Machine and method for forming layer of product

Abstract

A baling machine comprising baling means (TS) capable of being activated and deactivated, the baling means (TS) being configured, when activated, to form a pocket (S) containing a predetermined number of products (CP), where the baling means comprise an inlet side and an outlet side for products (CP) capable of being contained in the pocket (S). A gripping device (4) is provided on the outlet side, which gripping device (4) is configured to engage the products (CP) or pockets (S) and to move the products (CP) or pockets (S) along a predetermined trajectory between the outlet side and a stacking area for the products (CP) or pockets (S), by means of which gripping device (4) a layer of the products (CP) or pockets (S) is formed in the stacking area, each layer comprises a predetermined number of products (CP) or pockets (S), which in turn are each arranged and oriented by the gripping device (4) according to a predetermined sequence.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the packaging of products by using a packing machine in which the packing function can be deactivated if necessary.

[0002] For example, the present invention can be applied to the packaging of rolls of paper, such as rolls of tissue paper. BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known that rolls of tissue paper, in particular of sanitary paper or "kitchen paper", are generally packaged by packaging machines which produce packs or packages containing a predetermined number of rolls. The packages are transported to a packing machine in which batches are formed, each comprising a predefined number of packages, and in which the batches are packed to produce bags, each comprising a predefined number of said packages. For this purpose, the packing machine has a tunnel, generally known as a welding tunnel, through which the products to be packed and the film for producing the bags pass. Downstream of the packing machine there is generally a palletizing station in which a mechanical manipulator is installed which picks up the bags and arranges them on a pallet according to a predefined layering sequence. In some processes, the packing phase can be avoided in its entirety and, in this case, the batches pass through the packing station of the machine without being packed and form a layer of batches for placement on the pallet. A process of this type is disclosed in EP 1550610 B1.

[0004] CH 696535 describes a system for grouping and palletizing packs of products, comprising a line for feeding the products, a terminal station of the line for exiting the grouped products, an elevator, a packing machine, a conveyor, a robot and a palletizing station. The packing machine produces bags comprising the products possibly stacked. The bags are then conveyed via outlet conveyors each oriented in the desired way to a station where groups of bags are formed and where the robot operates. The robot palletizes the groups of bags oriented in advance in the palletizing station. The system described in CH 696535 requires excessive space compared to the current production needs. SUMMARY

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to propose a handling and layering method which allows to reduce the space required for installing the handling and layering unit of the bags.

[0006] A further purpose of the present invention is to propose a handling and layering system of bags incorporated into a packing machine.

[0007] According to the invention, this result has been achieved by providing a packaging machine and a method of operation having the features indicated in the independent claims. Other features of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] Thanks to this invention, the overall size and cost of bag-like item handling and stacking systems can be reduced, ensuring high operational flexibility in managing the stacking of packaged items according to a user-programmable method. Furthermore, it should be noted that the machine according to the invention features a simplified construction, additionally equipped with mechanisms that allow for the implementation of methods including operational phases, ensuring mass production while simultaneously ensuring the integrity of the packages handled during the process. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other advantages and features of the invention will be more and better understood by those skilled in the art thanks to the following description and drawings, which are provided by way of example and should not be construed as limiting, wherein:

[0010] Figures 1-12 A perspective view of the packaging unit according to the present invention at different operational stages is presented;

[0011] Figure 13A It presented a positioning at Figures 1-12 A schematic side view of the stacked assembly downstream of the welding tunnel of the unit presented in the image;

[0012] Figure 13B , Figure 13C and Figure 13D They were presented respectively Figure 13A Rear view, perspective view and top view of the device;

[0013] Figure 14A The diagram illustrates possible ways of using the machine according to the invention;

[0014] Figure 14B The illustration shows a batch of items, which are formed by packaging two rolls of thin paper placed side by side.

[0015] Figure 15A and Figure 15B The illustration shows the rotation of the bag-like component downstream of the packing tunnel;

[0016] Figures 16A-16D With 3D diagrams ( Figure 16A ), from the view below ( Figure 16B ), from the view above ( Figure 16C ) and along Figure 16C Cross-sectional view of line HH in the middle ( Figure 16D This demonstrates possible ways to manipulate the bag-shaped component using a manipulator;

[0017] Figure 16E a perspective view from above of the manipulator, which shows in particular the beams (4Y) and (4X). Figures 16A-16D DETAILED DESCRIPTION DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Returning to the main structure of the machine according to the present application and with reference to the accompanying example figures, the machine according to the present application can be configured to pack articles which can be enclosed into bags of plastic material.

