A PACKAGING MACHINE

Abstract

A packaging machine comprising: a resting plane: a resting plane (2) for a package (C) of products (P); at least one loader (3), arranged to contain one or more connecting elements (A), arranged to be applied to at least one side (S) of the package (C); at least one applicator (4), which can be moved between at least one lifting position, in which it is able to lift a connecting element (A) from the loader (3), and at least one application position, in which it is able to place a connecting element (A) in contact with a side (S) of the package (C).

Description

A PACKAGING MACHINE DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM The present invention relates to a packaging method for packing packages formed by products. In particular, the invention relates to the packaging of packages that have a parallelepiped shape, formed by products superimposed on or stacked one on top of the other. Packages with these characteristics are commonly considered in the ceramic tile production industry, especially for ceramic tiles that have large dimensions, up to 2x4 meters. At the end of the production line, the slabs are placed in boxes, using known methods and plants, in boxes containing 2 to 5 products. A certain number of these boxes are then stacked on top of each other, vertically or horizontally, to form a package that generally has a substantially parallelepiped shape. Each box of ceramic tiles has two main surfaces or faces, parallel to each other, and four lateral surfaces or flanks, which lie on planes that are substantially perpendicular to the faces, extending along the perimeter of the faces and joining the faces together. The various boxes are arranged stacked or overlapped face to face, with their sides substantially aligned and coplanar with each other, to form a package having two faces, defined respectively by the top face of the product at the top of the stack and the bottom face of the product at the bottom of the stack, and four sides, formed by the sides of the products that are overlapped or stacked one on top of the other. The boxes are joined together in such a way as to stabilize the package. The boxes that make up the package are typically joined together using strapping machines, which tighten one or more straps around the package, securing the various boxes together. Removing these straps releases all the boxes in the package. Packages structured in this way are delivered to users and then typically laid flat on their sides. The boxes are then picked up one after another, starting with one of the boxes located at one end of the package. Under these conditions, a problem arises of preventing the boxes that remain in the package from tilting, following the successive lifting of the boxes that are placed on the outside. bbatrnn / cznz / e / YiAi Currently, the disadvantage summarized above is overcome by a machine that is designed to join the multiple boxes using strapping arranged around them, securing each box to at least one other box already in the bundle. Briefly, the machine operates as follows. A first box and a second layer are placed on a pallet and secured together by a first strap to form a bundle. A third box is placed on the pallet and secured to the other two by a second strap to form a bundle of three boxes. A fourth box is placed on the pallet and secured to the other three boxes by a third strap, increasing the number of boxes in the bundle, and so on. To remove a box from the bundle, the strap securing it to the other boxes must be cut. The remaining boxes, however, remain secured to each other by their respective straps. The known machine has some significant disadvantages. First, it requires a large amount of strapping, which is made of an expensive and non-recyclable material. Furthermore, the packaging cycle for a single package is very slow and laborious, as it requires attaching a strap to each box placed within the package. An additional disadvantage is the complex structure of strapping machines, which frequently leads to malfunctions. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine and a method for packaging bundles consisting of a certain number of products, thereby overcoming the disadvantages of currently available machines. An advantage of the present invention is that the products are joined together in a single step, allowing for a significant reduction in packaging time. An additional advantage of the present invention is that it can use connecting elements between the various products that are made of an inexpensive or recyclable material, such as, for example, paper or cardboard. Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of one embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, where: - Figure 1 is a general isometric view of the machine according to the present invention; - Figure 2 shows a partial view of the machine in Figure 1, in order to illustrate some components in greater detail; - Figure 3 shows the machine of Figure 1 with some parts in a different operating configuration, and with some parts removed to better illustrate others; - Figure 4 shows the machine from Figure 3 in a different operating configuration; bbatrnn / cznz / e / YiAi Figure 5 illustrates some components of the machine in accordance with the present invention; - Figure 6 shows the components of Figure 5 from a different point of view; - Figure 7 shows a package consisting of a certain number of products, processable by the machine in accordance with the present invention. The machine and method according to the present invention are especially useful for packaging products (P) that