Packing machine

Abstract

A packaging machine comprising: a resting plane (2) for a package (C) of products (P); at least one magazine (3) prearranged to contain one or more connecting elements (A) prearranged to be applied to at least one side (S) of the package (C); at least one applicator (4) movable between at least one pick-up position, in which the at least one applicator can pick up a connecting element (A) from the magazine (3), and at least one application position, in which the at least one applicator can position the connecting element (A) in contact with the side (S) of the package (C).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a packing machine and method for packing packs formed by products.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to packs having a parallelepiped shape formed by products stacked or piled one on top of the other. BACKGROUND

[0003] Packs having these characteristics are typically implemented in the industry of production of ceramic slabs, in particular of large dimensions up to 2x4 meters.

[0004] At the end of the production line, the slabs are boxed into cases containing from 2 to 5 products using known methods and facilities. A number of these cases are then stacked one on top of the other, either vertically or horizontally, thus forming a pack having an overall substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0005] Each case of ceramic slabs has: two main surfaces or faces, parallel to each other; and four lateral surfaces or sides, lying on planes substantially perpendicular to the faces, extending along the periphery of the faces and joining the faces to each other.

[0006] The individual cases are arranged one on top of the other at their faces, with the sides arranged substantially aligned and coplanar with respect to each other, so as to form a pack having two faces, respectively defined by the upper face of the product at the top of the stack and by the lower face of the product at the bottom of the stack, and four sides formed by the sides of the products piled or stacked one on top of the other. The cases are bound to each other in a stable pack.

[0007] The binding of the cases forming the pack is typically implemented by means of a strapping machine which binds the individual cases to each other by tightening one or more straps around the pack. Removal of the straps releases all the cases in the pack.

[0008] The pack configured in this way is delivered to the user and is typically arranged resting on one of the sides. The cases are then picked one after the other starting from the one located at one end of the pack.

[0009] In these conditions, the problem arises of preventing the cases remaining in the pack from toppling after the successive picking of the cases located on the outer side.

[0010] At present, the above summarized drawback is eliminated by machines arranged beforehand to bind a plurality of cases with a strap arranged around the plurality of cases, thus binding each case to at least the case arranged previously in the pack. Briefly, the known machines operate in the following way.

[0011] The first and second boxes are deposited on a pallet and are bound to each other by means of a first strip to form a package. The third box is arranged on the pallet and is bound to the other two boxes by means of a second strip to form a package consisting of three boxes. The fourth box is arranged on the pallet and is bound to the other three boxes by means of a third strip to increase the number of boxes in the package, etc. To remove a box from the package, the strip that binds the box to the other boxes must be cut. However, the other boxes remain bound to each other by means of the corresponding strips.

[0012] The known machine has some significant drawbacks. First of all, a large amount of strips made of an expensive and non-recyclable material is required. Furthermore, the packaging cycle of the package is very slow and laborious, since it requires binding the strip for each box arranged in the package. The complex structure of the strapping machine gives another drawback that frequently causes malfunctioning conditions of the strapping machine. SUMMARY

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine and a method for packaging a package formed by a number of products that makes it possible to eliminate the drawbacks of the machines currently available.

[0014] An advantage of the present invention is that the products are bound to each other in a single step, making it possible to significantly reduce the packaging time.

[0015] Another advantage of the present invention is that it makes it possible to use connecting elements between the various products that are made of an economic or recyclable material, such as, for example, paper or cardboard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] - Figure 1 is a general isometric view of a machine according to the present invention;

[0018] - Figure 2 shows a partial view of the machine of Figure 1 for showing some components in more detail;

[0019] - Figure 3 shows the machine of Figure 1 where some components are in a different operating configuration and some components are removed to better show other components;

[0020] - Figure 4 shows the machine of Figure 3 in a different operating configuration;

[0021] - Figure 5 shows some components of the machine according to the present invention;

[0022] - Figure 6 from different perspectives Figure 5 of the components;

[0023] - Figure 7 a package formed by a number of products machinable with the machine according to the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The machine and the method according to the present application are particularly useful for implementing the packaging of products (P) having a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0025] By "products having a substantially parallelepiped shape" it is meant products (P) having: two main surfaces or faces (F), parallel to each other, and four lateral surfaces or sides (S), lying on planes substantially perpendicular to the faces (F), extending along the periphery of the faces and joining the faces to each other.