[0019] The following description refers by way of example to the packing of batches comprising packages of rolls of tissue paper such as packages of rolls of toilet paper. However, it is understood that the products to be processed can have any other type suitable for using the machine.

[0020] With reference to the accompanying example figures, the machine according to the present application comprises a batch formation and packing section (1). Downstream of the machine with respect to a direction (D5) along which the bags move away from the packing machine, a stacking section (2) is provided. The batch formation and packing section (1) has an inlet station (10) which receives packages (CP) of rolls of paper produced by an enclosing machine provided upstream. The enclosing machine is a machine known to the person skilled in the art and therefore is not described in detail. In the example figures of the enclosed drawings, the enclosing machine is indicated by the block "MC". Each package (CP) is formed by a predetermined number of rolls of paper (R) arranged in a single layer or in multiple layers and wrapped by a wrapping sheet, usually consisting of a film of plastic material. Figure 14A

[0021] Between the enclosing machine (MC) and said inlet station (10) a respective conveyor (1M) is provided.

[0022] The enclosing machine (MC) arranges the packages (CP) on the conveyor (1M) in a horizontal manner, i.e. with the axis of the rolls of paper arranged in a horizontal manner.

[0023] In the inlet station (10) there is a tipping device (1R) which overturns the packages (CP) by known means, placing them in a vertical position.

[0024] The tipping device (1R) delivers the packages (CP) to a diverter (1D) which, in cooperation with a specific conveyor (1T), usually called a strip feeder, and provided downstream of the diverter with respect to the original direction of the packages (CP), forms the batches (L), each formed by a predetermined number of packages (CP) placed side by side. In the example figures of the enclosed drawings, the specific conveyor (1T) is indicated by the block "SF". Figure 14B ​In the example of the accompanying drawings, the lot (L) is formed by two packages (CP), each of which comprises four rolls (R). It is however understood that the number of packages forming the lot and the number of rolls per package can be different from that exemplified. For example, the lot (L) can also comprise a single package (CP), which in turn can comprise a single roll (R).

[0025] The bar feeder (1T) comprises a conveyor belt (1N) and a series of bar pushers (1B) oriented transversely to the conveyor belt. As Figure 14A The diverter (1D), which rotates around the vertical axis (K) as schematically indicated by the arrow "FD", places each package (CP) on a corresponding zone (Z) of the bar feeder (1T) by known means, which, thanks to the cooperative motion of the belt (1N) and the pushers (1B), transports the packages (CP) onto the elevator (1E) onto which the individual lots are finally arranged. The elevator (1E) has a surface (PE) which receives the packages constituting the individual lots and raises the lots to a height corresponding to the inlet of a tunnel (TS) in which a device is provided and which serves to wrap the lots in a bag (S) of plastic material and to seal the bag itself at the end of the packaging. In practice, the surface (PE) is positioned at the height of the tunnel (TS), behind which a pusher (SP) intervenes, which pushes the lots inside the tunnel (TS). The lots are packaged using methods known to the person skilled in the art. In the example of the accompanying drawings, the pusher (SP) has a front panel (AP) facing the tunnel (TS), which comes into contact with the lots to be inserted into the tunnel. To perform the packaging, a film of plastic material is used, which is fed by a reel (BF) placed below the tunnel (TS), thus creating a tube which is welded along the side of the product after it has entered the tunnel determined by the pusher (SP) and is welded at the tail side of the product. Processes of this type are described, for example, in EP1801012B1.

[0026] The cooperative intervention of the diverter (1D) and the bar feeder (1T) determines the formation of the individual lots (L) according to the production scheduled. It goes without saying that the operation of the above-mentioned operating units is controlled by a programmable control unit in which the production data programmed are input or stored. The operation and structure of the packaging machine (MC), the pourer (1R), the diverter (1D), the bar feeder (1T), the elevator (E), the pusher (SP) and the packaging tunnel (TS) are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0027] During the packaging process, the batches (L) are pushed by the pushers (SP) onto a surface (3A, 3B, 3C) provided downstream of the packaging tunnel (TS). As a result, the pocket-shaped pieces comprising the batches are located on said surface (3A, 3B, 3C) which, in the immediate downstream position of the welding tunnel (TS), acts as a temporary support for the pocket-shaped pieces (S). As described further below, the surface (3A, 3B, 3C) which temporarily supports the pocket-shaped pieces (S) is advantageously divided into several independent sections.

