Mattress packing machine and operating method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine (1) for closing a packaging (2) containing a rolled or substantially cylindrical element (M), such as a rolled mattress, a rolled foam rubber sheet and the like, wherein said packaging (2) consists of a containment sheet (21) arranged around said element (M), such that edges (22, 23) of said containment sheet project with respect to the lateral ends of said element (M), said machine (1) comprising: moving means (3) to receive and support said packaging (2) containing said element (M) and move it; and at least one closing group (4, 5), arranged for closing one side of said packaging (2), and positioned at one end of said element (M). The present invention also relates to a method of operation of a machine (1) for closing a packaging (2).

Description

[0001] MATTRESS PACKING MACHINE AND OPERATING METHOD

[0002] *****

[0003] The present invention relates to a mattress packing machine and operating method.

[0004] Field of invention

[0005] More specifically, the invention concerns a machine of the type mentioned above, designed and manufactured, in particular, for packing mattresses, preferably pre-rolled, but which can be used in any case where it is necessary to close the packaging of an object, such as sheets of foam rubber or the like.

[0006] In the following, the description will be addressed to the packing of mattresses, but it is clear that the same should not be considered limited to this specific use.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] As is well known, mattresses are currently often rolled up and closed in packaging, typically made of cardboard or plastic, with the ends of the packaging exceeding the width of the rolled mattress itself, to then be closed manually.

[0009] This method presents several problems that negatively affect the efficiency and quality of the mattress manufacturing and packaging process.

[0010] First, the time required to complete the manual packing process is considerable. Each mattress must be rolled, placed in the box, and then carefully closed, which is a time-consuming process that is now done manually. This slows down overall production, reducing the ability to produce and pack a large number of mattresses in a short period of time. As a result, a company suffers a reduction in potential profits, as less finished product is available for sale in a given period of time.

[0011] Secondly, the costs associated with the personnel required to perform these manual operations are high. Skilled workers must be employed to manage the rolling and packing process, increasing labor costs.

[0012] In addition, the slowness of the manual process leads to a delay in the production of packaged mattresses. In a competitive market, the ability to respond quickly to the demand is very important. However, the manual method of closing packages limits the company’s ability to increase production in response to peaks in demand, thus reducing the company’s competitiveness in the market.

[0013] Finally, inaccuracies in manually closed packaging represent another technical problem. The manual process is subject to human error, which can lead to imperfect closures or damage to the packaging itself. Inconsistent or damaged packaging can compromise the protection of the mattress during transport and handling, resulting in products that arrive to customers in less than optimal conditions.

[0014] These inefficiencies represent significant obstacles for companies in the sector, which are continuously looking for solutions to optimize the production process and improve the quality of their packaging and products in general.

[0015] Therefore, there is a strong need in the industry to develop methods and systems that can automate and improve the mattress packaging process, reducing production times, personnel costs, and ensuring precise and high-quality packaging.

[0016] Relevant prior art also includes patent applications US2022 / 1444612A1 , US2368213A and US2938319A.

[0017] Purpose of the invention

[0018] In light of the above, it is, therefore, the purpose of the present invention to improve the mattress packaging process by automating the rolling and closing operations of mattress packaging and similar items. In particular, it is the purpose of the invention to reduce the overall time required for these operations, thus increasing production efficiency.

[0019] It is also the purpose of the present invention to increase the production speed of packaged mattresses, allowing for a more quick response to changes in market demand.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention also aims at ensuring greater precision in packaging, reducing inaccuracies and human errors that can compromise the quality of the final product.

[0021] Object of the invention

[0022] It is, therefore, specific object of the present invention a machine for closing a packaging containing a rolled or substantially cylindrical element, such as a rolled mattress, a rolled foam rubber sheet and the like, wherein said packaging consists of a containment sheet arranged around said element, such that edges of said containment sheet project with respect to the lateral ends of said element, said machine comprising: moving means to receive and support said packaging containing said element and move it; and at least one closing group, arranged for closing one side of said packaging, and positioned at one end of said element, wherein each closing group comprises a support frame, movable so as to move towards or away from said packaging, at least one folding unit, having a fixed lamella, intended to approach an edge of said containment sheet, and a mobile lamella, hinged to the respective fixed lamella, wherein said mobile lamella rotates with respect to said fixed lamella to fold said edge of said containment sheet close to said fixed lamella, and at least one labeling unit capable of blocking the edges folded by said folding unit.

