Unit and method for packaging single-dose containers for infusion products

Abstract

Packaging unit (100) for single-dose containers for infusion products, comprising a transfer station (1) and a packaging station (2), configured to supply at least one packaging web (300). The transfer station (1) is provided with a plurality of grasping elements (10), each adapted to pick up and transfer a single-dose container to the packaging station (2). The packaging station (2) is provided with sealing elements (21, 22), each adapted to intercept and seal the packaging web around each single-dose container. The packaging unit comprises a plurality of first carriages (30), each connected to a respective grasping element (10) and configured to move it independently of the others, and / or a plurality of second carriages (40), each connected to a respective sealing element (21, 22) and configured to move it independently of the others.

Description

[0001] UNIT AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SINGLE-DOSE CONTAINERS

[0002] FOR INFUSION PRODUCTS

[0003] The present invention relates to a unit and a method for packaging singledose containers for infusion products.

[0004] The present invention finds its main application in the food sector, more particularly in the technical field of making pods for infusion products such as, for example, tea or coffee.

[0005] Generally, in order to package single-dose containers of this type, it is known to use machinery provided with catenary or step handling systems, wherein containers are moved at a constant pace, thus undergoing each processing in a time determined by the most time-consuming operation.

[0006] The single-dose containers are typically made in a filling station (for example a pod maker) and then, once made, they are transferred in the same machine to a packaging station that inserts one or more containers inside a casing capable of acting as a gas barrier, in order to maintain the organoleptic properties of the product unchanged. This typically takes place in the production of coffee pods and capsules, but also in machines for making similar products (e.g. tea bags, or other).

[0007] In the known machines, therefore, each container is transported by a support element along a handling path and inserted into a housing pocket defined by a portion of the packaging web suitably placed and which, in this step, is sealed.

[0008] The need to move products through step systems, however, constrains the entire production cycle to the sealing timings, with considerable slowdowns and a reduction in production capacity.

[0009] In addition, the need to also adapt the sealing station to the step-by-step movement of the filling production station entails a significant stress on the packaging web, which can lead to unwanted machine breakages and downtimes. Added to that, any format change requires, to date, a set-up step in which the distance between the sealing elements of the packaging station is modified to accommodate products of different sizes.

[0010] The known packaging machines are therefore not very versatile.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to make available a unit and a method for packaging single-dose containers for infusion products capable of obviating these problems.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to make available a unit and a method for packaging single-dose containers for infusion products with high production capacity and capable of allowing the packaging of a wide range of single-dose containers having formats and sizes differing from one another.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to make available a unit and a method for packaging single-dose containers for infusion products adaptable in real time to the format of the single-dose container to be supplied.

[0014] Said objects are achieved by a unit and a method for packaging singledose containers for infusion products having the characteristics of one or more of the following claims.

[0015] The packaging unit comprises a transfer station and a packaging station. The transfer station is provided with a plurality of grasping elements.

[0016] Each grasping element is movable along a transfer path between a pickup position, wherein it picks up a respective single-dose container, and a transfer position, moved away from the grasping position.

[0017] The packaging station is operatively arranged downstream of the transfer station.

[0018] The packaging station is provided with a plurality of sealing elements delimiting a packaging region which extends along a feed direction.

[0019] The packaging station is configured to supply at least one packaging web to the packaging region and to feed the at least one packaging web along the feed direction. The at least one packaging web has two flaps facing and opposite to each other to define a housing pocket for one or more single-dose containers.

[0020] Each grasping element, in the transfer position, places the single-dose container in the packaging region within the housing pocket.

[0021] The sealing elements are adapted to intercept and seal the packaging web around each single-dose container arranged within the packaging region and within said housing pocket.

[0022] The packaging unit comprises a first handling unit.

[0023] The first handling unit is adapted to move the grasping elements along the transfer path.

[0024] The first handling unit comprises a plurality of first carriages, each connected to a respective grasping element and configured to move it independently of the other grasping elements along the transfer path.

[0025] The packaging unit comprises a second handling unit adapted to move the sealing elements along the feed direction.

[0026] The second handling unit comprises a plurality of second carriages, each connected to a respective sealing element and configured to move it independently of the other sealing elements along the feed direction.

[0027] Preferably, the packaging unit comprises a control unit operatively connected to the first and second handling units.

[0028] The control unit is connected to the first handling unit to drive an actuation of each first carriage that is independent of an actuation of the other first carriages.

[0029] The control unit is connected to the second handling unit to drive an actuation of each second carriage independently of an actuation of the other second carriages.

[0030] Preferably, the grasping elements are movable along the transfer path from the transfer position to a release position, moved away from the transfer position along the feed direction.

[0031] Preferably, the packaging station is configured to feed the packaging web at a predetermined packaging speed. Preferably, the control unit is operatively connected to the first handling unit, to drive a movement of each first carriage at a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed, so as to move the respective grasping element from the transfer position to the release position at a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed.

[0032] Preferably, between the transfer position and the release position each grasping element is at least partly arranged within the packaging region and in contact with a peripheral edge of a single-dose container arranged within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web to maintain the single-dose container in a predefined position.

[0033] Preferably, the control unit is operatively connected to the second handling unit to drive a movement of each second carriage along the feed direction at a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed.

[0034] The present invention makes available a method for packaging singledose containers.

[0035] Preferably, the method preferably comprises a step of preparing a plurality of single-dose containers and / or at least one packaging web.

[0036] Preferably, the method comprises a step of supplying the single-dose containers to a supply zone.

[0037] Preferably, the method comprises a step of feeding the at least one packaging web along a feed direction.

[0038] The packaging web has two flaps facing and opposite to each other to define a housing pocket for one or more single-dose containers.

[0039] The method comprises a step of picking up each single-dose container from the supply zone and a step of transferring each picked-up singledose container to the housing pocket defined by the packaging web.

[0040] The method comprises a step of releasing each picked-up single-dose container within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web.

[0041] The method comprises a step of sealing the packaging web around each single-dose container released within the housing pocket.

[0042] The pick-up, transfer and release steps are carried out during the feed step.

[0043] The pick-up, transfer and release steps respectively comprise picking-up, transferring and releasing each single-dose container independently of the other single-dose containers.