[0028] Above the surface (3A, 3B, 3C) there is a gripping device for engaging the pocket-shaped pieces (S) exiting from the welding tunnel (TS) and, as described further below, for forming a layer (LS) of pocket-shaped pieces in which each pocket-shaped piece (S) has a pre-defined orientation according to the programmed production. In the example shown in Figure 14A In the accompanying drawings, the outlet of the tunnel (TS) is indicated with the reference "UT".

[0029] With reference to Figure 3 A to Figure 3 In the example shown in B, the gripping device comprises a programmable manipulator (4) with a gripper (4P) having two jaws, the opening and closing movement of which is controlled according to the size of the batches progressively positioned on the surface (3). With reference to the example shown in the accompanying drawings, the gripper (4P) is constrained to a corresponding beam (4Y) oriented parallel to the direction (Y) of exit of the pocket-shaped pieces (S) from the welding tunnel (TS), the gripper (4P) being connected to a belt (C4) driven by a corresponding gear motor (M4) which controls the movement of the gripper (4P) parallel to the beam (4Y). Said beam (4Y) is in turn constrained to a second beam (4X) fixed to the structure (S1) of the machine and oriented along a direction (X) orthogonal to the original direction (Y) of the pocket-shaped pieces (X), the beam (4Y) being connected to a belt (CX) driven by a corresponding gear motor (MX) which controls its movement parallel to the beam (4X). As a result, the gripper (4P) can be moved in both directions (X, Y). In other words, the gripper (4P) can be translated along a direction (X) and a direction (Y) which are orthogonal to each other.

[0030] With reference to Figures 16A-16DIn the example shown, the gripper (4P) comprises a base plate (40) with a rear orthogonal appendix (41) by which it is connected to the belt (4C). On the upper side of the plate (40) a first electric motor (42) is mounted, the shaft (43) of which passes through a toothed fifth wheel (44) with external teeth applied to the lower side of the plate (40). The toothed fifth wheel (44) is parallel to the plate (40) and has an axis of rotation (Z) orthogonal to said plate. On the end of the shaft (43) of the motor (42) a lever is mounted, which defines two arms (45) located in diametrically opposite positions. On each arm (45) a rod (46) is mounted, which on the opposite side is applied to an appendix (47A) of a linear slide (47B) on which a respective clamp (47) is mounted. Each slide (47B) is inserted into a corresponding guide (47C) formed on the lower side of the toothed fifth wheel (44). The fifth wheel (44) is engaged by its external teeth with a pinion (48A) driven by a second electric motor (48), the shaft of which passes through the plate (40) and is connected to the pinion (48A) also located on the lower side of the plate (40). Therefore, the motor (42) controls the opening and closing of the clamps (47) in the direction of the slides (47B), i.e. the mutual distance and approach of the clamps (47), while the motor (48) controls the rotation of the toothed fifth wheel (44) and therefore the rotation of the clamps (47) around the aforementioned axis (Z).

[0031] Preferably, said clamps (47) are formed from shaped sheet metal with a relatively reduced thickness.

[0032] Finally, the gripper (4P) can be moved along the directions (X) and (Y) and can be rotated around the axis (Z), the clamps (47) of the same gripper being movable to separate and approach each other.

[0033] All the actuators described above are controlled by a programmable control unit in which the production data programmed are input or stored.

[0034] Preferably, according to the present application, the temporary support surface (3) of the bag-like piece (S) is formed by several segments.

[0035] In particular, the surface (3) for temporary support of the bags (S) can be formed by two or more segments (3B, 3C; 3A) which are continuous with one another along the direction (Y) of exit of the bags from the welding tunnel (TS), one segment (3C) of which, which is arranged at a position more downstream than the other segments (3B; 3A) with respect to said direction (Y), is connected to a mechanism which controls lowering and lifting of the segment (3C) so as to form a temporary support surface for the bags which can be positioned at different heights with respect to the exit of the welding tunnel (TS) depending on the process phase being performed. A description relating to possible ways of implementing this system is provided below.