[0026] The products particularly suitable for being packaged with the machine and the method according to the present application are in the form of quadrangular, rectangular or square slabs, having: two main surfaces or faces (F), having a greater area and parallel to each other, and four lateral surfaces or sides (S), substantially perpendicular to the faces and having a smaller area with respect to the faces, extending along the periphery of the faces and joining the faces to each other. The distance between the faces of the products is much smaller than the length of the sides of the faces.

[0027] The products having the above summarized characteristics can also be in the form of previously formed boxes, for example containing a number of ceramic slabs or tiles stacked one on top of the other.

[0028] In particular, the machine and the method according to the present application are prearranged to constrain products (P) arranged one on top of the other or stacked at their faces (F), with the sides (S) arranged substantially aligned and coplanar with respect to each other. The products (P) thus arranged substantially form a package (C) having two faces (F), respectively defined by the upper face of the product (P) at the top of the stack and by the lower face of the product (P) at the bottom of the stack, and four sides (S) formed by the sides (S) of the products (P) stacked or stacked one on top of the other. Two adjacent sides (S) join in a corner (E) and are substantially perpendicular to the faces (F). The corner (E) is defined at the junction between the face (F) and each side (S).

[0029] In the following part of the present description, the term side (S) can be used to indicate both the side (S) of a product (P) and the side (S) of the packaging of a product (P). In the same way, the term face (F) can be used to indicate both the face (F) of a product and the face (F) of the packaging of a product.

[0030] The packaging machine according to the present application comprises a resting plane (2) for the packages (C) of products (P). The resting plane (2) is preferably horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the resting plane (2) is motorized so as to translate the packages (C) along a transport direction (X). This makes it possible to continuously feed the packages (C) to the machine and at the same time to discharge the already packaged packages (C) one after the other. In the illustrated preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the resting plane (2) is defined by a pair of motorized belts (21) parallel to the transport direction (X).

[0031] The machine according to the present application also comprises at least one magazine (3) prearranged to contain one or more connecting elements (A) prearranged to be applied to at least one side (S) of the package (C).

[0032] In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the connecting elements (A) are in the form of strips of flexible material, for example paper or cardboard, plastic or rubber material or other materials.

[0033] Generally, the connecting elements (A) are made of a suitable material, for example fixed to the side (S) of the package (C) by gluing. In particular, the connecting elements (A) are constrained to all the products (P) forming the package (C), i.e. they are constrained to the coplanar side (S) of all the products (P) forming the package (C). For this purpose, it is possible to use a layer of adhesive applied in a determined area of the connecting element (A) and / or on the side (S) of the products (P) in such a way as to cover the side (S) of all the products (P).

[0034] The magazine (3) is configured to contain a number of connecting elements (A) superimposed on each other in a flat configuration, so as to form a package which extends substantially vertically. However, the orientation of the magazine (3) is not relevant to the purposes of the present application. For example, the magazine (3) can be oriented diagonally with respect to the vertical direction, or it can be oriented horizontally.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine is formed by a plurality of bars connected to each other so as to delimit an internal space in which the connecting elements (A) can be contained.

[0036] The machine according to the present application also comprises at least one applicator (4) movable between at least one pick-up position, in which it can pick up a connecting element (A) from the magazine (3), and at least one application position, in which it can position the connecting element (A) in contact with at least one side (S) of the package (C).

[0037] In other words, in the application position, the applicator (4) is able to arrange the previously picked up connecting element (A) in contact with at least one side (S), i.e. with the side (S) of all the products (P) forming the package (C). This makes it possible to fix the connecting element (A) to the coplanar side (S) of all the products (P) forming the package (C), for example by gluing, as already indicated.

[0038] The fixing of the connecting element (A) to the side (S) of the package (C), i.e. to the coplanar side of all the products (P), i.e. the positioning of the package (C) on a different side with respect to the side on which the connecting element has been applied, makes it possible to stabilize the package (C) and keep the products (P) bound, wherein the products (P) are arranged on a plane which is substantially vertical or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. If the connecting element (A) is made of a segmented material, such as for example paper or paperboard, it is possible to pick up one product (P) at a time by sectioning the corresponding portion of the connecting element (A), which keeps the products (P) bound to each other by means of the remaining portion of the connecting element (A), without compromising the stability of the other products (P).

[0039] The greater the distance of the connecting element (A) with respect to the side (S) on which the package (C) rests, the greater the apparent stabilizing effect on the products.