[0044] The sealing step is carried out during the feed step.

[0045] The sealing step is carried out by employing a plurality of sealing elements, each configured to intercept and seal the packaging web around each single-dose container arranged within the housing pocket.

[0046] The sealing step is carried out by moving each sealing element along the feed direction independently of the other sealing elements.

[0047] The feed step comprises feeding the packaging web at a packaging speed.

[0048] Preferably, the transfer step is carried out by moving each single-dose container picked up from the supply zone to the housing pocket so that at the housing pocket the single-dose container has a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed.

[0049] Preferably, the sealing step comprises feeding the sealing elements along the feed direction at a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed. Preferably, the sealing step comprises sealing the packaging web transversely to the feed direction while holding the single-dose container in a predefined position within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web.

[0050] Preferably, the sealing step comprises sealing the packaging web parallel to the feed direction.

[0051] These and other characteristics, together with the relative advantages, will become clearer from the following exemplary, therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred, therefore non-exclusive, embodiment of a unit and a method for packaging single-dose containers for infusion products having the characteristics illustrated in the attached drawing tables, wherein: - figure 1 shows a schematic view of a packaging unit according to the present invention;

[0052] - figure 2 shows a schematic view of a detail of figure 1 ;

[0053] - figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the packaging unit of figure 1 ;

[0054] - figures 4-6A show respective schematic views of a component of the packaging unit of figure 1 in different configurations.

[0055] With reference to the attached figures, the packaging unit as a whole has been indicated with the reference numeral 100. For the sake of simplicity, in the following of the present description the packaging unit will be referred to as "unit 100".

[0056] The unit 100 is adapted to pick up a single-dose container 200 and package the single-dose container 200 within a packaging web 300.

[0057] For example, the single-dose container 200 comprises a pod or capsule for infusion products.

[0058] Preferably, the packaging web 300 is made of thermoplastic material and the unit 100 is arranged to carry out a heat seal in the tape 300 around the single-dose container 200.

[0059] Alternatively, the packaging web 300 may be made of monomaterial, or compostable material, or recyclable material, or cellulose, or paper.

[0060] The unit 100 comprises a transfer station 1 , adapted to pick up at least one single-dose container 200, and a packaging station 2, operatively arranged downstream of the transfer station 1 and adapted to package the single-dose container 200 within the packaging web 300.

[0061] Therefore, the transfer station 1 is adapted to pick up at least one singledose container 200 from a supply zone A and to transfer the at least picked-up single-dose container 200 to the packaging station 2.

[0062] The transfer station 1 is provided with a plurality of grasping elements 10, each movable between a pick-up position, wherein it picks up a respective single-dose container 100, and a transfer position, moved away from the pick-up position.

[0063] The pick-up position is therefore defined by at least a portion of the supply region A.

[0064] Specifically, each grasping element 10 is movable along a transfer path P (a portion of which is schematically illustrated in figure 3) from the pick-up position to the transfer position.

[0065] Preferably, the transfer path P is substantially annular (i.e. defines a closed path).

[0066] The annular transfer path P allows each grasping element 10 both to move (along a first portion illustrated in figure 3 of the transfer path P) from the pick-up position to the transfer position, and to return (along a second portion not illustrated in figure 3 of the transfer path P) from the transfer position to the pick-up position.

[0067] The packaging station 2 is provided with a plurality of sealing elements 21 , 22, delimiting a packaging region R which extends along a feed direction X.

[0068] The packaging station 2 is configured to supply at least one packaging web 300 to the packaging region R and to feed the at least one packaging web 300 along the feed direction X.

[0069] In other words, the packaging station 2 is provided with handling members configured to cause a feeding of the packaging web 300 along the feed direction X and within the packaging region R.

[0070] Preferably, the handling members comprise at least one motorized roller and / or pinching members configured to intercept the packaging web 300 and feed it along the feed direction X.

[0071] The at least one packaging web 300 has two flaps thereof facing and opposite to each other to define a housing pocket for one or more singledose containers 200.

[0072] The first and second flaps face the transfer station 1 and, preferably, are arranged parallel to the feed direction X.

[0073] For example, the packaging station 2 is configured to supply a packaging web 300 having the first flap arranged in a position surmounting the second flap along a direction transverse to the feed direction X. Alternatively, the packaging station 2 is adapted to supply a pair of packaging webs 300 in which a first packaging web 300 is arranged in a position surmounting a second packaging web 300 along a direction transverse to the feed direction X.

[0074] Each grasping element 10, in the transfer position, places the single-dose container 200 in the packaging region R within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0075] In order to allow this positioning, the transfer path P has a pilot section PI, along which the transfer position is defined, at least partially tangential to the feed direction X.

[0076] The sealing elements 21 , 22 of the sealing station 2 are adapted to intercept and seal the packaging web 300 around each single-dose container 200 placed by the grasping elements 10 in the packaging region R and within the housing pocket.

[0077] For example, the sealing elements 21 , 22 are configured to seal the packaging web 300 by at least one of: hot sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing.

[0078] Preferably, the sealing elements 21 , 22 are configured to heat seal the packaging web 300.

[0079] In order to move the grasping elements 10 along the transfer path P, the unit 100 comprises a first handling unit 3 comprising a plurality of first carriages 30.

[0080] Each first carriage 30 is connected to a respective grasping element 10.

[0081] Each first carriage 30 is configured to move the respective grasping element 10 independently of the other grasping elements 10 between the pick-up position and the transfer position.

[0082] In other words, the plurality of first carriages 30 comprises first carriages 30 movable independently of each other and along the transfer path P.

[0083] In order to move the sealing elements 40 along the feed direction X, the unit 100 comprises a second handling unit 4 comprising a plurality of second carriages 40. Each second carriage 40 is connected to a respective sealing element 40.

[0084] Each second carriage 40 is configured to move the respective sealing element 21 , 22 independently of the other sealing elements 21 , 22 along the feed direction X.

[0085] In other words, the plurality of second carriages 40 comprises second carriages 40 movable independently of each other and parallel to the feed direction X.

[0086] Thanks to the first carriages 30 it is therefore possible to move the grasping elements 10 with respect to each other arbitrarily, allowing at any time to change the distance between grasping elements 10 placed side by side.