[0036] The segment (3C) of the surface (3) and the respective lifting and lowering mechanism constitute a device for layering of the bags (S) incorporated in the packaging machine, i.e. a device for forming several superimposed layers of bags (S).

[0037] In the example attached, the temporary support surface (3) for the bags (S) is formed by three segments (3B, 3C, 3A) which are continuous with one another along the direction (Y) of exit of the bags from the welding tunnel (TS): one segment (3C) which is arranged at a position more downstream than the other segments (3B, 3A) with respect to said direction (Y) and is connected to a mechanism which controls lowering and lifting of the segment (3C) so as to form a temporary support surface for the bags which can be positioned at different heights with respect to the exit of the welding tunnel (TS); another segment (3B) which is interposed between the other two segments (3C, 3A) and is fixed; and a further segment (3A) which is arranged near the exit of the welding tunnel and is a movable surface. In particular, the movable surface (3A) can be rotated from a horizontal position, in which it acts as a support for the bags at the exit of the welding tunnel, to a vertical position, so as to determine a corresponding rotation of the bags and therefore a switching of the orientation of the bags from horizontal to vertical. In other words, if a rotating segment (3A) of the surface (3) is provided, this can be used to invert the bags coming out of the welding tunnel by rotating them by 90° around the respective side, as described further below. In Figure 15A and Figure 15B In the example shown, the movable surface (3A) is served by a pneumatic actuator (3AC) which uses a suitable lever (3AL) to control positioning of the movable surface (3A) in the horizontal position ( Figure 15A ) and respectively in the vertical position ( Figure 15B ). Figure 15BThe arrow "RS" in the figure indicates this movement of the surface (3A).

[0038] The possible cycle for the stacking of the bags (S) on the above-mentioned section (3C) is as follows.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1 , the gripper (4P) engages the bag (S) at the outlet of the welding tunnel and arranges the bag (S) along the programmed direction (i.e. moving the bag (S) in a manner parallel to itself, or as shown in Figure 2 , moving the bag (S) in a manner rotating it by 90° clockwise or anticlockwise) to release the bag (S) onto a preset area of the above-mentioned section (3C). Subsequently, the gripper (4P) is brought back to the outlet of the welding tunnel to engage a second bag (S) produced simultaneously and to place the second bag (S) on the above-mentioned section (3C) in a manner oriented along the preset direction. In Figure 3 , the second bag (S) is arranged on the section (3C) in a parallel orientation to the previously transported bag, i.e. both the first bag (S) and the second bag (S) are oriented on the section (3C) parallel to the direction (Y); in the present example, the first bag (S) and the second bag (S) are spaced apart by a preset value sufficient to form a space (SL) in which a third bag (S) is inserted, as described below. The gripper (4P) then releases the second bag (S) and is brought back to the outlet of the welding tunnel to engage a third bag (S) produced simultaneously, as shown in Figure 4 . At this point, the section (3A) is rotated upwards, so that the third bag (S) is turned by 90°, i.e. the third bag (S) is rotated by 90° around one of its sides, so that the same bag passes from an initial horizontal position to a vertical position, as exemplified in Figure 5 . The arrow "RS" indicates said rotation. At this stage, the gripper (4P) does not hinder the above-mentioned turning, but the clamps (47) constitute two guide surfaces on two opposite sides of the bag, allowing correct guidance of the turning, preventing the bag from moving laterally. The pressure exerted by the clamps (47) on the bag is contained within a relatively low range of values, so as not to damage the film of the bag being made or the products inside the bag. Subsequently, the gripper (4P) is rotated by 90° around its axis (Z), determining a corresponding rotation of the bag contained between the clamps (47), as exemplified in Figure 6 . At the same time or immediately after, the section (3C) is lowered by a value substantially corresponding to the height (HS) of the bag previously arranged on the same section, the gripper (4P) transporting the third bag (S) onto the section (3C), placing the third bag (S) in the above-mentioned space (SL) and releasing the third bag (S), as exemplified in Figure 7 and Figure 8 . Figure 8The arrow "G" in the figure indicates the descent of the third bag into the space (SL) by gravity. At this point, the gripper (4P) first picks up the fourth bag at the outlet of the welding tunnel, then picks up the fifth bag, placing the fourth and fifth bags on the first and second bags, respectively, as previously described, as shown by the example in Figures 9-11 In this way, on the section (3C) a stack is formed comprising two superimposed bags, with four bags in a horizontal position and one bag in a vertical position between the other four. In fact, during the positioning of the third bag, the jaws (47) of the gripper (4P) form two surfaces presented by the manipulator (4) which define a guided insertion channel of the third bag above the space (SL).