[0040] In order to obtain the stabilizing and binding effect of the products (P) forming the package (C), it is sufficient to apply the connecting element (A) to at least one side (S) of the package (C). Obviously, it is possible to apply several connecting elements (A) on the same side (S) or on opposite or adjacent sides. This makes it possible to bind and stabilize the products (P) in a more effective manner.

[0041] In the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment shown, the connecting element (A) is applied so as to span the corner (E) between two adjacent sides (S) of the package (C). The connecting element (A) is preferably applied so as to span each corner of the package (C). For this purpose, the machine is provided with four applicators (4), each of which works on a respective corner (E) of the package (C). It is obviously possible to use a single applicator 4, by causing the package C to rotate so as to successively present the various corners (E) to one applicator (4), or to two applicators positioned in such a way as to operate on opposite sides (S). In this case, it is possible to make each applicator (4) movable so as to be able to operate on the two corners (E) positioned on the corresponding side.

[0042] In the angular position described above, the connecting element (A) also has a protective function on the corner (E). By using a material with an appropriate thickness and / or an appropriate density, it is possible to protect the corner (E) in a very effective manner, both for packages formed by a plurality of products (P) and for single products (P). Furthermore, the angular positioning of the connecting element (A), i.e. the straddling positioning of the corner (E), enables the simultaneous use of traditional strips, which can be applied using special machines located upstream or downstream of the machine according to the present application.

[0043] One or more connecting elements (A) can be applied straddling the corner (E) between a face (F) and a side (S) of the package (C). In this case, in addition to extending onto the side (S) of the package (C), each connecting element (A) has at least one portion arranged substantially in L shape folded on the face (F). It is also possible to arrange one or more connecting elements (A) straddling two opposite corners (E) of the same side (S). In this case, each connecting element (A) is arranged substantially in C shape, with the two end portions folded on the face (F) of the package and the central portion arranged on the side (S).

[0044] The connecting elements (A), arranged as described above, are used in variable numbers and variable configurations, as required.

[0045] The machine can be provided with an applicator (4) for each connecting element (A), and / or one or more applicators (4) can be movable in order to position the connecting elements (A) in various positions and configurations. The preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment shown comprises four applicators (4), each prearranged to apply a connecting element (A). In particular, in the form shown, each applicator (4) is prearranged to apply a connecting element (A) to a vertical corner (E) of the package. In the following, only one applicator (4) will be described, but the description given of the applicator (4) is to be understood as valid also for the other applicators (4).

[0046] In one preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the machine, the applicator (4) comprises a gripping plate (5) provided with gripping means actuatable between a gripping configuration, in which the gripping means can hold the connecting element (A), and a release configuration, in which the gripping means can release the connecting element (A). The gripping means are not shown in detail, as known to the person skilled in the art. For example, the gripping means comprise one or more openings positioned on the gripping plate (5) connected to a suction circuit, which, once actuated, can hold the connecting element in contact with the gripping plate (5).

[0047] In the illustrated non-exclusive embodiment, the gripping plate (5) is rotatable between a first position, in which the gripping device faces the magazine (3) and is able to grip and hold the connecting element (A), and a second position, in which the gripping device faces the package (C). This possibility of rotation of the gripping plate (5) makes it possible to position the magazine (3) more freely. In the illustrated embodiment, in which the magazine (3) is oriented vertically, the first position of the gripping plate (5) is substantially a position in which the plate (5) is arranged horizontally, with the gripping device facing upwards. In this way, the connecting element (A), which is housed horizontally in the magazine (3), i.e. arranged on a horizontal plane, can be transferred very simply to the gripping plate (5) without having to undergo a rotation in space.

[0048] In the second position, the gripping device faces the package (C) so as to allow the application of the connecting element (A) held by the gripping device. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping plate (5) is substantially arranged vertically in the second position, with the gripping device facing the package (C). In this position, the connecting element (A) can be applied to the package (C), in particular to at least one side face (S) of the package (C). The rotation of the gripping plate (5) can be obtained using motor means known to the person skilled in the art and for this reason is not illustrated in detail.

[0049] In the illustrated preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the applicator (4) comprises a carriage (41) which is movable along a sliding direction, for example parallel to the direction of transport (X). The carriage (41) is movable between a first position, in which it is closer to the magazine (3), and a second position, in which it is closer to the resting plane (2), i.e. to the package (C) in the working condition of the machine. In other embodiments, the sliding direction can be differently oriented. Actuator means known to the expert in the sector, for example comprising a motor and sliding guides, are prearranged to cause the displacement of the carriage (41) between the pick-up position and the application position. The actuator means are not illustrated in detail.