[0087] In the same way, thanks to the second carriages 40 it is possible to move the sealing elements 21 , 22 with respect to each other arbitrarily, allowing at any time to change the distance between side-by-side sealing elements 21 , 22.

[0088] Thanks to the second carriages 40 it is possible to avoid stopping the packaging web 300 during the sealing carried out by means of the sealing elements 21 , 22 which, in fact, are moved along the feed direction X by the second carriages 40.

[0089] Advantageously, thanks to the first 30 and second 40 carriages that can each be moved independently of the others, the unit 100 is versatile, allowing to disconnect the production cycle from the sealing timings.

[0090] In other words, it is possible to pick up single-dose containers 200, simultaneously, seal the packaging web 300 around one or more singledose containers 200 and, at the same time, hold one or more single-dose containers along the transfer path P (by means of the grasping elements 10).

[0091] The unit 100 therefore has an improved production capacity, that is, it allows to obtain considerably limited processing times.

[0092] The fact that the unit 100 allows to disconnect the production cycle from the sealing timings avoids subjecting the packaging web to elastic deformations, resulting in a considerable decrease in stress and consequently reducing unwanted machine downtimes.

[0093] Advantageously, moreover, the unit 100 is versatile since it allows to adjust, even in real time, a distance between successive grasping elements 10 and between successive sealing elements 21 , 22, so as to adapt them to the format / positioning of the single-dose container 200 to be packaged.

[0094] The unit 100 is provided with a control unit, operatively connected to the first handling unit 3, to drive an actuation of each first carriage 30 that is independent of an actuation of the other first carriages 30; and / or with the second handling unit, to drive an actuation of each second carriage 40 independently of an actuation of the other second carriages 40.

[0095] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the control unit is operatively connected to both the first 3 and the second 4 handling unit.

[0096] Preferably, the control unit is connected to the first 3 and / or to the second 4 handling unit by means of a wireless connection.

[0097] Preferably, the unit 100 comprises a detecting device, adapted to detect information identifying the positioning of the single-dose container 200 along the feed direction X. The control unit is operatively connected to the detecting to drive a positioning of each sealing element 21 , 22 as a function of the detected identifying information.

[0098] Advantageously, the unit 100 is efficient since it allows a distance between successive sealing elements 21 , 22 to be adjusted in real time, so as to adapt them to any mispositioning of the single-dose container 200 within the packaging region R and within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0099] In other words, the unit 100 makes it possible to prevent unwanted interception of a single-dose container 200 mispositioned along the feed direction X during sealing carried out by means of the sealing elements 21 , 22.

[0100] Structurally, the first handling unit 3 comprises a track 31 . Each first carriage 30 is slidably and electro-magnetically coupled to the track 31 to move independently of the other first carriages 30 along the track 31 itself.

[0101] Preferably, the track 31 comprises electrically activatable and deactivatable magnetic regions, for example by means of electromagnets, and the control unit is configured to drive an activation and deactivation of said magnetic regions to cause a feeding of at least a first carriage 30 along the track 31 .

[0102] Preferably, the track 31 has a substantially annular conformation, so as to allow a movement of the grasping elements 10, sliding on it, along a substantially annular transfer path P.

[0103] Structurally, the second handling unit 4 comprises at least one guide 41 which extend along the feed direction X.

[0104] Each second carriage 40 is slidably and electro-magnetically coupled to the guide 41 to move independently of the other second carriages 40.

[0105] Preferably, similarly to the track 31 , the guide 41 comprises electrically activatable and deactivatable magnetic regions, for example by means of electromagnets, and the control unit is configured to drive an activation and deactivation of said magnetic regions to cause a feeding of at least one second carriage 40 along the guide 41 .

[0106] Preferably, the guide 41 has a substantially linear conformation which extend substantially parallel to the feed direction X, so as to allow a movement of the sealing elements 21 , 22, sliding on it, along the feed direction X.

[0107] Preferably, each sealing element 21 , 22 comprises its own first sealing device 20 and its own second sealing device 20’.

[0108] The second sealing device 20’ is opposite, transversely to the feed direction X, to the first sealing device 20’.

[0109] Preferably, the second sealing device 20’ is opposite, perpendicularly to the feed direction X, to the first sealing device 20’.

[0110] The first 20 and the second 20’ sealing device move closer to each other transversely (preferably perpendicularly) to the feed direction X to intercept the packaging web 300.

[0111] Each first 20 and each second 20’ sealing device is connected to a respective second carriage 40, which is configured to move it along the feed direction X.

[0112] In order to guide a movement of the second carriages 40 along the feed direction X, the second handling unit comprises a first and a second guide 41 , both extending parallel to the feed direction X.

[0113] The first and second guides 41 face in a direction transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the feed direction X.

[0114] The first and second guides 41 both develop along a lying plane substantially parallel to the feed direction X and facing the transfer station 1.

[0115] The second carriages 40 connected to the first sealing devices 20 are slidably and electro-magnetically coupled to the first guide 41 , so as to move independently of the other second carriages 40 connected to the first sealing devices 20.

[0116] The second carriages 40 connected to the second sealing devices 20’ are slidably and electro-magnetically coupled to the second guide 41 to move independently of the other second carriages 40 connected to the second sealing devices 20’.

[0117] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the packaging station 2 is configured to feed the packaging web 300 at a predetermined packaging speed.

[0118] The control unit is operatively connected to the first handling unit 3, to drive a movement of each first carriage 30 so that it arrives at the transfer position at a speed equal to the packaging speed.

[0119] Advantageously, the unit 100 allows to position the single-dose container 200 in the packaging region R and within the housing pocket defined by the tape 300 in a condition in which the relative speed between the packaging web 300 and the single-dose container 200 is substantially zero, thus allowing a precise positioning of the single-dose container 200 within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0120] Preferably, the control unit is configured to move the grasping element 10 from the pick-up position to the transfer position by imposing a speed profile which comprises a zero speed in the grasping position and a speed equal to the packaging speed (i.e. to the speed to which the packaging web 300 is supplied along the feed direction X) in the transfer position.

[0121] Preferably, the control unit is configured to move the grasping element 10 from the pick-up position to the transfer position with a constant acceleration.

[0122] Each grasping element 10 is movable along the transfer path P from the transfer position to a release position, moved away from the transfer position along the feed direction X.