[0040] As mentioned above, the operations of forming and superimposing the various layers on said section (3C) are performed by the gripping device (4). In other words, the gripping device (4) and the accumulation area of the products (CP) or bags (S) are arranged in the same work station on the outlet side of the packaging machine. Therefore, in this work station, the gripping device (4) both provides the movement and the orientation of the products (CP) or bags (S) and the formation of said layers on the accumulation area.

[0041] Needless to say, the horizontal or vertical orientation of the various bags and their position on the section (3C) can be changed according to the production planned, compared to what has been described by way of example.

[0042] Depending on the desired configuration of the layers formed on the section (3C), the section (3A) can not be a rotating section, or the section (3A) can not rotate, forming a stack of bags with no gaps between the bags of the respective layers and no vertically arranged bags.

[0043] The number of layers of bags on the section (3C) will depend on the number of lowering steps of the section (3C) allowed by the space available below the same section (3C) and on the size of the bags.

[0044] Once the programmed stacking is completed, the section (3C) returns to its initial position and a new stacking cycle as described above begins.

[0045] For example, the section (3C) described above is made in the form of a belt closed in a loop on a respective support structure (3CS) and is driven by a respective electric gear motor (3CM). The structure (3CS) is in turn constrained to a fixed vertical guide (3CG) on which it is moved via a belt transmission (3CC) by a second gear motor (3MM). Figure 13A and Figure 13DThe double arrow (3U, 3D) in the section (3C) indicates the lifting (3U) and lowering (3D) of the section (3C). Since the belt forming the section (3C) is oriented parallel to the direction (Y) in which the pockets exit from the welding tunnel, i.e. the belt is wound on a reel (3CR) oriented orthogonally to said direction (Y), the belt also acts as a transport belt for the stack formed on the belt. In particular, once the stack is formed on said belt, the belt is activated to pass the stack onto a conveyor (5) which in turn transports the stack to a stacking section (2) in which the stack is stacked. The conveyor (5) transports each stack to the stacking section (2) at which a second manipulator (M2) is positioned and which acts, picking up the stack and placing it on a pallet. The last operation can be performed with devices and methods known to the person skilled in the art, therefore it is not described in greater detail. The conveyor (5) is schematically represented in Figure 12 in dotted lines in order to better highlight the other parts of the machine. The conveyor (5) is also represented in Figure 14A .

[0046] Preferably, a surface (3CB) is installed on a structure (3CS) which, by means of a respective actuator (not visible in the figures), is raised during the formation of the layers of pockets, thus forming an abutment surface which reduces the risk of the pockets falling from the surface (3C), and then is lowered to allow the transfer of the stack from the section (3C) to the conveyor belt (5). In Figures 1-10 the movable stop surface (3CB) is raised, while in Figure 11 the movable stop surface (3CB) is lowered.

[0047] Said surface (3CB) is installed on the back of the section (3C).

[0048] As is evident from the foregoing description, the layering of the bags (S) on the above-mentioned section (3C) of the packaging machine derives from the provision of a system configured and controlled to perform the layering by transporting, after the formation of a first layer on the section (3C), a layer of bags which, above the first layer, follows the first layer along a respective accumulation trajectory, so that each layer of bags is positioned above the underlying layer of bags. In a machine configured as described above, the method is implemented by controlled lowering of the section (3C) during the formation of the layers following the first layer. However, it should be understood that, according to the present application, the method can be implemented in different ways, for example, by connecting the manipulator (4) to a lifting mechanism which allows the bags (S) to be lifted to arrange them above the already formed layer, without providing for lowering of the section (3C), or by combining the lifting of the bags (S) by the manipulator (4) with lowering of the section (3C).

[0049] As is also evident from the foregoing description, the layering of the bags (S) can be performed by providing a spacing between the bags of two adjacent layers to form a space (SL) in which a further bag can be inserted, the further bag being positioned with an orientation orthogonal to the bags of said adjacent layers. During the transport of said further bag towards the space (SL), the manipulator (4) forms a guide which prevents the bag from falling uncontrollably into the space (SL). In the example described earlier, the guide which controls the fall of the further bag into the space (SL) is formed by the jaws (47) of the gripper (4P), which at this stage constitute two containment surfaces on the two opposite vertical sides of the further bag.