[0050] The gripping plate (5) is associated with the carriage (41) and slides firmly therewith along the sliding direction.

[0051] Essentially, the pick-up position of the applicator (4) is defined when the carriage (41) and the gripping plate (5) are in the respective first positions. The application position of the applicator (4) is defined when the carriage (41) and the gripping plate (5) are in the respective second positions.

[0052] The gripping plate (5) is preferably movable between a distancing position, in which it is located at a predetermined distance from the package (C), and an approaching position, in which it is substantially in contact with at least one side (S) of the package (C) and in which it is able to apply the connecting element (A) to at least one side (S) of the package (C). Moving from the distancing position to the approaching position, the gripping plate (5) presses the connecting element (A) in a predetermined area of at least one side (S) to come into contact with the package (C), so as to be able to apply and fix the connecting element, for example by gluing, as already indicated. The displacement between the distancing position and the approaching position can be generated by means of an actuator of known type, for example a pneumatic cylinder, which is not described in detail since it is known to experts in the sector. In the illustrated embodiment, an actuator of known type can be arranged on the carriage (41).

[0053] In the illustrated preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the gripping plate (5), when in its second position, assumes the distancing position and the approaching position.

[0054] Briefly, in the illustrated embodiment, the displacement cycle by the applicator 4 is as follows.

[0055] It is considered Figure 2 The initial configuration illustrated, in which the applicator (4) is in the pick-up position, with the gripping plate (5) in the first position and the carriage (41) in the first position, the gripping plate (5) receives the connecting element (A). Thereafter, the carriage (41) slides into the second position and the gripping plate (5) rotates into the second position and is arranged in the distancing position, as Figure 3 illustrated. In the following step, the gripping plate (5) moves from the distancing position to the approaching position, applying the connecting element (A) to at least one side (S) of the package (C), as Figure 4 illustrated.

[0056] In the illustrated preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the gripping plate (5) is movable between a flat configuration ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), in which it defines a substantially flat surface, and a folded configuration ( Figure 4 ), in which it defines an angled surface suitable for being superimposed on two adjacent sides (S) of the package (C) and / or on a face (F) and a side (S) of the package.

[0057] In substance, in the folded configuration, the clamping plate (5) can be arranged astride the corner (E) of the package (C) and can position the connecting element (A) in contact with the two surfaces that meet at the corner (E), i.e. with two adjacent sides (S) or with one face (F) and one side (S). The connecting element (A) that remains in contact with the clamping plate (5) folds in unison with the clamping plate (5) and can thus be positioned astride the corner (E).

[0058] In one possible, but not exclusive, embodiment, the clamping plate (5) comprises a first portion (51) and a second portion (52) hinged to each other about a rotation axis (Z). An actuator (53) is prearranged to exert a thrust, offset with respect to the rotation axis (Z), on the first portion (51) and / or on the second portion (52), which generates a rotation between the first portion (51) and the second portion (52) to define the folded configuration of the clamping plate (5), as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 .

[0059] In the embodiment shown, the actuator (53) comprises a rod (54) that is movable along an operating direction (T). The rod (54) is provided with a head (55) provided with two front protrusions positioned in contact with the first and second portions (51, 52) of the clamping plate (5). The rod (54) is movable between a retracted position, visible in Figure 3 , and an advanced position, visible in Figure 4 . In this advanced position, the head (55) causes at least one of the first and second portions (51, 52) to rotate about the rotation axis (Z) by arranging the clamping plate (5) in the folded position, visible in Figure 4 .

[0060] In one possible embodiment, the actuator (53) can be firmly constrained to the clamping plate (5), i.e. to the carriage (41), so as to follow the displacements of the latter. In the embodiment shown, the actuator (53) is arranged in a fixed position so as to enable its own thrust to be exerted on the clamping plate (5) at the moment in which the latter is positioned to apply the connecting element (A).

[0061] In other words, the actuator (53) is positioned in such a way as to be able to act on the clamping plate (5) when the latter and the carriage (41) are in the respective second position.

[0062] In one possible embodiment of the machine, the magazine (3) can contain connecting elements (A) that are dimensionally compatible with a predetermined package (C) having predetermined dimensions and shape. In this case, upon changing the shape and / or dimensions of the package (C), it is necessary to prearrange the corresponding connecting element (A).