[0123] Between the transfer position and the release position each grasping element 10 is at least partly arranged within the packaging region R and in contact with a peripheral edge 200a of the single-dose container 200 arranged within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300 to maintain the single-dose container 200 in a predefined position.

[0124] The transfer path P has for this purpose a linear section PL, facing the packaging station 2 and substantially parallel to the feed direction X.

[0125] The linear section PL follows the pilot section PI, therefore the transfer position.

[0126] The release position is defined along the linear section PL.

[0127] The control unit is operatively connected to the first handling unit 3 to drive a movement of the first carriage 30 from the transfer position to the release position at a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed (i.e. the speed at which the packaging web 300 is fed).

[0128] Advantageously, between the transfer and release positions it is possible to maintain the single-dose container 200 in a predetermined position and, as will become clearer in the following of the present description, to package the single-dose container 200 with increased precision. In detail, between the transfer position and the release position the sealing station 2 is adapted to carry out a pre-sealing of the packaging web 300, useful to stabilize a positioning of the single-dose container 200 within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0129] Downstream of the pre-sealing, it is therefore no longer necessary for each grasping element 10 to be at least partly arranged within the packaging region R in order to maintain the single-dose container 200 in a predefined position.

[0130] In order to carry out this pre-sealing, the packaging station comprises transverse sealing elements 21 , configured to intercept the packaging web 300 and to seal it transversely to the feed direction X.

[0131] In other words, the transverse sealing elements 21 are configured to intercept the packaging web 300 and to seal it in its portions transverse to the feed direction X and opposite with respect to the grasping element 10 at least partially inserted within the packaging region R.

[0132] Thanks to the transverse sealing elements 21 , it is therefore possible to prevent unwanted movements, along the feed direction X, of the singledose container 200 inserted into the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0133] Preferably, each transverse sealing element 21 is configured to seal the packaging web 300 along a single sealing line transverse to the feed direction X.

[0134] Therefore, thanks to the second carriages 40 it is possible, for each singledose container 200 to be packaged, to position the transverse sealing elements 21 along the feed direction X at a distance such as to compensate for any mispositioning or unwanted displacements along the feed direction X of the single-dose container 200 arranged within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0135] More in detail, the packaging station comprises at least one pair of transverse sealing elements 21 .

[0136] The control unit is operatively connected to the second handling unit 4 to drive a mutual approaching along the feed direction X between the transverse sealing elements 21 of the pair when they are in contact with the packaging web 300.

[0137] In this way, by means of the transverse sealing elements 21 of the pair it is possible to define a crimping (around the single-dose container 200 to be packaged) of the packaging web 300.

[0138] Advantageously, thanks to the mutually approachable transverse sealing elements 21 it is possible to avoid any unwanted tearing of the packaging web 300 during its sealing.

[0139] In fact, in the absence of the aforementioned crimping, during sealing the packaging web 300 could be excessively taut on the single-dose container 200 inserted into its housing pocket and possibly tear.

[0140] Therefore, the unit 100 allows to decrease the stress on the packaging web, which can lead to breakages and unwanted machine downtimes.

[0141] The sealing station 2 comprises longitudinal sealing elements 22, configured to intercept the packaging web 300 and to seal it parallel to the feed direction X.

[0142] Preferably, the longitudinal sealing elements 22 are operatively arranged along the feed direction X downstream of the transverse sealing elements 21.

[0143] Preferably, the longitudinal sealing elements 22 are further configured to intercept the packaging web 300 and to seal it transversely to the feed direction X.

[0144] In order to allow a feeding of the packaging web 300 at a constant packaging speed, the control unit is operatively connected to the second handling unit 4 to drive a movement of each second carriage 40 parallel to the feed direction X at a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed (i.e. the speed at which the packaging web 300 is supplied).

[0145] In other words, the sealing station 2 is configured to move the packaging web 300 at a constant packaging speed always other than zero.

[0146] Specifically, each sealing element 21 , 22 is movable along the feed direction X from an initial position, wherein it intercepts the packaging web 300 to seal it, to a final position, moved away linearly along the feed direction X from the initial position and wherein it has finished sealing the packaging web 300.

[0147] Each sealing element 21 , 22 is further movable from the final position to the initial position, so as to return to the initial position, i.e. to a position suitable for carrying out a new sealing.

[0148] The movement between the initial and final positions is controlled by the control unit.

[0149] More in detail, considering the sealing of the packaging web 300 around a single container 200, the control unit is operatively connected to the second handling unit 4 to drive: a) a positioning of the sealing elements 21 , 22 in the initial position to intercept the packaging web 300:

[0150] - in the case of the transverse sealing elements 21 , in a pair of its regions transverse to the feed direction X and arranged at a reference distance, measured along the feed direction X, wherein the single-dose container 200 is interposed between said regions;

[0151] - in the case of the longitudinal sealing elements 22, in a region parallel to the feed direction X and having a reference extension, measured along the feed direction X, wherein the single-dose container 200 faces said region; b) a movement of the sealing elements 21 , 22 from the initial position to the final position at a speed equal to the packaging speed at which the packaging web 300 is fed to seal the packaging web 300 during said movement; c) a movement of the sealing elements 21 , 22 from the final position to the initial position at a speed higher than the packaging speed at which the packaging web 300 is fed.

[0152] In detail, the control unit is configured to drive a movement of the sealing elements 21 , 22 between the initial and final positions so that the time taken by the transverse 21 and longitudinal 22 sealing elements to seal the packaging web 300 (during the movement from the initial position to the final position) is less than the time taken by the single-dose container 200 inserted into the housing pocket of the packaging web 300 to travel a distance equal, respectively, to the reference distance and the reference extension.

[0153] Therefore, the control unit is configured to drive a movement of the sealing elements 21 , 22 between the initial and final positions so that the sum between:

[0154] - the time taken by the transverse 21 and longitudinal 22 sealing elements to move from the initial position to the final position and from the final position;

[0155] - the time taken by the transverse 21 and longitudinal 22 sealing elements to move from the final position to the initial position; is at most equal to the time taken by the single-dose container 200 inserted into the housing pocket of the packaging web 300 to travel a distance equal, respectively, to the reference distance and the reference extension.