[0023] Always according to the invention, said machine may comprise first and a second closing unit, arranged facing each other, so as to close a respective side of said packaging.

[0024] Still according to the invention, each closing group may comprise a translation guide, and the support frame of each closing group may be movable on said respective translation guide.

[0025] Advantageously according to the invention, each closing group may comprise four folding units, wherein the fixed lamellas of said two folding units are arranged on two opposite sides of the respective edge to be folded.

[0026] Further according to the invention, each labeling unit of each closing group may comprise a pusher, configured to apply an adhesive label, and / or an adhesive tape, and / or glue and / or a hot nylon pad for closing said edges of said containment sheet folded by the folding unit of the respective closing group.

[0027] Always according to the invention, each labeling unit may comprise a labeling group, for the production of adhesive labels during the closing operations of said packaging, and said pusher may pick up said label to be applied from said labeling group.

[0028] Still according to the invention, said pusher may comprise an actuator, and a support plate, arranged at a movable end of said actuator, wherein said support plate is suitable for applying an adhesive label to the edges of said packaging folded by said folding unit.

[0029] Advantageously according to the invention, each closing group may comprise a detection means, suitable for detecting the position of the edges.

[0030] Preferably according to the invention, said detection means may comprise, for each closing group, a feeler member, arranged on said support frame, so as to assume a retracted position, and an extracted position in which it interferes with said packaging, making it adhere to said contained element and folding the edges of a side while the respective support frame moves with respect to said packaging.

[0031] Further according to the invention, said feeler member may be arranged perpendicular to said movement means, said feeler member may comprise one or more idle wheels to feel said package, and said feeler member may comprise a pneumatic actuator for the relative movement of said one or more idle wheels with respect to said support frame.

[0032] Always according to the invention, said detection means may comprise, for each closing group, sensors, such as optical sensors or electronic measurement sensors.

[0033] Still according to the invention, said movement means may comprise: a driving belt; and an actuator, for the movement of said driving belt.

[0034] Advantageously according to the invention, said movement means may comprise: an lifting group, having a base frame, a pair of lifting guides, arranged inclined and fixed to said base frame, a lifting member, coupled to said lifting guides, capable of lifting a packaging and placing it on said moving means; and at least one mobile stop, preferably two mobile stops, arranged on said driving belt, designed to assume: a lowered position, in which they are arranged parallel to said driving belt; and a raised position, in which said mobile stops are arranged substantially perpendicular to said driving belt, to receive and block said package when it is released by said lifting member.

[0035] Further according to the invention, said machine may comprise a logic control unit, operationally connected to said moving means and to said closing groups.

[0036] It is further object of the present invention, an operating method of a machine for closing a packaging defined above, comprising the following steps:

[0037] A. arranging a packaging using moving means;

[0038] B. moving the support frame of each closing group, so that said detection means can detect the position of the edged;

[0039] C. bringing together each of the fixed lamellas of each folding unit, to an edge of said containment sheet;

[0040] D. moving each mobile lamella with respect to the respective fixed lamella, to fold said edge of said containment sheet close to said fixed plate; and

[0041] E. applying a label via each labeling unit.

[0042] Always according to the invention, in said step B, said detection means may be feelers, and the support frame of each closing group may be moved so that the respective feeler member can assume the extracted position in which it interferes with said packaging, making it adhere to said contained element and folding the edges.

[0043] It is also object of the present invention a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method as defined above.

[0044] It is finally object of the present invention a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method steps as defined above.

[0045] Brief description of the figures

[0046] The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a mattress packing machine according to the present invention; figure 2 shows a second perspective view of the mattress packing machine of figure 1 ; figure 3 shows a third perspective view of the mattress packing machine of figure 1 ; figure 4 shows a front view of the mattress packing machine of figure 1 ; figure 5 shows a side view of the mattress packing machine of figure 1 ; figure 6 shows a top view of the mattress packing machine of figure 1 ; figure 7 shows a semi-packaged mattress to be closed using the mattress packing machine in figure 1 .