have a substantially parallelepiped shape. By product having a substantially parallelepiped shape) is meant a product (P) having two principal surfaces or faces (F), parallel to each other, and four lateral surfaces or flanks (S), lying on planes that are substantially perpendicular to the faces (F), extending along the perimeter of the faces and joining the faces together. Products that are particularly suitable for packaging by the machine and method according to the present invention are in the form of quadrangular, rectangular, or square slabs, having two principal surfaces or faces (F), having a larger area and parallel to each other, and four lateral surfaces or flanks (S) substantially perpendicular to the faces and having a smaller area relative to the faces, extending along the perimeter of the faces and joining the faces together. The distance between the faces of the product is much smaller than the lengths of the sides of the faces. Products that have the characteristics summarized above may also be in the form of pre-formed boxes, which, for example, contain a certain number of ceramic tiles or mosaics stacked on top of each other. The machine and method according to the present invention are particularly arranged to restrain products (P) arranged stacked or overlapping one another on their faces (F), with their sides (S) substantially aligned and coplanar with each other. The products (P) arranged in this way substantially form a package (C) having two faces (F), defined respectively 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) that are overlapped or stacked one on top of the other. Two adjacent sides (S) meet at corners (E), substantially perpendicular to the faces (F). Corners (E) are defined at the junctions between the faces (S) and each of the sides (S). In the following part of the description, the term flanks (S) can be used to refer to both the flanks (S) of a product (P) and the flanks (S) of a package of products (P). Similarly, the term faces (F) can be used to refer to both the faces (F) of a product and the faces (F) of a package of products. bbatrnn / cznz / e / YiAi The packaging machine of the present invention comprises a resting platform (2) for a package (C) of products (P). The resting platform (2) is preferably horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the resting platform (2) is motorized in order to move the packages (C) along a transport direction (X). This allows the packages (C) to be conveyed to the machine in succession, and at the same time, the packaged packages (C) to be discharged one after another. In the preferred, but not exclusive, illustrated embodiment, the resting platform (2) is defined by a pair of motorized belts (21) parallel to the transport direction (X). The machine according to the present invention further comprises at least one loader (3), predisposed to contain one or more connection elements (A) predisposed to be applied to at least one side (S) of the package (C). 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 materials, or others. In general, the connecting elements (A) are made of a suitable material and are attached to a flank (S) of the package (C), for example, by adhesion. Specifically, the connecting element (A) is restricted to all the products (P) that make up the package (C), that is, it is restricted to the flanks (S) of all the products (P) that make up the package (C). For this purpose, a layer of adhesive can be applied to a predetermined area of ​​the connecting element (A) and / or to the flanks (S) of the products (P) in such a way as to cover the flanks (S) of all the products (P). The charger (3) is structured to contain a certain number of connecting elements (A) stacked one on top of the other in a flat configuration to form a package that extends substantially vertically. The orientation of the charger (3), however, is not relevant for the purposes of the present invention. For example, the charger (3) may be oriented diagonally with respect to the vertical or it may be oriented horizontally. In an illustrated embodiment, the charger is formed by a plurality of bars connected together in order to delimit an internal space in which the connecting elements (A) can be housed. The machine according to the present invention further comprises at least one applicator (4), which can be moved between at least one lifting position, in which it is able to lift a connecting element (A) from the loader (3), and at least one application position, in which it is able to place the connecting element (A) in contact with at least one flank (S) of the package (C). In other words, in the application position, the applicator (4) is able to position the previously raised connecting element (A) in contact with at least one flank (S), i.e., in contact with the flanks (S) of all the products (P) that make up the package (C). This allows bhQhnn / oznz / R / YiAi to fix the connecting element (A) to the coplanar flanks (S) of all the products (P) that make up the package (C), for example, by adhesion, as already indicated. The connecting element (A), fixed to one side (S) of the package (C), i.e., to the coplanar sides (S) of all the products (P), stabilizes the package (C) and keeps the products (P) together even if the package (C) is placed or supported on a different side than the one to which the connecting element (A) is applied, with the products (P) arranged on substantially vertical or slightly inclined planes. If the connecting element (A) is made of a sectionable material, such as paper or cardboard, it is possible to lift one product (P) at a time by sectioning the