[0156] Structurally, each grasping element 10 comprises a holding gripper 11 and a positioning member 12.

[0157] The holding gripper 11 is provided with a first jaw 11 a and a second jaw 11 b delimiting a containment region C.

[0158] The holding gripper 11 is adapted to grip a single-dose container 200.

[0159] Specifically, the holding gripper 11 is movable between an open position (schematically illustrated in figures 5-6A), wherein the first 11 a and the second 11 b jaw are mutually moved away to define a containment region C having a first extension, and a closed position (schematically illustrated in figures 4 and 4A), wherein the first 11a and the second 11 b jaw are mutually approached to define a containment region C having a second extension lower than the first extension.

[0160] In other words, the holding gripper 11 is adapted to hold the single-dose container 200 between the first 11 a and the second 11 b jaw when in the closed position, and to receive or release the single-dose container 200 when it is in the open position.

[0161] In order to move the gripper body 14 between the moved-away and moved-closer positions, the gripper body 14 itself is provided with handling means, for example hydraulic ones.

[0162] The control unit is therefore operatively connected to said handling means. Between the pick-up position and the transfer position the holding gripper 11 is in the closed position, to hold the single-dose container 200 during a movement of the corresponding grasping element 10 along the transfer path P.

[0163] In the pick-up position the holding gripper 11 is in an open position to receive the single-dose container 200 in its containment region C between the first 11 a and the second 11 b jaw.

[0164] In the transfer position the holding gripper 11 is in an open position to release the single-dose container 200 in the packaging region R within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0165] The positioning member 12 is interposed between the first 11 a and the second 11 b jaws and has its own contact region 12a configured to come into contact the peripheral edge 200a of the single-dose container 200.

[0166] In detail, the transfer path P develops along spatial portions occupied by the contact region 12a during a movement of its own grasping element 10 between the pick-up position and the transfer position and, preferably, between the transfer position and the release position.

[0167] Downstream of the transfer position, the contact region 12a faces the packaging station 2.

[0168] In the release position, the contact region 12a faces the packaging station 2.

[0169] In other words, along the linear section PL and along at least part of the pilot section PI, the contact region 12a faces the packaging station 2.

[0170] The holding gripper 11 is movable with respect to the positioning member 12 between a holding position (schematically illustrated in figures 4 and 4A), wherein the contact region 12a is inserted into the containment region C delimited by the first 1 1 a and the second 11 b jaws of the holding gripper 11 , and a deposition position (schematically illustrated in figures 5 and 5A), wherein the contact region 12a protrudes from the containment region C.

[0171] Therefore, between the pick-up position and the transfer position, the holding gripper 1 1 is in the closed position and in the holding position.

[0172] Between the transfer position and the release position, the holding gripper 1 1 is in the deposition position and the contact region 12a of each grasping element 10 is arranged within the packaging region R in contact with a peripheral edge 200a of the single-dose container 200 arranged within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300 to maintain the single-dose container 200 in a predefined position.

[0173] Structurally, the first 11 a and the second 11 b jaws develop from a free end L; in the transfer position, the contact region 12a protrudes from the free end L.

[0174] In the transfer position, the free end L faces the packaging station 2.

[0175] In the release position, the free end L faces the packaging station 2.

[0176] In other words, along the linear section PL and along at least part of the pilot section PI, the free end L faces the packaging station 2.

[0177] Structurally, each grasping element 10 comprises a main body 13, to which the positioning member 12 is constrained and integral, and a gripper body 14, to which the holding gripper 1 1 is constrained and integral.

[0178] The main body 13 is connected to a respective first carriage 30 of the first handling unit 3, preferably by means of a connecting plate 13a integral with the respective first carriage 30.

[0179] The main body 13 moves closer to and away from the first carriage 30 between a moved-away position (schematically illustrated in figures 4-5A), wherein it is moved away linearly from the first carriage 30, and a moved- closer position (schematically illustrated in figures 6 and 6A), wherein it is moved closer to the first carriage.

[0180] In order to move the main body 13 between the moved-away and moved- closer positions, the main body 13 itself is provided with handling means, for example hydraulic ones.

[0181] The control unit is therefore operatively connected to said handling means. Preferably, the main body 13 is movable between the moved-away and moved-closer position transversely with respect to the region of the transfer path P in which it is arranged. More preferably, the main body 13 is movable between the moved-away and moved-closer position perpendicularly to the region of the transfer path P in which it is arranged.

[0182] A movement of the main body 13 results in a corresponding movement of the positioning member 12 integral therewith.

[0183] The gripper body 14 moves closer to and away from the main body 13 in an advanced position (schematically illustrated in figures 4 and 4A), wherein it is moved away linearly from the main body 13, and in a retracted position (schematically illustrated in figures 5-6A), wherein it is moved closer to the main body 13.

[0184] In order to move the main body 13 between the advanced and retracted positions, the gripper body 14 itself is provided with handling means, for example hydraulic ones.

[0185] The control unit is therefore operatively connected to said handling means. Preferably, the gripper body 14 is movable between the advanced position and the retracted position transversely to the region of the transfer path P in which it is arranged. More preferably, the gripper body 14 is movable between the advanced position and the retracted position perpendicularly to the region of the transfer path P in which it is arranged.

[0186] A movement of the gripper body 14 results in a movement of the holding gripper 11 integral therewith.

[0187] Specifically, a movement of the main body 13 and / or the gripper body 14 results in a movement of the holding gripper between the holding and deposition positions. Therefore, each grasping element 10 is movable between different configurations, obtainable by moving at least one of the main body 13, the gripper body 14 and the holding gripper 11 .

[0188] The control unit is configured to drive a movement of the grasping element 10 between:

[0189] - a grasping configuration, when the grasping element 10 is in the pick-up position;

[0190] - a pick-up configuration, when the grasping element 10 is moved along the transfer path P from the pick-up position to the transfer position;

[0191] - a transfer configuration, when the grasping element 10 is moved along the transfer path P from the transfer position to the release position;

[0192] - a release configuration, when the grasping element 10 is moved along the transfer path P moved away from the release position.

[0193] In the pick-up configuration (schematically illustrated in figures 4 and 4A), the main body 13 is in a moved-away position and the gripper body 14 is in an advanced position.

