to abut an upper portion 102a of each stacked group 102 of products opposite to a lower portion 102b thereof in contact and resting on the movement plane M and therefore guiding and supporting said stacked group 102 of products above while it is moved by the moving means 2 towards the packaging means 5 so as to stably keep the products 100 forming the stacked group 102 stacked.

[0030] The abutting means 6, 7 are also movable along an abutting direction H, in particular almost orthogonal to the movement plane M, selectively in an engagement position Cl, DI or in a disengagement position C2, D2 respectively to abut and engage or disengage the upper portion 102a of each stacked group 102 of products and are movable along the advancement direction A in the engagement position Cl, DI for guiding and supporting the stacked group 102 of products above.

[0031] In particular, the abutting means 6, 7 comprise first abutting means 6 positioned downstream of the stacking means 4 and provided with a first operating head 16 adapted to abut the upper portion 102a of a respective stacked group 102 and second abutting means 7 interposed between the first abutting means and the packaging means 5 and provided with a second operating head 17 adapted to abut the upper portion 102a.

[0032] The first abutting means 6 are movable along the abutting direction H and along the advancement direction A between a first engagement position Cl, in which the first operating head 16 abuts and supports a stacked group 102 which is constrained to and supported by the stacking means 4 (Fig. 7 and 8) and a first disengagement position C2 in which the first operating head 16 disengages from the stacked group 102 of products and releases it to the second abutting means 7 (Fig. 10).

[0033] The second abutting means 7 are movable along the abutting direction H and along the advancement direction A between a second engagement position DI in which the second operating head 17 abuts and supports the stacked group 102 which is also abutted and supported by the first operating head 16 of the first abutting means 6, in particular the latter being arranged in a first intermediate position C3, and a second disengagement position D2 in which the second operating head 17 disengages from the stacked group 102 to release it and transfer it to the packaging means 5.

[0034] As better explained in the following description, when the first abutting means 6 are in the first disengagement position C2, the second abutting means 7 are in a second intermediate position D3. In particular, the first and second abutting means 6, 7 are moved together along a defined run section S along the advancement direction A so as to jointly guide and support the stacked group 102 while it is moved by the moving means 2. More precisely, the defined run section S for the first abutting means 6 is comprised between the first intermediate position C3 and the first disengagement position C2, while for the second abutting means 7 it is comprised between the second engagement position DI and a second intermediate position D3.

[0035] The first operating head 16 and the second operating head 17 are therefore movable both along the abutting direction H towards or away from each stacked group 102 of products respectively to engage or disengage this, and along the advancement direction A for guiding and supporting each stacked group 102 of products from above.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the first abutting means 6 comprise a first arm 8 that supports the first operating head 16 and is slidably supported by a first column 9 and movable along the latter parallel to the abutting direction H. The first column 9 is in turn slidably mounted on a first sliding guide 10 and movable along the latter parallel to the advancement direction A. For example, the first arm 8 and the first sliding guide are parallel to the advancement direction A, i.e. horizontal, and the first column 9 is parallel to the abutting direction H, i.e. vertical.

[0037] The first sliding guide 10 is attached to a frame 30 of the packaging machine 1.

[0038] The second abutting means 7 comprise a second arm 11 which slidably supports the second operating head 17 movable along the latter parallel to the abutting direction H. The second arm 11 is in turn slidably mounted on a second sliding guide 12 and movable along the latter parallel to the advancement direction A. For example, the second arm 11 is parallel to the abutting direction H, i.e. vertical, and the second sliding guide 12 is parallel to the advancement direction A, i.e. horizontal.

[0039] The first operating head 16 comprises a plurality of first guiding elements 26, for example three, in particular elongated, parallel to the advancement direction A and spaced apart from each other transversally, in particular orthogonally, to the advancement direction A. In particular, the first guiding elements 26 comprise respective prismatic rods having a length (longitudinal dimension parallel to the advancement direction A) substantially equal to a length of the stacked load 102, and secured to a first supporting plate 28 of the first operating head 16.

[0040] Similarly, the second operating head 17 comprises a plurality of second guiding elements 27, for example four, in particular of elongated shape, parallel to the advancement direction A and mutually spaced transversally, in particular orthogonally, to the advancement direction A. In particular, the second guiding elements 27 comprise respective prismatic rods having a length substantially equal to the length of the stacked load 102, and fixed to a second supporting plate 29 of the second operating head 17. Each first guiding element 26 can be inserted between two second guiding elements 27 and vice versa, in particular when the first operating head 16 and the second operating head 17 simultaneously abut a stacked load 102 and when the first and second abutting means are moved together along the defined run section S so as to jointly guide and supporting the stacked group 102 while it is moved by the moving means 2 along the advancement direction A.