corresponding portion of the connecting element (A), without compromising the capacity of the other products (P), which remain joined together by the remaining portion of the connecting element (A). The greater the distance of the connecting element (A) with respect to the flanks (S) on which the package (C) rests, the greater the stabilizing effect on the product. To achieve a stabilizing and bonding effect on the products (P) forming the package (C), it is sufficient for the connecting element (A) to be applied to at least one flank (S) of the package (C). It is obviously possible to apply several connecting elements (A) to the same flank (S) or to opposite or adjacent flanks. This allows for more effective bonding and stabilization of the products (P). In a preferred but not exclusive illustrated embodiment, a connecting element (A) is applied over a corner (E) between two adjacent flanks (S) of the package (C). A connecting element (A) is preferably applied over each corner of the package (C). For this purpose, the machine is provided with four applicators (4), each of which operates on a respective corner (E) of the package (C). It would obviously be possible to use only one applicator (4), by causing the package (C) to rotate so as to successively present the various corners (E) to the applicator (4), or two applicators, positioned so as to operate on two opposite flanks (S). In this case, each applicator (4) can be made movable to operate on the two corners (E) located on its corresponding side. In the angular position described above, a connecting element (A) also has a protective function over the corner (E). By using a material of suitable thickness and / or density, it is possible to protect the corners (E) very effectively, both for a package consisting of a plurality of products (P) and for a single product (P). Furthermore, the angular positioning of the connecting elements (A), i.e., the mounted position of the corners (E), allows for the simultaneous use of traditional strapping, which can be applied using a dedicated machine located either upstream or downstream of the bbatrnn / cznz / e / YiAi machine in accordance with the present invention, with the connecting elements (A) applicable to the machine in accordance with the present invention. One or more connecting elements (A) can be applied by mounting a corner (E) between a face (F) and a flank (S) of the package (C). In this case, as well as extending over the flank (S) of the package (C), each connecting element (A) has at least one portion folded over a face (F), substantially arranged in an L-shape. It would also be possible to arrange one or more connecting elements (A) by mounting two opposite corners (E) on the same flank (S). In this case, each connecting element (I) is substantially arranged in a C-shape, with two end portions folded over the faces (F) of the package and a central portion arranged over a flank (S). The connecting elements (A), arranged as described above, can be used in a variable number and configuration, according to needs. The machine can be provided with an applicator (4) for each connecting element (A), and / or one or more applicators (4) can be moved in order to place the connecting elements (A) in various positions and configurations. The preferred, but not exclusive, illustrated embodiment comprises four applicators (4), each of which is designed to apply a connecting element (A). In particular, in the illustrated version, each applicator (4) is designed to apply a connecting element (A) to a vertical corner (E) of the package. Only one applicator (4) will be described herein, but the description provided for applicator (4) shall be understood to apply to the other applicators (4) as well. In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the machine, an applicator (4) comprises a clamping plate (5) provided with a clamping means that can be activated between a clamping configuration, in which it is capable of retaining a connecting element (A), and a release configuration, in which it is capable of releasing the connecting element (A). The clamping means is not illustrated in detail, as known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the clamping means comprises one or more openings located on the clamping plate (5) connected to a suction circuit which, when activated, is capable of retaining the connecting element in contact with the clamping plate (5). In the non-exclusive illustrated embodiment, the clamping plate (5) can rotate between a first position, in which the clamping means faces the magazine (3) and is capable of gripping and retaining a connecting element (A), and a second position, in which the clamping means faces the package (C). This rotation of the clamping plate (5) allows for more flexible placement of the magazine (3). In the illustrated embodiment where the magazine (3) is oriented vertically, the first position of the clamping plate (5) is essentially the same as the position in which the plate (5) is horizontal, with the clamping means facing upwards. In this way, the connecting elements (A), which are housed horizontally in the magazine (3), i.e., arranged on horizontal planes, can be transferred to the clamping plate (5) very easily, without any need for rotation. In the second position, the clamping means are oriented towards the package (C) to allow the application of the connecting element (A) held by the clamping means. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping plate (5), in the second position, is substantially vertical, with the clamping means oriented towards the package (C). In this position, the connecting element (A) can be applied to the package (C), in particular to at least one side (S) of the package (C). Rotation of the clamping plate (5) can be achieved using a motor known to the person skilled in the art, and for this reason, it is not illustrated in detail. In the preferred but not exclusive illustrated embodiment, the applicator (4) comprises a carriage (41) that can be moved along a sliding path, for example, parallel to the transport direction (X). The carriage (41) can be moved between a first position, in which it is closest to the loader (3), and a second position, in which it is closest to the resting plane (2), i.e., to the package (C) in the machine's operating condition. In other embodiments, the sliding path may be oriented differently. A drive means known to a person skilled in the art, comprising, for example, a motor and a sliding guide, is arranged to cause the carriage (41) to move between the lifting and application positions. The drive means has not been illustrated in detail. The clamping plate (5) is associated with the carriage (41) and slides solidly with it along the sliding direction. In summary, the applicator's lifting position (4) is defined when the carriage (41) and the clamping plate (5) are in their respective first positions. The applicator's application position (4) is defined when the carriage (41) and the clamping plate (5) are in their respective second positions. The clamping plate (5) is preferably movable between a distanced position, in which it is located a predetermined distance from the package (C), and a close-in position, in which it is substantially in contact with at least one side (S) of the package (C) and in which it is capable of applying a connecting element (A) to at least one side (S) of the package (C). When moving from the distanced position to the close-in position, the clamping plate (5) presses the connecting element (A) against the package (C) in a predetermined area of ​​at least one side (S), allowing its application and fastening, for example, by adhesion, as previously described. The movement between the distanced and close-in positions can be effected by means of an actuator of a known type, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, not described in detail as known to the person skilled in the art.In the illustrated modality, the actuator of known type can be arranged on board the car (41). In the preferred but not exclusive polished mode, the clamping plate (5) assumes the distanced and close positions when it is in its second position. Briefly, in the illustrated mode, the cycle of displacements made by the applicator (4) is as follows. Considering an initial configuration, illustrated in Figure 2, in which the applicator (4) is in the lifting position, with the clamping plate (5) in the first position and the carriage (41) in the first position, the clamping plate (5) receives the connecting element (A). After that, the carriage (41) slides into the second position and the clamping plate (5) rotates into the second position and is positioned in the distanced position, as shown in Figure 3. In a subsequent step, the clamping plate (5) moves from the distanced position to the close-up position, applying the connecting element (A) to at least one flank (S) of the package (C), as shown in Figure 4. In the preferred but not exclusive illustrated form, the clamping plate (5) can be moved between a flat configuration (Figures 2 and 3), in which it defines a substantially flat surface, and a folded configuration (Figure 4), in which it defines an angled surface, suitable for overlapping over two adjacent flanks (S) of the package (C) and / or over a face (F) and a flank (S) of the package. In summary, in the folded configuration, the clamping plate (5) can be positioned to cover a corner (E) of the package (C) and can place a connecting element (A) in contact with the two surfaces at the corner (E), i.e., two adjacent sides (S) or a face (F) and a side (S). The connecting element (A), held in contact with the clamping plate (5), is folded in accordance with the clamping plate (5) and is thus able to be positioned to cover the corner (E). In a possible preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the clamping plate (5) comprises a first portion (51) and a second portion (52) hinged to each other about the axis of rotation (Z). An actuator (53) is arranged to exert a thrust on the first portion (51) and / or on the second portion (52), offset with respect to the axis of rotation (Z), which produces 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 Figures 2 and 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator (53) comprises a rod (54) that can be moved along an operating direction (T). The rod (54) is provided with a head (55) having two front protrusions positioned to contact the first and second portions (51, 52) of the clamping plate (5). The rod (54) can be moved between a retracted position, visible in Figure 3, and an extended position, visible in the bhQhnn / cznz / R / viAi Figure 4. In the advanced position, the head (55) sets in rotation at least one of the first and second portions (51, 52) around the axis of rotation (Z), by arranging the clamping plate (5) in the folded position, visible in Figure 4. In one possible embodiment, the actuator (53) can be rigidly restricted to the clamping plate (5), i.e., to the carriage (41) after its movements. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator (53) is arranged in a fixed position, to allow its own thrust to be exerted on the clamping plate (5) at the moment when the latter is positioned to apply a connecting element (A). In other words, the actuator (53) is positioned so as to be able to act on the clamping plate (five) when the latter and the carriage (41) are in their respective second positions. In one possible configuration of the machine, the loader (3) may contain connection elements (A) sized and shaped to be compatible with a predetermined package (C) of predefined dimensions and shape. In this case, when the shape and / or dimensions of the package (C) change, it is necessary to provide corresponding connection elements (A). In the preferred but not exclusive illustrated mode, the machine is predisposed to dimension the connection elements (A) in real time, i.e., to regulate at least one dimension of the connection elements (A) in relation to the shape and / or dimensions of each package (C) that is subsequently processed by the machine. In particular, the magazine (3) comprises a first slide (31), provided with a clamping means suitable for clamping and releasing a connecting element (A), which can be moved between a clamping position, in which it is capable of clamping a connecting element (A) contained in the magazine (3), and a release position, in which it disposes the connecting element (A) at least partially outside the magazine (3). In other words, by means of the first slide (31), a connecting element (A) is partially extracted from the magazine (3) by sliding along an extraction direction (R) that is preferably horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the first slide (31) is positioned under the magazine (3). The magazine (3) has a lower opening that allows the passage of one connecting element (A) at a time, drawn by the first slide (31) along the extraction direction. The machine comprises a cutting device (6), configured to cut the connecting element (A) to a predefined size, as a function of the dimensions and / or shape of the package (C). In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting device (6) is located along the extraction direction (R) of the first slide (31). The cutting device (6) is preferably interposed between the loader (3) and the applicator (4), in order to cut the connecting element (A) so that the applicator (4) can lift, in the lifting position of the latter, the connecting element (A) cut to the predetermined size. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier device (6) comprises a blade (61) positioned to make a cut on a connecting element (A) held in the release position of the first slide (31). In summary, by means of the cutting device (6), the machine according to the present invention is capable of cutting the connecting elements (A) to size, at least along a direction parallel to the extraction direction (R). In practice, with the dimension to be given to a connecting element (A) being known, the first slide (31) extracts the connecting element (A) by a portion having a corresponding length, along the extraction direction (R). The connecting element (A) is thus locked, and the cutting device (6) performs the cut. The cut portion of the connecting element (A) is then lifted by the clamping plate (5) for subsequent application to a package (C). In the polished mode, the blade (61) can be moved along at least one cutting direction (TI), along which it performs the cut. The cutting direction (TI) is preferably perpendicular to the extraction direction (R). Preferably, but not necessarily, the blade (61) can also be moved along an adjustment direction (T2), to allow adjustment of the blade's position (61) along at least the extraction direction (R). The additional adjustment direction (T2) is preferably parallel to the extraction direction (R). The operation of the cutting device (6) is regulated by a control module which, based on the dimensional and / or morphological characteristics of the package (C), establishes a useful dimension for the connecting element (A) and consequently controls the travel of the first slide (31) and / or the position and / or travel of the blade (61), at least along the adjustment direction (T2), if included. Furthermore, the cutting device (6) can be used to create a plurality of parallel notches or weakening lines on the connecting element (A). These notches facilitate the removal of successive portions of the connecting element (A) to make it easier to lift a product from the package.With the thickness of the products (P) that make up the package known, the carrier device (6) can be activated to make notches or weakened lines separated from each other by a distance equal to the thickness of the products (P), so that the notches or weakened lines are placed between two adjacent products (P) of the package. Preferably, though not necessarily, the machine comprises a second slide (32) interposed between the cutting device (6) and the applicator (4) and can be moved between a clamping position, in which it is able to clamp a connecting element (A) cut by the cutting device (6), and a release position, in which it places the connecting element (A) in a position suitable for being lifted by the applicator (4) in its lifting position. bhQhnn / cznz / R / YiAi The second slide (32), particularly visible in Figure 6, essentially performs the task of transferring the connecting element (A) from the cutting device (6) to the clamping plate (5). The second slide (32) is provided with a clamping means, for example one or more suction cups, configured to be able to retain and release, on command, a connecting element (A). The second slide (32) can be moved in space, by means of actuators known to the skilled worker, between a clamping position, located in such a way as to