[0194] In the pick-up configuration, the holding gripper 1 1 is therefore in position in the holding position.

[0195] In the pick-up configuration, the holding gripper 11 is in a closed position to hold the single-dose container 200.

[0196] In the pick-up position, the grasping element 10 is in a grasping configuration, equal to the pick-up configuration except that the holding gripper 11 is in an open position to receive a single-dose container 200.

[0197] Once the single-dose container 200 has been intercepted, the control unit moves the holding gripper 11 to bring it into the closed position, so as to bring the grasping element 10 into the pick-up configuration.

[0198] Preferably, the unit 100 comprises at least one sensor device capable of detecting information identifying an occurred interception of a container 200 by means of the holding gripper 11 .

[0199] Said sensor device is operatively connected to the control unit to send the detected identifying information to the control unit and the latter is configured to move the holding gripper 11 between the open and closed position according to the received identifying information.

[0200] For example, the sensor device may comprise a pressure sensor or mounted on at least one of the first 11 a and the second 11 b jaws, or an image detecting device, or a photocell.

[0201] The grasping element 10 is in transfer configuration during a movement from the transfer position to the release position, i.e. along at least a portion of the linear section PL of the transfer path P.

[0202] In the transfer configuration (schematically illustrated in figures 5 and 5A), the main body 13 is in a moved-closer position and the gripper body 14 is in a retracted position.

[0203] In the transfer configuration, therefore, the holding gripper 11 is in the deposition position.

[0204] In the transfer configuration, the holding gripper 11 is in the open position.

[0205] In detail, in the transfer configuration the contact region 12a of the pusher element 12 is arranged within the packaging region R and the holding gripper 11 is completely disengaged from the packaging region R.

[0206] In other words, the distance between the contact region 12a of each grasping element 10 in transfer configuration and the respective first carriage 30 is substantially equal to the distance between a centreline axis of the packaging region R and the first carriage 10.

[0207] In other words, the unit 100 is sized in such a way that each grasping element 10 in transfer configuration, when located along the linear section PL of the transfer path P, has the contact region 12a of the positioning member 12 arranged within the packaging region R.

[0208] For example, the distance between the transfer station 1 and the packaging station 2 is sized in such a way that each grasping element 10 in transfer configuration, when located along the linear section PL of the transfer path P, has the contact region 12a of the positioning member arranged within the packaging region R.

[0209] In a transition between the pick-up configuration and the transfer configuration, the positioning of the single-dose container 200 in the packaging region R and within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300 is carried out.

[0210] This positioning is carried out along the pilot section PI of the transfer path P.

[0211] In detail, along the pilot section PI the grasping element 10 is moved from the pick-up configuration to the transfer configuration:

[0212] - by bringing the gripper body 14 from the advanced position to the retracted position, so as to move it away from the packaging region R and to arrange the holding gripper 11 in the deposition position;

[0213] - by maintaining the main body 13 in a moved-closer position, so as to maintain the contact region 12a of the positioning member 12 within the packaging region R and to maintain the contact region 12a of the positioning member 12 in contact with the peripheral edge 200a of the single-dose container 200, thus holding the latter in a predefined position within the housing pocket.

[0214] In the release configuration, the main body 13 is brought into the moved- away position and the gripper body 14 is held in the retracted position.

[0215] The grasping element 10 is in a release configuration during a movement away from the release position.

[0216] In the release configuration (schematically illustrated in figures 6 6A) the main body 13 is therefore in a moved-closer position and the gripper body 14 is in a retracted position so that the contact region 12a of the positioning member 12 (integral with the main body 13) is extracted from the packaging region R.

[0217] Preferably, the control unit is configured to move each grasping element 10 along the transfer path P (substantially annular) from the release position to the pick-up position:

[0218] - by returning the grasping element 10 from the release configuration to the pick-up configuration; and, preferably

[0219] - by moving each grasping element 10 at a speed higher than the packaging speed at which the packaging web 300 is fed.

[0220] In order to confer adaptability of the unit 100 to different formats of singledose containers, the packaging unit 100 is preferably provided with a detecting device adapted to detect information identifying a dimension of the single-dose container 200 picked-up by at least one grasping element 10.

[0221] The control unit is operatively connected to the detecting device, to receive the detected identifying information.

[0222] Preferably, the identifying information is at least one parameter selected from the width and length of the single-dose container 200.

[0223] The control unit is operatively connected to the first handling unit 3, to drove a movement of each first carriage 30 as a function of the received identifying information, and / or to the second handling unit 4 to drive a movement of each second carriage 40 as a function of the received identifying information.

[0224] In other words, the control unit is adapted to drive a movement of the first 30 carriages to position them at a mutual distance such as to allow picking up single-dose containers 200 having the detected size.

[0225] In the same way, the control unit is adapted to drive a movement of the second carriages 40 to position them at a mutual distance such as to allow sealing the packaging web 300 around the single-dose containers 200 having the detected size.

[0226] In other words, the unit 100 allows a fast and real-time adaptation of the transfer 1 and sealing 2 stations to the format of the container 200 to be sealed.

[0227] The present invention makes available a method for packaging singledose containers 200.

[0228] Preferably, the method is implemented by the unit 100.

[0229] The method comprises a step of preparing a plurality of single-dose containers 200 and at least one packaging web 300.

[0230] The method comprises a step of supplying the prepared single-dose containers 200 to a supply zone A.

[0231] The method comprises a step of feeding the packaging web 300 along a feed direction X.

[0232] The at least one tape has two flaps facing and opposite to each other to define a housing pocket for one or more single-dose containers 200.

[0233] The method comprises a step of picking up each single-dose container 200 from the supply zone A and a step of transferring each picked-up single-dose container 200 to the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0234] The method comprises a step of releasing each picked-up single-dose container 200 within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0235] Preferably, the pick-up and transfer step is carried out by means of the grasping elements 10.

[0236] The method comprises a step of sealing the packaging web around each single-dose container 200 released within the housing pocket.

[0237] The pick-up, transfer and release steps are carried out during the feed step.

[0238] The pick-up, transfer and release steps respectively comprise picking up, transferring, and releasing each single-dose container 200 independently of the other single-dose containers 200.

[0239] The sealing step is carried out during the feed step.