[0041] Note that the particular configuration of the first and second guiding elements 26, 27 allows the second operating head 17 to engage the stacked group 102 when already abutted by the first operating head 16, for example with a translational movement along the advancement direction A and / or in the abutting direction H, and similarly allows the disengagement of the first operating head 16 from the stacked group 102 of products when abutted by the second operating head 17, for example with a translational movement along the advancement direction A and / or in the abutting direction H.

[0042] The stacking means 4 comprise a gripping head 14 and are movable between a gripping position B 1, in which the gripping head 14 is able to grip and pick up a group 101 of products coming out of from the separating means 3 and placed on the movement plane M (Fig. 1), and a stacking position B2, in which the gripping head 14 is able to position a group 101 of products previously picked up and lifted above a subsequent group 101 of products moved by the moving means 2 so as to form a respective stacked group 102 (Fig. 5).

[0043] The stacking means 4 are also movable between the stacking position B2 and a third disengagement position B3 in which the gripping head 14 releases the stacked group 102 when abutted and supported by the first operating head 16 of the first abutting means 6, the latter in particular arranged in the first engagement position Cl (Fig. 7).

[0044] The first gripping head 16 is also movable along the abutting direction H to engage, lift, position, overlap the groups of products 101.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the stacking means 4 comprise a third arm 13 slidably supported by a second column 15 and movable along the latter parallel to the abutting direction H. The second column 15 is in turn slidably mounted on a third sliding guide 18 and movable along the latter parallel to the advancement direction A. For example, the third arm 13 and the third sliding guide 18 are parallel to the advancement direction A, i.e. horizontal, and the second column 15 is parallel to the abutting direction H, i.e. vertical. The third sliding guide 18 is fixed to the frame 30 of the packaging machine 1.

[0046] The gripping head 14 comprises a plurality of gripping devices 24, at least one gripping device 24 being arranged to grip and pick up a respective product 100.

[0047] The gripping device 14, of known type, comprises for example a gripping suction cup, or an electromagnet, or a gripper or equivalent devices.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example and not limitation, the gripping head 14 comprises a plurality of supporting elements 25 of elongated shape, for example four, parallel to the advancement direction A and spaced apart from each other transversally, in particular orthogonally, to the advancement direction A. In particular, the supporting elements 25 have a length substantially equal to the length of the stacked load 102 and each of them supports a plurality of gripping devices 24, for example three.

[0049] The distance between two supporting elements 25 is such as to allow the insertion of a first guiding element 26 of the first operating head 16 which allows the latter to engage the stacked group 101 in the first engagement position Cl of the first abutting means 6 and vice versa to the gripping head 14 to release the stacked group 102 in the disengagement position B3 of the stacking means 4.

[0050] It should be noted that the number of the supporting elements 25 of the gripping head 14 and that of the second guiding elements 27 of the second operating head 17 is preferably equal to the number N of rows F of products 100, parallel to the advancement direction A, of the groups 101, while the number of the first guiding elements 26 of the second operating head 17 is equal to the number of rows F minus one (N-l). Similarly, the number of gripping devices 24 provided on each supporting element 25 of the gripping head 14 is equal to the number of products 100 present in each row F.

[0051] The moving means 2 comprise one or more conveyors, for example three motorized conveyors 21, 22, 23 arranged in succession, of known type, each comprising an active section 21a, 22a, 23 a almost coplanar with the movement plane M and arranged to abut and move along the advancement direction A of the products 100.