allow lifting of a connecting element (A) already cut by the cutting means (6), and a release position, located in such a way as to present the contact element to the applicator (4), and in particular to the clamping plate (5).The movement of the second slide (32) can be defined as a function of the machine's architecture, and in particular as a function of the relative position between the magazine (3) and the applicator clamping position (4). The use of the second slide (32) increases the relative positioning capacity between the magazine and the applicator clamping position (4). In the illustrated configuration, the applicator clamping position (4), defined by the first position of the carriage (41) and the clamping plate (5) (Figure 2), is located below the magazine (3) and in a forward position, in the magazine's (3) extraction direction, along the extraction direction (R). The path followed by the second slide (32) will therefore generally be oriented forward and downward with respect to the extraction direction (R).Preferably, but not necessarily, the second slide (32) rotates the connecting element (A) by a right angle around an axis that is substantially horizontal. In case the intervention of the cutting means (6) is not necessary, a second slide (32) is provided to lift a connecting element (A) from the first slide (31). Preferably, but not necessarily, the machine according to the present invention comprises a folding device (70), arranged to perform a fold in the connecting element (A). The folding facilitates the folding of the connecting element (A) at the corner (E) of the package (C). In the preferred, but not exclusive, illustrated embodiment, the folding device (70) comprises a wheel (71) that can rotate about a rotation axis that is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the extraction direction (R). Using an actuator unit known to the person skilled in the art, the wheel (71) is pressed into contact with the connecting element (A), which rests on a lower, concealed joint. Furthermore, using the same actuator unit, or by utilizing the extraction movement of the connecting element (A), a relative movement is effected between the wheel (70) and the connecting element (A). This relative movement is directed parallel to the extraction direction (R). The machine according to the present invention comprises an adhesive device, predisposed to apply a predetermined amount of glue onto a predetermined area of ​​a connecting element (A) and / or the package (C), to facilitate adhesion of the connecting element (A) to the package (C). The adhesive device may be fixed or movable. The adhesion device is not illustrated and described in detail as it is well known in the art. The machine of the present invention is capable of actuating a method for packing a package (C) of products (P), wherein the package (C) has a parallelepiped shape and comprises at least two faces (F) and four sides (S). The method comprises the following steps: place the package (C) on a resting plane (2), rest on a face (D) or on a flank (S); Apply at least one connecting element (A) to one flank (S) of the package (C). The connecting element (A) is preferably applied to the flank (S) of the package (C) restricted to all products (P) that form the package (C). The connecting element (A) is preferably restricted to all products forming the package (C) by adhesion. The step of applying at least one connection element (A) to an edge (S) of the packet (C) preferably comprises the following steps: lift the connecting element (A) of a charger (3); cut the connecting element (A) to a predetermined size, as a function of the dimensions and / or shape of the package (C); Apply the connection element (A) cut to the predetermined size on at least one flank (S) of the package (C). The step of applying at least one connecting element (A) to a flank (S) of the package (C) preferably comprises applying the connecting element (A) by mounting a corner (E) between two adjacent flanks (S) of the package (C) or by mounting a corner (E) between a face (F) and a flank (S) of the package (C). The package (C) obtained by applying the method described above, actuated by the machine according to the present invention, is thus formed by two or more products (P) brought close together. As already illustrated, a product (P) has two principal surfaces or faces (F), parallel to each other, and four lateral surfaces or flanks (S), lying on planes that are substantially perpendicular to the faces (F), extending along the perimeter of the faces and joining the faces together. The products (P) are brought close together at the faces (F), with the flanks (S) arranged substantially aligned and coplanar with each other to define the flanks (S) of the package (C).The products (P) thus arranged substantially form a package (C) having two faces (F) defined respectively by the outer faces (F) of the products (P) at the ends of the package (C), and four flanks (S), formed by the flanks (S) of the products (P) brought close together. Two adjacent flanks (S) meet at corners (E), substantially perpendicular to the faces (F). Corners (E) are defined at the junctions between the faces (F) and each of the flanks (S). The package (C) comprises at least one connection element (A) applied to an edge (S) of the package (C). The connecting element (A) is preferably restricted to all products (P) that form the package (C). A connecting element (A) is preferably applied by mounting a corner (E) between two adjacent flanks (S) of the package (C). A connecting element (A) is preferably applied by mounting each corner of the package (C).