[0240] The sealing step is carried out by employing sealing elements 21 , 22, each configured to intercept and seal the packaging web around each single-dose container 200 arranged within the housing pocket, and moving each of the sealing elements 21 , 22 along the feed direction X independently of the other sealing elements 21 , 22.

[0241] Preferably, the sealing step is carried out using the sealing elements 21 , 22 of the unit 100.

[0242] Preferably, the feed step comprises feeding the packaging web 300 at a packaging speed. Preferably, the transfer step is carried out by moving each single-dose container 200 picked up from the supply zone A to the housing pocket defined by the packaging web so that, at the housing pocket, the singledose container 200 has a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed.

[0243] Preferably, the sealing step comprises feeding the sealing elements 20 along the feed direction X at a speed substantially equal to the packaging speed.

[0244] Preferably, the sealing step comprises sealing the packaging web 300 transversely to the feed direction X while holding the single-dose container 200 in a predefined position within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web 300.

[0245] Preferably, the sealing step comprises sealing the packaging web parallel to the feed direction X.

[0246] Preferably, the sealing of the packaging web 300 transversely and longitudinally to the feed direction X is carried out during a feeding of the packaging web 300 along the feed direction X.

[0247] The invention achieves the proposed aims and achieves important advantages.

[0248] In fact, the independent movement of the first 30 and second 40 carriages gives the unit 100 versatility and efficiency.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Packaging unit (100) for single-dose containers (200) for infusion products, comprising:- a transfer station (1) for a single-dose product (200) provided with a plurality of grasping elements (10), wherein each grasping element (10) is movable along a transfer path (P) between a pick-up position, wherein it picks up a respective single-dose container (100), and a transfer position, moved-away from the pick-up position;- a packaging station (2), operatively arranged downstream of the transfer station (1 ) and provided with a plurality of sealing elements (21 , 22) delimiting a packaging region (R) which extends along a feed direction (X), wherein:- said packaging station (2) is configured to supply at least one packaging web (300) to said packaging region (R) and to feed said at least one packaging web (300) along the feed direction (X); said at least one packaging web (300) having two flaps facing each other and opposite to each other to define a housing pocket for one or more single-dose containers (200), wherein:- each grasping element (10), in the transfer position, places the single-dose container (200) in the packaging region (R) within said housing pocket;- the sealing elements (21 , 22) are adapted to intercept and seal the packaging web (300) around each single-dose container (200) arranged within the packaging region (R) and within said housing pocket; characterized in that it comprises:- a first handling unit (3) adapted to move the grasping elements (10) along the transfer path (P) and comprising a plurality of first carriages (30), each connected to a respective grasping element (10) and configured to move it independently of the other grasping elements (10) along the transfer path (P); and / or- a second handling unit (4) adapted to move the sealing elements (21 , 22) along the feed direction (X) and comprising a plurality of second carriages (40), each connected to a respective sealing element (21 , 22) and configured to move it independently of the other sealing elements (30) along the feed direction (X).

2. Packaging unit (100) according to the preceding claim comprising a control unit, operatively connected:- to the first handling unit (3) to drive an actuation of each first carriage (30) that is independent of an actuation of the other first carriages (30); and / or- to the second handling unit (4) to drive an actuation of each second carriage (40) that is independent of an actuation of the other second carriages (40).

3. Packaging unit (100) according to claim one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first handling unit (3) comprises a track (31 ) to which each first carriage (30) is slidably and electromagnetically coupled to move independently of the other first carriages (30).

4. Packaging unit (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second handling unit (4) comprises at least one guide (41 ) extending along the feed direction (X) and to which each second carriage (40) is slidably and electro-magnetically coupled to move independently of the other second carriages (40).

5. Packaging unit (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each sealing element (21 , 22) comprises its own first sealing device (20) and its own second sealing device (20') that is opposite, transversally to the feed direction (X), to the first sealing device (20'), wherein the first (20) and the second (20') sealing devices move closer toeach other transversally to the feed direction (X) to intercept the packaging web (300), and wherein the first (20) and the second (20) sealing devices are each connected to a respective second carriage (40); the second handling unit (4) comprising:- a first guide (41 ) extending along the feed direction (X) and to which the second carriages (40) connected to the first sealing devices (20) are slidably and electro-magnetically coupled to move independently of the other second carriages (40) connected to the first sealing devices (20);- a second guide (41 ) extending along the feed direction (X) and to which the second carriages (40), connected to the second sealing devices (20'), are slidably and electro-magnetically coupled to move independently of the other second carriages (40) connected to the second sealing devices (20’).

6. Packaging unit (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer path (P) has a linear section (PL) facing the packaging station (2) and substantially parallel to the feed direction (X).

7. Packaging unit (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer path (P) has a pilot section (PI) along which the transfer position is defined, wherein said pilot section (PI) is at least partially tangential to the feed direction (X), preferably the transfer path (P) comprising a linear section (PL) facing the packaging station (2) and substantially parallel to the feed direction (X) following said pilot section (PI).

8. Packaging unit (100) according to claim 2 or any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, wherein the packaging station (2) is configured to feed the packaging web (300) at a predetermined packaging speed, and wherein each grasping element (10) is movable along the transfer path (P) from the transfer position to a release position, movedaway from the transfer position along the feed direction (X), wherein the control unit being operatively connected:- to the first handling unit (30), to drive a movement of each first carriage (30) at a speed substantially equal to said packaging speed, so as to move the respective grasping element (10) from the transfer position to the release position at a speed substantially equal to said packaging speed; wherein between the transfer position and the release position, each grasping element (10) is at least partially arranged within the packaging region (R) and in contact with a peripheral edge (200a) of a single-dose container (200) arranged within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web (300) to maintain said single-dose container (200) in a predetermined position;- to the second handling unit (40) to drive a movement of each second carriage (40) along the advancement direction (X) at a speed substantially equal to said packaging speed.

9. Packaging unit (100) according to claim 2 or according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, comprising a detecting device adapted to detect information identifying a dimension of the singledose container (200) picked up from at least one grasping element (10), wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the detecting device, to receive said detected identifying information, and to the first handling unit (3) to drive a movement of each first carriage (30) according to said received identifying information; and / or wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the detecting device to receive said detected identifying information, and to the second handling unit (4) to drive a movement of each second carriage (40) according to said received identifying information; said identifying information being preferably at least one parameter selected from: width and length of the single-dose container (200).