[0052] The operation of the packaging machine 1 of the invention provides for the advancement along the advancement direction A of the products 100 arranged aligned and in contact according to a plurality of parallel rows F, for example four. The products 100 are moved for example by a first conveyor 21 of the moving means 2, for example abutted and supported by an active section 21a of the first conveyor 21 which is coplanar with the movement plane M, towards the separating means 3 which separate and distance individual groups 101 of products and push them towards the stacking means 4. More precisely, the individual groups 101 of products are moved by the first conveyor 21 towards the second conveyor 22 which is stopped to allow the gripping head 14 of the stacking means 4 arranged in the gripping position Bl to grip and pick up one group 101 of products at a time and to lift it from the movement plane M, i.e. from the second conveyor 22, along the abutting direction H. While the second conveyor 22 is stopped to allow the group 101 of products to be picked up by the gripping head 14, a subsequent group 101 of products is separated and spaced apart from the separating means 3 and moved towards the stacking means. Thereby, while the stacking means 4 are moved from the gripping position B 1 to the stacking position B2, the subsequent group 101 of products arranged on the movement plane M is suitably moved and positioned so as to allow the gripping head 14 to position the group 101 of products previously picked up and lifted above said subsequent group 101 of products so as to form a respective stacked group 102.

[0053] The stacked group 102 of products is then moved by the moving means 2, in particular by the third conveyor 23, towards the first abutting means 6 arranged in the first engagement position Cl, together with the stacking means 4 also moved along the advancement direction A. More precisely, the stacking means 4 are moved together with the stacked group 102, with the same speed, from the stacking position B2 to the disengagement position B3 along the advancement direction A so as to stably keep the products 100 forming the stacked group 102 stacked.

[0054] When the stacked group 102 of products is fully engaged by the first operating head 16 of the first abutting means 6 arranged in the first engagement position Cl, in particular with the first guiding elements 26 that are inserted between the supporting elements 25 of the gripping head 14, the gripping head 16 can be disengaged from the stacked group 102, for example by lifting it along the abutting direction H, and the stacking means 4 can be moved from the disengagement position B3 to the gripping position B 1 to pick up and lift another group 101 of products.

[0055] At the same time, the stacked group 102 and the first abutting means 6 are moved together, at the same speed, along the advancement direction A towards the packaging means 5. In this way, the first abutting means 6 guide and support the stacked group during its movement so as to keep the products 100 forming it stably stacked.

[0056] In particular, during the movement of the stacked group 2 carried out by the moving means 2, in particular by the third conveyor 23, the first abutting means 6 (more precisely the first column 9 movable along the first sliding guide 10) are moved from the first engagement position Cl, in which the first operating head 16 receives the stacked group 102 from the stacking means 4, to the first disengagement position C2 in which the first operating head 16 disengages from the stacked group 102, for example by lifting along the abutting direction H, and releases it to the second head 17 of the second abutting means 7, the latter arranged in the second intermediate position D3.

[0057] More precisely, during the movement of the stacked group 102, at the first intermediate position C3 of the first abutting means 6 and the second engagement position DI of the second abutting means 7, the stacked group 102 is abutted and supported at the same time by the first operating head 16 and the second operating head 17. During the subsequent advancement towards the packaging means 5, the first and second abutting means are moved together along the defined run section S so as to jointly guide and support the stacked group 102 while it is moved by the moving means 2 along the advancement direction A.

[0058] This is made possible by the fact that each first guiding element 26 of the first operating head 16 is insertable between two second guiding elements 27 of the second operating head 17 and vice versa.

[0059] In the first disengagement position C2 the first operating head 16 disengages from the stacked group 102 which is guided and supported by the second operating head 17 up to the packaging means 5. In particular, the second abutting means 7 (more precisely the second arm 11 movable along the second sliding guide 12) are movable from the second intermediate position D3 to the second disengagement position D2.

[0060] The packaging machine 1 of the invention therefore allows packaging, for example with wrappers or packages made by folding suitably shaped and sized cardboard blanks and / or by wrapping with plastic film, in an efficient and reliable way products grouped on one or more rows and on several overlapping layers. More precisely, by means of the first and second abutting means 6, 7 interposed between the stacking means 4 and the packaging means 5 and movable along the advancement direction A, the upper portion 102a of each stacked group 102 of products is always guided and supported above by at least one operating head 16, 17 while the aforementioned stacked group 102 is moved by the moving means 2 towards the packaging means 5. This can stably keep the products 100 forming the stacked group 102 stacked even if unstable or non-stackable.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Packaging machine (1) for packaging stacked groups (102) of products (100), in particular of the unstable type, comprising:- moving means (2) for moving said products (100) arranged on a movement plane (M) along an advancement direction (A);- separating means (3) for separating said products (100), which are aligned and in contact to each other according to at least one row (F) parallel to said advancement direction (A), into groups (101) of a set number;- stacking means (4) movable and arranged to grip and lift a group (101) of products and overlap it on a subsequent group (101) of products moved by said moving means (2) so as to make a respective stacked group (102) of products;- packaging means (5) placed downstream of said stacking means (4) for packaging said stacked groups (102) of products (100); characterized in that it comprises:- abutting means (6, 7) interposed between said stacking means (4) and said packaging means (5), movable at least along said advancement direction (A) to abut an upper portion (102a) of each stacked group (102) of products opposite to a lower portion (102b) in contact with the movement plane (M) and to guide and support said stacked group (102) at the top while it is moved by said moving means (2) towards the packaging means (5) so as to keep stably stacked the products (100) that form said stacked group (102).

2. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein said abutting means (6, 7) are additionally movable along an abutting direction (H), in particular almost orthogonal to said movement plane (M), selectively into an engagement position (Cl, DI) or into a disengagement position (C2, D2) respectively for abutting and engaging or for disengaging said upper portion (102a) of each stacked group (102) of products, and are movable along said advancement direction (A) into said engagement position (Cl, DI) for guiding and supporting from above the stacked group (102) of products.

3. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said abutting means (6, 7) comprise first abutting means (6) placed downstream of said stacking means (4) and provided with a first operating head (16) suitable for abutting the upper portion (102a) of a respective stacked group (102) and second abutting means (7) interposed between the first abutting means (6) and the packaging means (5) and provided with a second operating head (17) suitable for abutting said upper portion (102a).

4. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first abutting means (6) are movable along an abutting direction (H), in particular almost orthogonal to said movement plane (M), and along said advancement direction (A) between a first engagement position (Cl), in which the first operating head (16) abuts and supports a stacked group (102), which is constrained to and supported by the stacking means (4), and a first disengagement position (C2), in which said first operating head (16) disengages from said stacked group (102) and releases it to the second operating head (17) of the second abutting means (7).

5. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second abutting means (7) are movable along an abutting direction (H), in particular almost orthogonal to said movement plane (M), and along said advancement direction (A) between a second engagement position (DI), in which the second operating head (17) abuts and supports the stacked group (102), which is abutted and supported also by the first operating head (16) of the first abutting means (6), in particular these latter being arranged in a first intermediate position (C3), and a second disengagement position (D2), in which said second operating head (17) releases and transfers said stacked group (102) to said packaging means (5).

6. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein when said first abutting means (6) are in said first disengagement position (C2) said second abutting means (7) are in a second intermediate position (D3), said first and second abutting means (6, 7) being moved together along a defined run section (S) along said advancement direction (A) so as to jointly guide and support said stacked group (102) while it is moved by moving means (2) along said advancement direction (A).

7. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said stacking means (4) comprise at least one gripping head (14) and are movable between a gripping position (Bl), in which said gripping head (14) grips and picks up a group (101) of products coming out from said separating means (3) and positioned on said movement plane (M), and a stacking position (B2), in which said gripping head (14) lays a picked and lifted group (101) of products on a subsequent group (101) of products moved by said moving means (2) so as to form a respective stacked group (102).

8. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein said stacking means (4) are further movable between said stacking position (B2) and a third disengagement position (B3) in which said gripping head (14) releases said stacked group (102) when it is abutted and supported by a first operating head (16) of first abutting means (6) of said abuttingmeans (6, 7), in particular said first abutting means (6) being arranged in a first engagement position (Cl).

9. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein said first operating head (16) comprises a plurality of first guiding elements (26) that are parallel to said advancement direction (A) and spaced apart transversally to said advancement direction (A) and wherein said second operating head (17) comprises a plurality of second guiding elements (27) that are parallel to said advancement direction (A) and spaced apart transversally to the advancement direction (A), each first guiding element (26) being insertable between two second guiding elements (27) and vice versa, in particular when said first operating head (16) and said second operating head (17) at the same time abut a stacked group (102) of products.

10. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said gripping head (14) comprises a plurality of gripping elements (24), wherein at least one gripping element (24) is arranged for gripping and picking a respective product (100).

11. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 6 or 7 or 10, wherein said gripping head (16) is also movable along an abutting direction (H), in particular substantially orthogonal to said movement plane (M), in particular in order to engage, lift, position, overlap said groups (101) of products.

12. Packaging machine (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said moving means (4) comprise at least one motorized conveyor (21, 22, 23) comprising at least one active section (21a, 22a, 23a) substantially coplanar with said movement plane (M) and arranged to abut and move said products (100) along said advancement direction (A).

Images