[0063] In the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment shown, the machine is predisposed to design in real time the size of the connecting element (A), i.e. to adjust at least one dimension of the connecting element (A) with respect to the shape and / or size of each package (C) subsequently processed by the machine.

[0064] In particular, the magazine (3) comprises a first slide (31) provided with suitable gripping means for gripping and releasing the connecting element (A), which is movable between a gripping position, in which it is able to grip the connecting element (A) contained in the magazine (3), and a release position, in which it at least partially disposes the connecting element (A) outside the magazine (3). In other words, by means of the first slide (31), the connecting element (A) is partially extracted from the magazine (3) by sliding along an extraction direction (R), preferably horizontal.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, the first slide (31) is positioned below the magazine (3). The magazine (3) has a lower opening through which one connecting element (A) extracted by the first slide (31) along the extraction direction passes at a time.

[0066] The machine comprises cutting means (6) predisposed to cut the connecting element (A) to a predetermined size according to the size and / or shape of the package (C). In the embodiment shown, the cutting means (6) are positioned along the extraction direction (R) of the first slide (31).

[0067] The cutting means (6) are preferably interposed between the magazine (3) and the applicator (4) so as to cut the connecting element (A) so that the applicator (4) can pick up the connecting element (A) cut to a predetermined size in its pick-up position.

[0068] In the embodiment shown, the cutting means (6) comprise a blade (61) positioned to make a cut on the connecting element (A) held in the release position of the first slide (31).

[0069] In substance, via the cutting means (6), the machine according to the present application is able to cut the connecting element (A) to a size at least along a direction parallel to the extraction direction (R). In fact, given that the size of the connecting element (A) is known, the first slide (31) extracts the connecting element (A) along the extraction direction (R) by a portion having a corresponding length. The connecting element (A) is thus blocked and the cutting means (6) make a cut. The gripping plate (5) then picks up the cut portion of the connecting element (A) for subsequent application to the package (C).

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade (61) is movable along at least one cutting direction (T1) along which the blade (61) performs the cut. The cutting direction (T1) is preferably perpendicular to the extraction direction (R). Preferably, but not necessarily, the blade (61) is also movable along an adjustment direction (T2) so as to enable adjustment of the position of the blade (61) along at least one extraction direction (R). The further adjustment direction (T2) is preferably parallel to the extraction direction (R).

[0071] The functioning of the cutting device (6) is regulated by a control module which establishes the useful dimensions for the connecting elements (A) on the basis of the size and / or morphological characteristics of the package (C) and therefore controls the travel by the first slide (31) and / or the positioning and / or the travel by the blade (61) at least along the adjustment direction (T2), if included. Furthermore, the cutting device (6) can be used to implement a plurality of parallel scores or lines of weakness on the connecting elements (A). These scores can be used to facilitate tearing of successive portions of the connecting elements (A) in order to facilitate the picking of the products from the package. In the case where the thickness of the products (P) forming the package is known, it is possible to activate the cutting device (6) so as to implement scores or lines of weakness separated from one another by a distance equal to the thickness of the products (P) so that the scores or lines of weakness are positioned between two adjacent products (P) of the package.

[0072] Preferably, but not necessarily, the machine comprises a second slide (32) interposed between the cutting device (6) and the applicator (4) and movable between a gripping position, in which it is able to grip the connecting elements (A) cut by the cutting device (6), and a release position, in which it places the connecting elements (A) in a position suitable for being picked up by the applicator (4) in its picking position.

[0073] In Figure 6A second slide (32) is particularly visible, which substantially performs the task of transferring the connecting elements (A) from the cutting device (6) to the gripping plate (5). The second slide (32) is provided with gripping means (for example one or more suction cups) configured to be able to hold and release the connecting elements (A) on command. The second slide (32) is movable in space between a gripping position, in which it is positioned in such a way as to be able to pick up the connecting elements (A) that have been cut by the cutting device (6), and a release position, in which it is positioned in such a way as to provide the connecting elements to the applicator (4) and in particular to the gripping plate (5), by means of actuators known to experts in the sector. The movement performed by the second slide (32) can be defined according to the structure of the machine and in particular according to the relative position between the magazine (3) and the gripping position of the applicator (4). The use of the second slide (32) makes it possible to increase the ability to position in relation to each other between the magazine and the gripping position of the applicator (4). In the embodiment shown, the gripping position of the applicator (4) defined by the first position of the carriage (41) and of the gripping plate (5) Figure 2 ) is located below the magazine (3) and in the advancement position in the extraction direction from the magazine (3) along the extraction direction (R). The trajectory followed by the second slide (32) will then be oriented overall forward and downward with respect to the extraction direction (R). Preferably, but not necessarily, the second slide (32) rotates the connecting elements (A) by a right angle around a substantially horizontal axis.