[0050] The method according to the example described above is a method for performing the layering of bags (S), each comprising a predetermined number of products (CP), comprising the following steps: packaging the products (CP) using a packaging machine equipped with an automatic packaging device, by means of which the bags (S) are formed; picking up the bags (S) from said packaging device on the outlet side of the bags using an automatic manipulator (4); subsequently transporting the bags (S) up to a bag accumulation area (3C) in which the manipulator (4) forms a layering by accumulating each bag in a respective pre-set position and oriented according to a direction also pre-set, the layering comprising a plurality of layers of bags, the transport of the bags being performed by means of the manipulator (4) along a selectively pre-defined trajectory for each bag (S).

[0051] As previously mentioned, the method according to the present application requires that the gripping device (4) and the accumulation area of products (CP) or pouches (S) are provided in the same work station on the outlet side, so that in this work station the gripping device (4) ensures both the movement and the orientation of the products (CP) or pouches (S) and the formation of the layers on the accumulation area.

[0052] Preferably, the method provides that the accumulation area (3C) is a movable surface that is handled by a movement device that controls the lowering of the movable surface by means of a step having a value commensurate with the height of the pouches, so as to lower the surface at the end of each layer formation of pouches, for example along a vertical trajectory.

[0053] The method can be implemented using a machine configured in the manner previously described.

[0054] Preferably, the layering is performed by forming a spacing between the pouches of two adjacent layers to form a space (SL) in which an additional pouch is inserted positioned with orthogonal orientation with respect to the pouches of the adjacent layers, and in the step of releasing the additional pouch into the space (SL), the manipulator (4) guides the additional pouch along an insertion channel formed by the surface (47) of the same manipulator.

[0055] The same layering process can also be implemented by means of the machine described above to form layers of unpacked products. In this case, the film is not unwound from the reel (BF) and the products consisting of enclosures (CP) pass through the tunnel (TS) without being packed. In other words, the packing function can be deactivated.

[0056] The products can also be unenclosed, i.e. not enclosed in an enclosure wrapping.

[0057] More generally, therefore, the machine according to the present application is a machine comprising a packaging device (TS; SP) that can be activated and deactivated and which is configured to form, when activated, a bag (S) containing a predetermined number of products (CP), wherein the packaging device comprises an inlet side and an outlet side for the products (CP) that can be contained in the bag (S), wherein, at said outlet side, gripping means (4) are provided and configured to engage the products (CP) or the bag (S) and to move the products (CP) or the bag (S) between the outlet side and a deposit area for the products (CP) or the bag (S) along a predetermined trajectory, in which deposit area layers of products (CP) or bags (S) are formed by means of the gripping means (4), each layer comprising a predetermined number of products (CP) or bags (S), which in turn are each arranged and oriented by the gripping means (4) according to a predefined order.

[0058] In practice, the gripping means (4) actively contribute to the formation of the layers, since they are configured and controlled to move the products (CP) or the bags (S) and to arrange them on said deposit area, each product (CP) or bag (S) being oriented according to a programmed orientation.

[0059] As mentioned previously, the "products" can be packages, each comprising a predetermined number of articles enclosed in a wrapping, or even single packaged or unpackaged articles, the product packaging device being activated or deactivated according to a planned production.

[0060] The method previously described in relation to the processing of the bags (S) therefore extends in general to the processing of "products" that can be packages, each comprising a predetermined number of articles enclosed in a wrapping, or even single packaged or unpackaged articles, the product packaging step being implemented or not according to a planned production.

[0061] If the products are not packaged, the gripping means (4) act directly on the products and not on the bags (S).

[0062] As is evident from the foregoing description, the machine according to the present application is a packing machine comprising a packing device (TS) which can be activated and deactivated and which is configured to form, when activated, a bag (S) containing a predetermined number of products (CP), wherein the packing device comprises an inlet side and an outlet side for the products (CP) which can be contained in the bag (S), and wherein, at said outlet side, a gripping device (4) is provided and configured to engage the products (CP) or the bag (S) and to move the products (CP) or the bag (S) between the outlet side and a depositing area for the products (CP) or the bag (S) along a predetermined trajectory, in which depositing area, by means of the gripping device (4), layers of products (CP) or bags (S) are formed, each layer comprising a predetermined number of products (CP) or bags (S), which in turn are each arranged and oriented by the gripping device (4) according to a predefined sequence.

