An apparatus for packaging articles internally of respective envelopes obtained from a continuous strip of paper material

Abstract

The apparatus realised opened-out envelopes on the basis of dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles to be packaged, starting from a continuous strip of paper material.

Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING ARTICLES INTERNALLY OF RESPECTIVE ENVELOPES OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS STRIP OF PAPER MATERIAL

[0002] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning the packaging of articles internally of relative envelopes obtained from a continuous strip of paper material, being paper, in particular a strip of multilayer paper material, for example a strip formed by at least a layer of paper for packaging and a layer of embossed paper glued to the layer of paper for packaging.

[0005] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0006] A known apparatus for packaging articles internally of respective envelopes obtained starting from a continuous strip of paper material is described in document WO2021240342.

[0007] In the apparatus for packaging described in this document, the articles to be packaged are advanced one following another on conveyor means in a horizontal advancement direction while the continuous strip of paper material is unwound from a relative reel and by means of feeding means is supplied to the end of the conveyor means and transversally to the advancement direction of the articles.

[0008] Relay means are provided to arrange the continuous strip of paper material in such a way that a central part of the strip is brought into contact with an aspirated conveyor arranged horizontally, arranged consecutively to the conveyor means of the articles, and so that lateral parts of the strip remain in lateral projection from the aspirated conveyor.

[0009] First application means of adhesive material are included, for applying transversal strips of adhesive material on the central part of the strip destined to be in contact, and retained, by the aspirated conveyor, wherein the portions of the central part of the strip comprised between two consecutive transversal strips of adhesive material are destined to restingly receive one or more respective articles which are to be packaged internally of a respective envelope.

[0010] In this regard, the apparatus comprises detection means for detecting the dimensions of the articles, in particular the base face thereof, in such a way as to determine the extension thereof, i.e. length, in the direction of the advancement direction thereof, so that the first application means of adhesive material can be activated to apply, on the strip, the transversal strips of adhesive material distanced from one another by a distance of at least greater than the length of the base face of the articles which are to be packaged in a respective envelope.

[0011] The articles are advanced by the conveyor means so as to convey them above the central part of the belt, arranged above the aspirated conveyor belt, with each of the articles being arranged between two consecutive respective transversal strips of adhesive material.

[0012] The aspirated conveyor belt then moves the strip, with the articles arranged on the relative central part, while retaining by suction the central part of the strip, at the same time moving both the strip and the articles arranged thereon, according to a transport direction.

[0013] The apparatus for packaging further comprises a structure conformed as a tunnel which is associated to the aspirated conveyor and which is dimensioned and conformed to allow the passage internally thereof of the articles transported by the aspirated conveyor on the central part of the strip, and folder means which are configured and conformed to abut the lateral parts of the strip, which laterally project from the aspirated conveyor, so as to fold them about the structure conformed as a tunnel in order to superpose the two lateral flaps of the strip to form a tube of sheet wrapped around the structure conformed as a tunnel.

[0014] Above the structure conformed as a tunnel, second application means of adhesive material are located to apply adhesive material on one of the two flaps of the strip made of paper material before the superposing thereof, and, downstream of the structure conformed as a tunnel, at an interruption of the aspirated conveyor, compression and cutting means are present, configured and activatable to clamp the tube of sheet, anteriorly and posteriorly of the articles present internally of the tube of sheet, at the position of the transversal strips of adhesive material, to realise the closing and cutting of the tube of sheet to obtain single envelopes with respective articles internally thereof.

[0015] An envelope stuffing apparatus, while being effective in the operations of packaging articles internally of the respective envelopes, has however some drawbacks.

[0016] Firstly, independently of the effective dimensions of the articles to be packaged, in particular the width thereof, i.e. for the extension thereof in a transversal direction with respect to the advancement direction of the central part of the continuous strip in paper material retained by suction by the aspirated conveyor, the envelopes that are obtained will always and in any case have a same predetermined width, which corresponds to the width (transversal extension) of the central part of the continuous strip in paper material.

[0017] Therefore, in a case in which the articles to be packaged have a width (transversal extension with respect to the advancement direction) shorter than the width (transversal extension) of the central part of the continuous strip of paper material, for example by a half, or even a third, then the envelopes that will be obtained will be over-dimensioned with respect to the articles packaged internally thereof, which then, during the transport of the envelopes, might be free to move internally of the envelopes, with consequent impacts or blows to the paper material constituting the envelopes, which might therefore be damaged.