10. Packaging unit (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of sealing elements (21 , 22) comprises:- transverse sealing elements (21 ), configured to intercept the packaging web (300) and to seal said packaging web (300) transversally to the feed direction (X);- longitudinal sealing elements (22), configured to intercept the packaging web (300) and to seal said packaging web (300) parallel to the feed direction (X); wherein, preferably, the longitudinal sealing elements (22) are operatively arranged along the feed direction (X) downstream of the transverse sealing elements (21 ).

11. Packaging unit (100) according to the preceding claim when dependent on claim 2 wherein the plurality of sealing elements (21 , 22) comprises at least one pair of transverse sealing elements (21 ) and wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the second handling unit (4) and is configured to drive a mutual approaching movement along the feed direction (X) between the transverse sealing elements (21 ) of said pair to carry out a sealing of said packaging web (300).

12. Packaging unit (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each grasping element (10) comprises:- a holding gripper (11 ), provided with a first jaw (11 a) and a second jaw (11 b) delimiting a containment region (C);- a positioning member (12), interposed between said first (11 a) and said second (11 b) jaws and having its own contact region (12a) configured to come into contact with a peripheral edge (200a) of the single-dose container (200); wherein the holding gripper (11 ) is movable in relation to the positioning member (12) between:- a holding position, wherein the contact region (12a) is inserted into saidcontainment region (C); and- a deposition position, wherein the contact region (12a) protrudes from the containment region (C).

13. Packaging unit (100) according to the preceding claim when dependent on claim 2, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the holding gripper (11 ) to place said holding gripper (11 ):- in the holding position, during a movement of the corresponding grasping element (10) between the pick-up position and the transfer position;- in deposition position during a movement of the corresponding grasping element (10) away from the transfer position.

14. Packaging unit (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein each grasping element (10) comprises:- a main body (13), connected to a respective first carriage (30) of the first handling unit (3) and movable closer to and away from said first carriage (30) between:- a moved-away position, wherein it is linearly moved away from the first carriage (30);- a moved-closer position, wherein it is moved closer to the corresponding first carriage (30);- a gripper body (14), connected to the main body (13) and movable closer to and away from the main body (13) between:- an advanced position, wherein it is linearly moved away from the main body (13):- a retracted position, wherein it is moved closer to the main body (13); wherein the holding gripper (11 ) is integral and constrained to the gripper body (14) and the positioning member (12) is integral and constrained to the main body (13).

15. Packaging unit (100) according to the preceding claim when dependent on claim 2, wherein the control unit is connected to the main body (13) and the gripper body (14) to drive a positioning of the main body (13) in the moved-away position and to drive a positioning of the gripper body (14) in the advanced position during a movement of the corresponding grasping element (10) from the pick-up position to the transfer position.

16. Packaging unit (100) according to claim 15 or according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 2, wherein:- the transfer path (P) has a linear section (PL) facing the packaging station (2) and substantially parallel to the feed direction (X), the grasping elements (10) being movable along said linear section (PL) away from the transfer position to a release position, moved away from the transfer position along the feed direction (X);- the control unit is operatively connected to the main body (13) and to the gripper body (14) to drive:- during a movement of the corresponding grasping element (10) from the transfer position to the release position, a positioning of the gripper body (14) in the retracted position so that the first (11 a) and second (11 b) jaws of the holding gripper (11 ) are moved away from the packaging region (R) and extracted out of the housing pocket defined by the packaging web (300) and a positioning of the main body (13) in the moved-away position so that the contact region (12a) of the positioning member (12) is inserted within said housing region (R) to be maintained in contact with a peripheral edge (200a) of the single-dose container (200) arranged within said housing pocket;- during a movement of the corresponding grasping element (10) away from the release position, a positioning of the main body (13) in the moved-closer position, so that the contact region (12a) of the positioning member (12) is moved away from the packaging region (R) and extractedfrom said housing pocket.

17. Packaging unit (100) according to one or more of claims 12-16, wherein the holding gripper (11 ) is movable between:- an open position, wherein the first jaw (11 a) and the second jaw (11 b) are moved away from each other to define a containment region (C) having a first extension;- a closed position, wherein the first jaw (11 a) and the second jaw (11 b) are moved closer to each other to define a containment region (C) having a second extension that is lower than said first extension.

18. Method of packaging single-dose containers (200) for infusion products, comprising the following steps:- preparing a plurality of single-dose containers (200) and at least one packaging web (300);- supplying single-dose containers (200) to a supply zone (A);- feeding the at least one packaging web (300) along a feed direction (X); said at least one packaging web (300) having two flaps facing and opposite to each other to define a housing pocket for one or more singledose containers (200);- picking up each single-dose container (200) from the supply zone (A) and transferring each picked-up single-dose container (200) to the housing pocket defined by the packaging web (300);- releasing each picked-up single-dose container (200) within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web (300);- sealing the packaging web (300) around each single-dose container (200) released within the housing pocket; characterised in that the steps of picking, transferring and releasing are carried out during the feed step and comprise respectively picking, transferring and releasing each single-dose container (200) independently of the other single-dose containers (200) and / or in that the sealing step iscarried out during the feed step and is carried out by employing a plurality of sealing elements (21 , 22), each configured to intercept and seal the packaging web (300) around each single-dose container (200) arranged within the housing pocket, and moving each of said sealing elements (21 , 22) along the feed direction (X) independently of the other sealing elements (21 , 22).

19. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein:- the feed step comprises feeding the packaging web (300) at a packaging speed;- the transfer step is carried out by moving each single-dose container (200) picked up from the supply zone (A) to the housing pocket so that at the housing pocket the single-dose container (200) has a speed essentially equal to the packaging speed.

20. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing step comprises feeding the sealing elements (21 , 22) along the feed direction (X) at a speed substantially equal to said packaging speed, and, simultaneously:- sealing the packaging web (300) transversally to the feed direction (X) while holding the single-dose container (200) in a predefined position within the housing pocket defined by the packaging web (300);- sealing the packaging web (300) parallel to the feed direction (X).

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