[0063] As is also evident from the foregoing description, the machine according to the present application can also exhibit one or more of the following further features, which can even be combined with each other:

[0064] - in said depositing area for the products (CP) or the bag (S), a movable surface (3C) is provided on which the gripping device (4) deposits the products (CP) or the bag (S) to form said layers, the movable surface (3C) being manoeuvred by operating means which control the lowering of the movable surface (3C) by means of a step having a value commensurate with the height of the products (CP) or the bag (S), so as to lower said surface (3C) at the end of each layer formation of products (CP) or the bag (S).

[0065] - said moving means control the lowering of the movable surface (3C) along a vertical trajectory.

[0066] - said movable surface (3C) is an end surface among a plurality of surfaces (3B, 3C; 3A, 3B, 3C) aligned downstream of the packing device along the outlet direction (Y) of the products (CP) or the bag (S).

[0067] - a surface (3A) among said plurality of surfaces is connected to respective moving means which selectively control the rotation of the surface (3A) about a respective horizontal axis, the respective horizontal axis being oriented in a manner orthogonal to said outlet direction (Y).

[0068] - said gripping device (4) comprises a manipulator (4) provided with a gripper (4P) having two jaws (47) with a first actuator (42) that controls the opening and closing of the jaws and a second actuator (48) that controls the rotation of the gripper about a respective vertical rotation axis (Z).

[0069] - said accumulation area (3C) is defined by a conveyor belt mounted on a structure (3CS) controlled by an operating device that controls the lowering of the structure (3CS) by means of a step having a value commensurate with the height of the products (CP) or of the pouches (S), so as to lower said surface (3C) at the end of each layer formation of products (CP) or of pouches (S).

[0070] A method is also described for performing the layering of packaged or unpackaged products (CP) that can be inserted into pouches (S), each containing a predetermined number of products (CP), comprising: an optional step of packaging the products (CP) by means of a packaging machine equipped with packaging devices that can be activated and deactivated, through which said pouches (S) can be formed; a step of picking up the products (CP) or pouches (S) on the outlet side (CP) of said packaging devices by means of respective gripping devices (4); a subsequent step of transporting the products (CP) or pouches (S) to an area (3C) for the accumulation of the products (CP) or pouches (S), in which area (3C) the gripping devices (4) form a layering that comprises a plurality of layers of products (CP) or pouches (S), placing each product or pouch in a respective pre-set position and orienting each product or pouch according to a direction also pre-set, the transport of the products or pouches being performed by the gripping devices (4) along a selectively pre-defined trajectory for each product (CP) or pouch (S), said gripping devices (4) and the area (3C) for the accumulation of the products (CP) or pouches (S) being provided in the same work station of said outlet side, so that in said work station said gripping devices (4) are provided both for the movement and orientation of the products (CP) or pouches (S) and for forming said layers on said accumulation area.

[0071] The above-described method can also comprise one or more of the following additional features, which can even be combined with each other:

[0072] - said accumulation zone (3C) is a movable surface which is manoeuvred by operating means which control the lowering of the movable surface by means of a step having a value commensurate with the height of the products (CP) or of the pouches (S), so as to lower said surface at the end of each layer of products or pouches.

[0073] - said moving means control the lowering of the accumulation zone (3C) along a vertical trajectory.

[0074] - the method is implemented using a machine which is configured in the manner described previously.

[0075] - the pouches (S) are made of a film of plastic material.

[0076] - the products are packs of rolls of tissue paper.

[0077] - said layering is performed by forming a spacing between two adjacent layers of products or pouches to form a space (SL), inserting into the space (SL) a further product or pouch positioned in an orthogonal orientation with respect to the products or pouches of said adjacent layers, and by guiding the further product or pouch along an insertion channel formed by a surface (47) provided by the same gripping means in the step of releasing said further product or pouch into the space (SL).