[0074] Without the need to intervene on the cutting device (6), the second slide (32) is predisposed to pick up the connecting elements (A) from the first slide (31).

[0075] Preferably, but not necessarily, the machine according to the present application comprises an indentation device (70) predisposed to implement indentations in the connecting elements (A). Such indentations facilitate the folding of the connecting elements (A) at the corners (E) of the package (C).

[0076] In the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment shown, the indentation device (70) comprises a wheel (71) rotatable around a rotation axis that is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the extraction direction (R). An actuator unit known to experts in the sector is used to press the wheel (71) into contact with the connecting elements (A) resting on an underlying support, not visible. Furthermore, the same actuator unit or with the extraction movement of the connecting elements (A) occurs the relative movement between the wheel (70) and the connecting elements (A). The relative movement is oriented parallel to the extraction direction (R).

[0077] The machine according to the present application comprises a glue application device prearranged to apply a predetermined quantity of adhesive on determined areas of the connecting element (A) and / or of the package (C), so as to facilitate the adhesion of the connecting element (A) to the package (C). The glue application device can be fixed or movable.

[0078] The glue application device is not shown and described in detail, as it is well known in the art.

[0079] The machine of the present application can actuate a method for packing a package (C) of products (P), wherein the package (C) has a parallelepiped configuration and comprises at least two faces (F) and four lateral sides (S).

[0080] The method comprises the following steps:

[0081] arranging the package (C) on a resting plane (2), resting on a face (D) or on a lateral side (S);

[0082] applying at least one connecting element (A) on a lateral side (S) of the package (C).

[0083] The connecting element (A) is preferably applied on a lateral side (S) of the package (C) constrained to all the products (P) forming the package (C).

[0084] The connecting element (A) is preferably constrained to all the products forming the package (C) by means of gluing.

[0085] The step of applying at least one connecting element (A) on a lateral side (S) of the package (C) preferably comprises the following steps:

[0086] picking up the connecting element (A) from a magazine (3);

[0087] cutting the connecting element (A) to a predetermined size according to the dimensions and / or shape of the package (C);

[0088] applying the connecting element (A) cut to a predetermined size on at least one lateral side (S) of the package (C).

[0089] The step of applying at least one connecting element (A) on a lateral side (S) of the package (C) preferably comprises applying the connecting element (A) so as to bridge a corner (E) between two adjacent lateral sides (S) of the package (C), or a corner (E) between a face (F) and a lateral side (S) of the package (C).

[0090] The package (C) obtained by applying the above described method actuated by the machine according to the application is thus formed by two or more products (P) close to each other. As already shown, the products (P) have two main surfaces or faces (F), parallel to each other, and four lateral surfaces or sides (S), lying on planes substantially perpendicular to the faces (F), extending along the periphery of the faces and joining them to each other. The products (P) are close to each other at the faces (F), with the sides (S) arranged substantially aligned and coplanar between them, so as to define the sides (S) of the package (C). The products (P) thus arranged substantially form a package (C) having two faces (F), respectively defined by the outer faces (F) of the products (P) at the ends of the package (C), and four sides (S), formed by the sides (S) of the products (P) close to each other. Two adjacent sides (S) join and are substantially perpendicular to the faces (F) in the corners (E). The corners (E) are defined at the junction between the faces (F) and each side (S).

[0091] The package (C) comprises at least one connecting element (A) applied on the sides (S) of the package (C).

[0092] The connecting element (A) is preferably constrained to all the products (P) forming the package (C).

[0093] The connecting element (A) is preferably applied so as to span the corner (E) between two adjacent sides (S) of the package (C).

[0094] The connecting element (A) is preferably applied so as to span each corner of the package (C).