[0047] Detailed description

[0048] In the various figures, similar parts will be indicated with the same numerical references.

[0049] Referring to figures 1 -6, a mattress packing machine according to the present invention is observed, wholly indicated with the reference number 1 .

[0050] The machine 1 essentially comprises moving means 3 and at least one closing group 4 and 5, the latter intended to complete and close the packaging of a rolled-up mattress M or more generally a rolled-up or substantially cylindrical element M, such as a rolled-up foam rubber sheet and the like.

[0051] In general, the M mattress can be of different types, for example spring, or other types.

[0052] Furthermore, the M mattress, or in general the element to be packed, can be not only rolled up, but also folded in two or three folds.

[0053] The machine 1 is, in particular, suitable for closing a package 2, shown in figure 7, containing an element M of substantially cylindrical shape, which, as anticipated, can be a rolled up mattress or a rolled up foam rubber sheet and the like.

[0054] The packaging 2 comprises or is substantially constituted by a containment sheet 21 arranged around said element M. The sheet has a length such that two lateral edges 22, 23 of said containment sheet 21 protrude with respect to the lateral ends of said element M.

[0055] The packaging sheet can be made of different materials, such as plastic, polyethylene, paper, laminated paper, cardboard and the like.

[0056] The moving means 3 of the machine 1 are suitable for receiving, supporting and moving said packaging 2 containing said element M.

[0057] The movement means 3 comprise one or more parallel drive belts or chains 31 , and an actuator 32 for moving the drive belts 31 in the advancement direction indicated by the arrow T. The drive belts 31 allow, in addition to the movement, also the support of the packaging 2.

[0058] The moving means 3 also comprise a lifting group 34, having a base frame 341 , a pair of lifting guides 342 arranged parallel to each other, inclined with respect to the horizontal and fixed to the base frame 341. The moving means 3 also comprise a lifting member 343, slidably coupled to the lifting guides to lift the packaging 2 possibly coming from previous sections of a larger or more articulated system (not shown in the figure), so as to place it on the moving means 3.

[0059] As can be seen, the machine 1 can easily be adapted and inserted into more complex M mattress production plants.

[0060] The movement means 3 also comprise at least one movable stop 33, preferably two movable stops 33, arranged on the drive belt 31 .

[0061] The movable stops 33 are bars, which are rotated by means of suitable actuators (not shown in the figures).

[0062] The movable stops 33 are designed to assume a lowered position (e.g., see figure 6), in which they are arranged parallel to the drive belt 31 , so that a package 2 can be moved or rolled on the drive belts 31 ; and a raised position (e.g., see figures 3 or 4), in which they are arranged perpendicularly, or in any case inclined with respect to the drive belts 31. In this raised position, the movable stops 33 can intercept and block a package 2 when it is released by the lifting member 343, so as to position it in an appropriate manner so that it can then be closed by means of the closing groups 4 and 5, as better defined below.

[0063] The mattress packing machine 1 shown in the figures comprises two closing groups 4 and 5, each suitable for closing a respective side of the package 2. In other embodiments, the machine 1 may also comprise a single closing group 4 or 5, for closing a single side of the package 2.

[0064] Still referring to the figures, the closing groups 4 and 5 are positioned at one end of the element M.

[0065] Each closing group 4 or 5 comprises, respectively, a support frame 41 , 51 , movable so as to move closer to or further away from the packaging 2.

[0066] Detection means are installed on the support frame 41 or 51 . In particular, with reference to the figures, the detection means comprise sensing elements 42 or 52, each installed above the support frame 41 , 51 , respectively.

[0067] Each of said feeler members 42, 52 can assume a retracted or extracted position. When extracted, the feeler member 42 or 52 interferes with the package 2, causing it to adhere to the element M (e.g., the rolled-up mattress) contained therein and bending the flaps 22 and 23 on one side, while the support frame 41 and 51 moves with respect to the package 2, gradually moving away from it. In this way, the edges 22 and 23 are also preliminarily folded, before the actual folding steps.