[0078] However, in practice, the execution details can vary in an equivalent manner with respect to the individual elements described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A packaging machine comprising a packaging device (TS), the packaging device (TS) being activating and deactivating and configured to, when activated, form a bag-like item (S) containing a predetermined number of products (CP), wherein, The packaging device includes an inlet side and an outlet side for the product (CP) to be contained in the bag-shaped piece (S), characterized in that a clamping device (4) is provided on the outlet side, and the clamping device (4) is configured to engage the product (CP) or the bag-shaped piece (S) and move the product (CP) or the bag-shaped piece (S) along a predetermined trajectory between the outlet side and a stacking area of ​​the product (CP) or the bag-shaped piece (S), in which layers of the product (CP) or the bag-shaped piece (S) are formed by means of the clamping device (4) in the stacking area, each layer including a predetermined number of products (CP) or bags (S), the predetermined number of products (CP) or bags (S) being arranged and oriented by the clamping device (4) according to a predetermined order.

2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A movable surface (3C) is provided in the stacking area for the product (CP) or the bag (S), and the clamping device (4) stacks the product (CP) or the bag (S) on the movable surface (3C) to form the layer. The movable surface (3C) is operated by an operating device that controls the descent of the movable surface (3C) by means of a stepped portion having a value commensurate with the height of the product (CP) or the bag (S), thereby lowering the surface (3C) at the end of the formation of each layer of the product (CP) or the bag (S).

3. The packaging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The operating device controls the descent of the movable surface (3C) along a vertical trajectory.

4. The packaging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable surface (3C) is a plurality of surfaces (3B, 3C) aligned downstream of the packaging device along the outlet direction (Y) of the product (CP) or the bag (S); The end surfaces in 3A, 3B, and 3C.

5. The packaging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, Surface (3A) of the plurality of surfaces is connected to a corresponding operating device, which selectively controls the rotation of surface (3A) about a corresponding horizontal axis oriented orthogonally to the exit direction (Y).

6. The packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping device (4) includes a manipulator (4) with a clamp (4P) having two grippers (47), each gripper (47) having a first actuator (42) and a second actuator (48), the first actuator (42) controlling the opening and closing of the grippers, and the second actuator (48) controlling the rotation of the clamps about a corresponding vertical rotation axis (Z).

7. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The stacking area (3C) is defined by a conveyor belt mounted on a structural member (3CS), which is controlled by an operating device that controls the descent of the structural member (3CS) by means of a stepped portion having a value commensurate with the height of the product (CP) or the bag-shaped piece (S), thereby lowering the surface (3C) at the end of the formation of each layer of the product (CP) or the bag-shaped piece (S).

8. A method for stacking packaged or unpackaged products (CP) that can be contained in pouches (S), each pouch (S) containing a predetermined number of products (CP), the method comprising: An optional step of packaging the product (CP) using a packaging machine equipped with a packaging device that can be enabled and disabled, by which the bag-shaped item (S) can be formed; a step of picking up the product (CP) or the bag-shaped item (S) at the outlet side (CP) of the packaging device using a corresponding clamping device (4); a step of subsequently transporting the product (CP) or the bag-shaped item (S) to an area (3C) for stacking the product (CP) or the bag-shaped item (S), in which the clamping device (4) forms a stack comprising multiple layers of the product (CP) or the bag-shaped item (S), the clamping device (4) forming a stack. The holding device (4) places each product or bag in a corresponding preset position and orients each product or bag according to a preset direction. The transport of the product or bag by the holding device (4) is performed along a selectively predetermined trajectory for each product (CP) or bag (S). The holding device (4) and the stacking area (3C) for the product (CP) or bag (S) are arranged in the same station on the exit side, such that in the station, the holding device (4) is provided both for the movement and orientation of the product (CP) or bag (S) and for forming the layer on the stacking area.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The stacking area (3C) is a movable surface manipulated by an operating device that controls the descent of the movable surface by means of a stepped portion having a value commensurate with the height of the product (CP) or the bag (S), thereby lowering the surface at the end of the formation of each layer of the product or bag.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The operating device controls the descent of the stacking area (3C) along a vertical trajectory.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method is implemented using a machine constructed according to one or more of claims 1 to 7.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The bag-shaped component (S) is made of a film of plastic material.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The product is a package of rolls of thin paper.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that, The stacking is performed by forming a gap between two adjacent product or bag pieces to form a space (SL), inserting another product or bag piece orthogonally oriented relative to the product or bag piece of the adjacent layer into the space (SL), and in the step of releasing the other product or bag piece into the space (SL), the clamping device (4) guides the other product or bag piece along an insertion channel formed by a surface (47) provided by the clamping device.

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