Claims

1. A packaging machine comprising: - a resting plane (2) for a package (C) of products (P); - at least one magazine (3) prearranged to contain one or more connecting elements (A) prearranged to be applied to at least one side (S) of the package (C); - at least one applicator (4) movable between at least one pick-up position, in which the at least one applicator can pick up a connecting element (A) from the magazine (3), and at least one application position, in which the at least one applicator can position a connecting element (A) in contact with a side (S) of the package (C), characterized in that: - the applicator (4) comprises a gripper plate (5) provided with gripping means actuatable between a gripping configuration, in which the gripping means can hold a connecting element (A), and a release configuration, in which the gripping means can release the connecting element (A); - the gripper plate (5) comprises a first portion (51) and a second portion (52) hinged to each other about a rotation axis (Z), - the gripper plate (5) is movable between a flat configuration, in which the first portion (51) and the second portion (52) of the gripper plate are open to each other, defining a substantially flat surface for receiving a flat connecting element (A), and a folded configuration, in which the first portion (51) and the second portion (52) of the gripper plate define an angled surface suitable for being superimposed on two adjacent sides (S) of the package (C) and / or on a face (F) and a side (S) of the package, so that a connecting element (A) held in contact with the gripper plate (5) is folded in unison with the gripper plate (5) and can be positioned so as to bridge a corner (E) of the package (C).

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein: - a pusher (53) is prearranged to exert a thrust on the first portion (51) and / or on the second portion (52) eccentric with respect to the rotation axis (Z), the pusher generating a rotation between the first portion (51) and the second portion (52) to define the folded configuration of the gripper plate (5).

3. The machine of claim 1, wherein, - the gripper plate (5) is movable between a distancing position, in which the gripper plate is located at a predetermined distance from the package (C), and an approach position, in which the gripper plate is substantially in contact with at least one side (S) of the package (C) and in which the gripper plate can apply a connecting element (A) to at least one side (S) of the package (C).

4. The machine of claim 1, wherein, - the gripper plate (5) is rotatable between a first position, in which the gripping means face the magazine (3) and can grip and hold a connecting element (A), and a second position, in which the gripping means face the package (C).

5. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The magazine (3) comprises a first slider (31) provided with suitable gripping means for gripping and releasing a connecting element (A), said first slider being movable between a gripping position, in which it is able to grip a connecting element (A) housed in the magazine (3), and a release position, in which it at least partially arranges the connecting element (A) outside the magazine (3).

6. The machine of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: A cutting device (6) is predisposed to cut the connecting element (A) to a predetermined size according to the size and / or shape of the package (C).

7. The machine of claim 6, wherein, The cutting device (6) is interposed between the magazine (3) and the applicator (4) in order to cut the connecting element (A) so that the applicator can pick up the connecting element (A) cut to a predetermined size in its pick-up position.

8. The machine of claim 6, comprising: A second slider (32) is interposed between the cutting device (6) and the applicator (4) and is movable between a gripping position, in which it is able to grip a connecting element (A) cut by the cutting device (6), and a release position, in which it arranges the connecting element (A) in a position suitable for being picked up by the applicator in its pick-up position.

9. The machine of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: A gluing device is predisposed to apply a predetermined amount of adhesive on the connecting element (A) and / or on a determined area of the package (C), thus facilitating the adhesion of the connecting element (A) to the package (C).

10. A method for packing a package (C) of products using the machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The package (C) has a parallelepiped shape and comprises at least two faces (F) and four sides (S), the method comprising the following steps: arranging the package (C) on a resting plane (2) resting on a face (D) or a side (S); applying at least one connecting element (A) on a side (S) of the package (C).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The connecting element (A) is applied on the side (S) of the package (C).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The connecting element (A) is constrained to all the products forming the package (C) by gluing.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, The step of applying at least one connecting element (A) on a side (S) of the package (C) comprises the following steps: picking up the connecting element (A) from a magazine (3); cutting the connecting element (A) to a predetermined size according to the size and / or shape of the package (C); applying the connecting element (A) cut to the predetermined size to a side (S) of the package.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, The step of applying at least one connecting element (A) on a side (S) of the package (C) comprises applying the connecting element (A) so as to bridge a corner (E) between two adjacent sides (S) of the package (C) or a corner (E) between a face (F) and a side (S) of the package (C).

15. A package (C) of a product (P) packed by the machine of any one of claims 1 to 9, said package having two faces (F) and four sides (S), wherein, The side (S) is defined by a lateral surface or side (S) of the product (P), characterized in that the package comprises at least one connecting element (A) applied on a side (S) of the package (C).

16. The package (C) according to claim 15, wherein Said connecting elements (A) are constrained to all the products (P) forming said package (C).

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