[0068] In particular, however, the sensors 42 and 52 of the closing groups 4 and 5 have the function of detecting the position of the edge of the mattress M contained in the package 2, so as to detect the exact position of the edge of the same and where the edges 22 and 23 begin, so as to appropriately position the closing groups 4 and 5 for the closure of said edges 22 and 23.

[0069] In other embodiments (not shown in the figures) the detection means may comprise sensors or detectors, e.g., optical sensors or electronic measurement sensors, capable of detecting the position of the edges of the mattress M contained in the package 2.

[0070] Each feeler member 42, 52 comprises one or more idle wheels 421 , 521 for testing the package 2. The feeler member 42, 52 is equipped with a pneumatic actuator for the relative movement of the idle wheels 421 , 521 with respect to the support frame 41 , 51 , which allows said idle wheels 421 , 521 to be moved according to the double-headed arrows indicated by the letter V.

[0071] Each closing group 4 and 5 is provided with at least one folding unit 43, 43’, 44, 44’, or 53, 53’, 54, 54’. Generally, in the embodiment shown, each closing group 4 and 5 comprises four folding units 43, 43’, 44, 44’, and 53, 53’, 54, 54’. In any case, in other embodiments a different number (greater or lesser) of folding units may be provided.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the folding units 43, 43’, 44, 44’, or 53, 53’, 54, 54’ of each closing group 4, 5 are arranged in pairs facing each other, so as to act on a respective edge 22 (or 23) from two opposite sides.

[0073] Each folding unit 43, 43’, 44, 44’, or 53, 53’, 54, 54’ comprising respectively a fixed blade 431 , 431 ’, 441 , 441 ’, or 531 , 53T, 541 , 541 ’ intended to approach a respective edge 22 or 23 of the containment sheet 21 , and a movable blade 432, 432’, 442, 442’, or 532, 532’, 542, 542’ hinged to the fixed blade 431 , 431 ’, 441 , 441 ’, or 531 , 531 ’, 541 , 541 ’.

[0074] The movable blade 432, 432’, 442, 442’, 532, 532’, 542, 542’ rotates with respect to the respective fixed blade 431 , 431 ’, 441 , 44V, 531 , 53T, 541 , 541 ’ to fold the edge 22 or 23 of the containment sheet 21 placed next to the fixed blade 431 , 431 ’, 441 , 441 ’, or 531 , 531 ’, 541 , 541 ’.

[0075] As mentioned, the machine 1 also comprises two labelling units 6, 7, each suitable for applying an adhesive label on the edges 22, 23 folded by the folding units 43, 43’, 44, 44’, or 53, 53’, 54, 54’, respectively.

[0076] The machine 1 may comprise a first 4 and a second 5 closing group, as mentioned, arranged facing each other to respectively close each side of the package 2.

[0077] Each closing group 4, 5 also comprises a translation guide 45, 55, arranged on a plane P, on each support frame 41 , 51 of the closing groups 4 and 5 are movable.

[0078] In particular, the translation guides 45, 55 are arranged transversely with respect to the advancement direction T of the package 21 .

[0079] These translation guides 45 and 55 are in fact tracks.

[0080] In some embodiments, the machine 1 is equipped with adjustment screws 8, arranged underneath the plane P, on which the translation guides 45, 55 are arranged, which allow the height position (i.e. , on the vertical, or with respect to the Z axis of the Cartesian coordinate system shown) of the movement means 3 to be adjusted.

[0081] The labelling units 6, 7 of each closing group 4, 5 respectively, comprise a labelling group, indicated respectively by 61 and 71 , for the creation of the adhesive labels during the closing operations of the packaging 2. Each labelling group 61 , 71 comprises reels and possibly printing systems for printing the labels to be affixed to the packages 21 .

[0082] The labelling units 6 and 7 also comprise, respectively, a pusher 62, 72 configured to apply an adhesive label taken from the labelling unit 61 , 71 onto the opposite edges 22 and 23 of the sides of the package 21 , already folded by the folding unit 43, 44, 53, 54.