Claims

1. A packaging machine comprising: a resting surface (2) for a package (C) of products (P); at least one loader (3), provided to contain one or more connecting elements (A), provided to be applied to at least one side (S) of the package (C); at least one applicator (4), which is movable between at least one lifting position, which is capable of lifting a connecting element (A) from the loader (3) and at least one application position, in which it is capable of placing a connecting element (A) in contact with a side (S) of the package (C), characterized in that: the applicator (4) comprises a clamping plate (5) provided with a clamping means activatable between a clamping configuration, in which it is capable of retaining a connecting element (A), and a release configuration, in which it is capable of releasing the connecting element (A);The clamping plate (5) can be moved between a flat configuration, in which it defines a substantially flat surface, and a bent configuration, in which it defines an angled surface, suitable for overlapping over two adjacent flanks (S) of the package (C) and / or over a face (F) and a flank (S) of the package.

2. The machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the clamping plate (5) comprises a first portion (51) and a second portion (52) articulated to each other about a rotation axis (Z); a drive (53) is arranged to exert a thrust on the first portion (51) and / or on the second portion (52), eccentric with respect to the rotation axis (Z), which produces a rotation between the first portion (51) and the second portion (52) to define the bent configuration of the clamping plate (5).

3. The machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the clamping plate (5) can be moved between a distanced position, in which it is located at a predetermined distance from the package (C), and a close position, in which it is substantially in contact with at least one flank (S) of the package (C) and in which it is able to apply a connecting element (A) to at least one flank (S) of the package (C).

4. The machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the clamping plate (5) can rotate between a first position, in which the clamping means is oriented towards the loader (3) and is capable of clamping and retaining a connecting element (A), and a second position, in which the clamping means is oriented towards the package (C).

5. The machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the magazine (3) comprises a first slide (31) provided with a clamping means suitable for clamping and releasing a connecting element (A), which can be moved between a clamping position, which is capable of clamping a connecting element (A) contained in the magazine (3), and a release position, in which it disposes the connecting element (A) at least partially outside the magazine (3).

6. The machine according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises a cutting device (6), arranged to cut the connecting element (A) to a predetermined size, as a function of the dimensions and / or shape of the package (C).

7. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the cutting device (6) is interposed between the loader (3) and the applicator (4), in order to cut the connecting element (A), so that the applicator can lift, in its lifting position, the connecting element (A) cut to the predetermined size.

8. The machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further characterized in that it comprises a second slide (32), interposed between the cutting device (6) and the applicator (4) and movable between a clamping position, in which it is able to clamp a connecting element (A) cut by the cutting device (6), and a release position, in which it places the connecting element (A) in the position suitable for lifting by the applicator (4) in its lifting position.

9. The machine according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises an adhesion device, predisposed to apply a predetermined amount of glue to a predetermined area of ​​a connecting element (A) and / or of the package (C), to facilitate adhesion of the connecting element (A) to the package (C).

10. A method for packing a package (C) of products, characterized in that the package (C) has a parallelepiped shape and comprises at least two faces (F) and four sides (S), comprising the following steps: placing the package (C) on a resting plane (2), which rests on a face (D) or on a side (S); applying at least one connecting element (A) on a side (S) of the package (C).

11. The method according to claim 10, further characterized in that the connecting element (A) is applied to the flank (S) of the package (C).

12. The method according to claim 11, further characterized in that the connecting element (A) is restricted to all products forming the package (C) by adhesion.

13. The method according to claim 10, further characterized in that the step of applying at least one connecting element (A) to a flank (S) of the package (C) comprises the following steps: lifting the connecting element (A) from a loader (3); cutting the connecting element (A) to a predetermined size, as a function of the dimensions and / or the shape of the package (C); applying the connecting element (A), cut to the predetermined size, to a flank (S) of the package.

14. The method according to claim 10, further characterized in that the step of applying at least one connecting element (A) on a flank (S) of the package (C) 5 comprises applying the connecting element (A) by mounting a corner (E) between two adjacent flanks (S) of the package (C) or mounted on a corner (E) between a face (F) and a flank (S) of the package (C).

15. A package (C) of products (P) having two faces (F) and four flanks (S), wherein the flanks (S) are defined by surfaces or lateral flanks (S) of the products (P), 10 characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting element (A), applied on a flank (S) of the package (C).

16. The package (C) according to claim 15, further characterized in that the connecting element (A) is restricted to all products (P) that form the package (C).

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