[0083] Each pusher 62, 72 comprises an actuator 621 , 721 and a support plate 622, 722, arranged at a movable end of the actuator 621 , 721 .

[0084] The support plate 622, 722 is designed to apply an adhesive label to the two edges 22 and 23 of the package 2 once folded by the folding units 43, 44, 53, 54.

[0085] In other embodiments, the machine 1 , instead of applying an adhesive label to stop the fold on the two sides of the edges 22 or 23, can apply, by means of the labelling units 6 and 7, adhesive tape of any type, glue of any type, or a hot pad for closing on nylon.

[0086] As mentioned, each closing group 4, 5 comprises a feeler member 42, 52, which is arranged perpendicularly to the movement means 3. Said members 42, 52 are installed on the respective support frame 41 , 51 of the respective closing group 4, 5.

[0087] Finally, the machine 1 comprises a logic control unit U, operatively connected to the moving means 3 and to the closing groups 4, 5, to coordinate the closing operations of the package 2 and the application of the adhesive labels by means of the closing groups 4 and 5.

[0088] The operation of the mattress packing machine 1 described above is as follows.

[0089] In particular, the operating method of the machine 1 for closing a package 2 containing a rolled-up mattress M (or similar elements) comprises several steps performed in sequence.

[0090] A first step A concerns the arrangement of the packaging 2 by means of the moving means 3. These means comprise a conveyor belt 31 which, operated by an actuator 32, allows the packaging 2 containing the rolled up element M to be received and supported.

[0091] The lifting unit 34, which, as mentioned, comprises a base frame 341 and a pair of lifting guides, allows the packaging 2 to be lifted and placed on the moving means 3 by means of the lifting member 343.

[0092] The movable stops 33, arranged on the conveyor belt 31 , assume a raised position to block the packaging 2 once released by the lifting member 343.

[0093] In the second step B, the support frame 41 , 51 of each closing group 4, 5 is moved. The support frame 41 , 51 is movable on said translation guide 45, 55, while the feeler members 42 and 52 assume the extracted position.

[0094] In this position, each feeler member 42, 52, which comprises one or more idle wheels 421 , 521 , operated by a pneumatic actuator, interferes with the packaging 2, causing it to adhere to the element M, or to the rolled-up mattress M (therefore, exerting pressure on the package 2) contained therein and begins to fold the edges 22 and 23 of the packaging 2. This operation ensures that the containment sheet 21 adheres well to the element M and the edges 22 and 23 are inclined or partially folded before the actual folding.

[0095] The third step C involves placing the fixed lamellas 431 , 43T, 441 , 44T, 531 , 53T, 541 , 541 ’ of each folding unit 43, 43’, 44, 44’, 53, 53’, 54, 54’ next to the edges 22, 23 of the containment sheet.

[0096] The fixed lamellas 431 , 431 ’, 441 , 44 T (531 , 531 ’, 541 , 541 ’) are arranged on two opposite sides of the respective edge 22 (or 23) to be folded.

[0097] During the fourth step D, each movable blade 432, 432’, 442, 442’, 532, 532’, 542, 542’ is moved with respect to the respective fixed blade 431 , 431 ’, 441 , 44V, 531 , 531 ’, 541 , 54V.

[0098] This rotation action of the movable lamellas 432, 432’, 442, 442’, 532, 532’, 542, 542’ allows the edges 22, 23 of the containment sheet 2 placed next to each respective fixed slat 431 , 431 ’, 441 , 441 ’, 531 , 53T, 541 , 541 ’ to be folded.

[0099] The combination of the fixed lamellas 431 , 43V, 441 , 44V, 531 , 53T, 541 , 54V and the mobile lamellas 432, 432’, 442, 442’, 532, 532’, 542, 542’ ensures accurate and uniform folding of the edges 22, 23, necessary for the subsequent labelling step.

[0100] In the final step E, an adhesive label is applied by each labelling unit 6, 7. Each labelling unit 6, 7 comprises, as mentioned, a labelling unit 61 , 71 , which produces / prints / cuts the adhesive labels during the closing operations of the packaging 2. Alternatively, the edges 22 and 23 of the packaging 2 can be fixed with glue, or adhesive tape, or a hot pad for closing on nylon, as mentioned above.

[0101] Each of the pushers 62, 72, by means of the respective actuator 621 , 721 and the respective support plate 622, 722, picks up an adhesive label from the respective labelling unit 61 , 71 and applies it to the now folded edges 22, 23.

[0102] This labelling process effectively seals the packaging 2, ensuring that the mattress M is contained and protected within the containment sheet 21 .

[0103] Throughout the process, a logical control unit U manages and coordinates the operations of the moving means 3 and the closing groups 4, 5, ensuring that each step is performed in the correct order.

[0104] The control unit U, which can be a personal computer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a microprocessor, or the like, is programmable and ensures that the operating cycle of machine 1 is optimized, minimizing errors and improving the overall efficiency of the package closing process 2.

[0105] Advantages

[0106] An advantage of the present invention is that it offers a machine that is completely automated in closing and labeling the packaging. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, drastically reducing the possibility of human errors and ensuring uniform, high-quality packaging. The complete automation of these operations also allows for greater reliability in the production process.

[0107] Another advantage of the present invention is that it increases the speed of closing the package. The machine can close and seal the packages in a much shorter time than traditional methods. This increase in speed allows for an increase in the production rate, reducing downtime and increasing the overall efficiency of the production process.

[0108] Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be installed on any type of plant, including existing ones, for the production and the packaging of the mattresses. This compatibility allows companies in the sector to easily integrate the new machine into their current workflow without the need for expensive or substantial modifications to their existing plants. Consequently, the adoption of the described technical solution can occur quickly and without significant interruptions in production, favoring an immediate improvement in packaging operations.

[0109] The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and / or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Machine (1 ) for closing at least an edge (22, 23) of a packaging (2) containing a rolled or substantially cylindrical element (M), such as a rolled mattress, a rolled foam rubber sheet and the like, wherein said packaging (2) consists of a containment sheet (21 ) arranged around said element (M), such that said edges (22, 23) of said containment sheet project with respect to the lateral ends of said element (M), said machine (1 ) comprising: moving means (3) to receive and support said packaging (2) containing said element (M) and move it; and at least one closing group (4, 5), arranged for closing an edge (22, 23) of one side of said packaging (2), and positioned at one end of said element (M), wherein each closing group (4, 5) comprises a support frame (41 , 51 ), movable so as to move towards or away from said packaging (2), at least one folding unit (43, 43', 44, 44', 53, 53', 54, 54'), having a fixed lamella (431 , 431 ', 441 , 441 ', 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 '), intended to approach an edge (22, 23) of said containment sheet, and a mobile lamella (432, 432', 442, 442', 532, 532', 542, 542'), hinged to the respective fixed lamella (431 , 431 ', 441 , 441 ', 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 '), wherein said mobile lamella (432, 432', 442, 442', 532, 532', 542, 542') rotates with respect to said fixed lamella (431 , 431 ', 441 , 441 ', 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 ') to fold said edge (22, 23) of said containment sheet (21 ) close to said fixed lamella (431 , 431 ', 441 , 44T, 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 '), and at least one labeling unit (6, 7) capable of blocking the edges (22, 23) folded by said folding unit (43, 43', 44, 44', 53, 53', 54, 54').

2. Machine (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a first (4) and a second (5) closing unit, arranged facing each other, so as to close a respective side of said packaging (2).

3. Machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each closing group (4, 5) comprises a translation guide (45, 55), and in that the support frame (41 , 51 ) of each closing group (4, 5) is movable onsaid respective translation guide (45, 55).

4. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each closing group (4, 5) comprises four folding units (43, 43' 44, 44', 53, 53', 54, 54' ), wherein the fixed lamellas (431 , 431 ', 441 , 441 ', 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 ') of said two folding units (43, 43', 44, 44', 53, 53', 54, 54') are arranged on two opposite sides of the respective edge (22, 23) to be folded.

5. Machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each labeling unit (6, 7) of each closing group (4, 5) comprises a pusher (62, 72), configured to apply an adhesive label, and / or an adhesive tape, and / or glue and / or a hot nylon pad for closing said edges (22, 23) of said containment sheet (2) folded by the folding unit (43, 43', 44, 44', 53, 53', 54, 54') of the respective closing group (4, 5).

6. Machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each labeling unit (6, 7) comprises a labeling group (61 , 71 ), for the production of adhesive labels during the closing operations of said packaging (2), and in that said pusher (62, 72) picks up said label to be applied from said labeling group (61 , 71 ).

7. Machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said pusher (62, 72) comprises an actuator (621 , 721 ), and a support plate (622, 722), arranged at a movable end of said actuator (621 , 721 ), wherein said support plate (622, 722) is suitable for applying an adhesive label to the edges (22, 23) of said packaging (2) folded by said folding unit (43, 44, 53, 54).

8. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each closing group (4, 5) comprises a detection means, suitable for detecting theposition of the edges (22, 23).

9. Machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said detection means (42, 52) comprise, for each closing group (4, 5), a feeler member (42, 52), arranged on said support frame (41 , 51 ), so as to assume a retracted position, and an extracted position in which it interferes with said packaging (2), making it adhere to said contained element (M) and folding the edges (22, 23) of a side while the respective support frame (41 , 51 ) moves with respect to said packaging (2).

10. Machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said feeler member (42, 52) is arranged perpendicular to said movement means (3), in that said feeler member (42, 52) comprises one or more idle wheels (421 , 521 ) to feel said package (2), and in that said feeler member (42, 52) comprises a pneumatic actuator for the relative movement of said one or more idle wheels (421 , 521 ) with respect to said support frame (41 , 51 ).

11. Machine (1 ) according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that said detection means (42, 52) comprise, for each closing group (4, 5), sensors, such as optical sensors or electronic measurement sensors.

12. Machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (3) comprise: a driving belt (31 ); and an actuator (32), for the movement of said driving belt (32).

13. Machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said movement means (3) comprise: an lifting group (34), having a base frame (341 ), a pair of lifting guides, arranged inclined and fixed to said base frame(341 ),a lifting member (343), coupled to said lifting guides, capable of lifting a packaging (2) and placing it on said moving means (3); and at least one mobile stop (33), preferably two mobile stops (33), arranged on said driving belt (31 ), designed to assume:- a lowered position, in which they are arranged parallel to said driving belt (31 ); and- a raised position, in which said mobile stops (33) are arranged substantially perpendicular to said driving belt (31 ), to receive and block said package (2) when it is released by said lifting member (343).

14. Machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a logic control unit (U), operationally connected to said moving means (3) and to said closing groups (4, 5).

15. Operating method of a machine (1 ) for closing a packaging (2) according to any one of claims 1 -14, when dependent on claim 8, comprising the following steps:A. arranging a packaging (2) using moving means (3);B. moving the support frame (41 , 51 ) of each closing group (4, 5), so that said detection means (42, 52) can detect the position of the edged (22, 23);C. bringing together each of the fixed lamellas (431 , 431 ', 441 , 441 ', 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 ') of each folding unit (43, 43', 44, 44', 53, 53', 54, 54'), to an edge (22, 23) of said containment sheet;D. moving each mobile lamella (432, 432', 442, 442', 532, 532', 542, 542') with respect to the respective fixed lamella (431 , 431 ', 441 , 441 ', 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 '), to fold said edge (22, 23) of said containment sheet (2) close to said fixed plate (431 , 431 ', 441 , 441 ', 531 , 531 ', 541 , 541 '); andE. applying a label via each labeling unit (6, 7).

16. Method according to the preceding claim, when dependent on claim 9, characterized in that in said step B, said detection means are feelers (42, 52), and in that the support frame (41 , 51 ) of each closing group (4, 5) is moved so that the respective feeler member (42, 52) can assume the extracted position inwhich it interferes with said packaging (2), making it adhere to said contained element (M) and folding the edges (22, 23).

17. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method according to any one of claims 15 or 16.

18. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method steps according to any one of claims 15 or 16.

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