[0018] Further, the envelopes will more easily deteriorate and deform during the transport thereof.

[0019] Secondly, this apparatus has significant dimensions, especially due to the extension thereof in length, due to the extension of the aspirated conveyor along which the continuous strip is transported during the operations of folding for the formation of the tube of sheet, as well as the presence of the compression and cutting means, and the presence also, superiorly, of the glue application means.

[0020] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a novel an apparatus for packaging articles internally of respective envelopes obtained from a continuous strip of paper material able to obviate the above-cited drawbacks.

[0022] In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus able to realise envelopes appropriately dimensioned and opened-out in relation to the effective dimensions of the articles to be packaged, i.e. in relation to the effective volume occupied thereby.

[0023] A further aim of the invention, is to provide an apparatus having a limited size, easily inspectionable by an operator, and wherein the various operations for the realisation of the envelopes can be directly and easily visually monitored by the operator.

[0024] The above aims are obtained with an apparatus for packaging articles internally of respective envelopes obtained from a continuous strip of paper material, for example a multilayer paper material, according to the contents of the claims.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] A preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the apparatus for packaging articles internally of respective envelopes obtained starting from a continuous strip of paper material, for example a multilayer paper material, are described in the following with reference to the appended tables of drawings, in which:

[0027] - figure 1A illustrates, in a schematic perspective front view, the apparatus of the invention, in a first possible operating configuration;

[0028] - figure 1 B illustrates the apparatus of figure 1A in a schematic perspective front view taken from a different angle;

[0029] - figure 1 C illustrates the apparatus of figure 1A in a schematic perspective rear view;

[0030] - figure 1 D illustrates, in a schematic lateral view, the main components, and the various work stations, of the apparatus that are destined during the functioning of the apparatus to packaging opened-out articles internally of respective envelopes;

[0031] - figures from 2A to 2C illustrate, according to respective perspective views, the apparatus of figure 1 A with a particular component thereof utilised for the openingout of the envelopes which is represented in three possible operating positions during respective operating steps of the functioning of the apparatus;

[0032] - figures from 3 to 28 illustrate, in respective partial views taken in perspective from various angles, an operating sequence of the functioning of the apparatus for packaging articles internally of a respective envelope obtained starting from a continuous strip of paper material, in which these figures represent the various components and / or elements present in the apparatus which carry out the various operating steps aimed at realising the envelope with the respective articles inside (visible in figures 7-11 , 15-20) and wherein the articles that are to be packaged occupy a given volume, for example a given volume of maximum value;

[0033] - figures from 29A to 29D are partial schematic perspective views of some significant components of the apparatus of the invention in different operating configurations during the functioning of the apparatus in order to wind a tube of sheet about the articles to be packaged once completely cut from the continuous strip of paper material;

[0034] - figures 30A and 30B illustrate, in relative partial schematic perspective views, other particular elements of the apparatus of the invention in different operating configurations during the functioning of the apparatus in order to be able to wind a tube of sheet about the articles to be packaged once completely cut from the continuous strip of paper material;

[0035] - figures 31 A and 31 B illustrate, in respective partial and perspective views, the tubular structure with adjustable walls present in the apparatus of the invention for winding the articles internally of a tube of sheet cut from a continuous strip of paper material, finalised at obtaining respective envelopes appropriately dimensioned on the basis of the effective overall volume occupied by the articles that are to be packaged; in particular in figure 31 A the tubular structure with adjustable walls is illustrated in a first possible configuration of a maximum dimension and volume, while in figure 31 B the tubular structure with adjustable walls is illustrated in a second possible configuration of a minimum dimension and volume;

[0036] - figures from 32A to 32C illustrate, according to respective partial, schematic and perspective views, the components that allow the variation of the dimensions and volume of the tubular structure with adjustable walls, by passing from one to another of the possible configurations of the preceding figures;

[0037] - figures from 33 to 40 illustrate, in respective partial schematic views taken in perspective from various angles, an operating sequence of the functioning of the apparatus for packaging articles, wherein the articles to be packaged, visible for example in figures 36 and 38-39, occupy a lower volume with respect to the volume of the articles of figures from 3 to 28, where these figures represent the various components and / or elements present in the apparatus that carry out the various operating steps aimed at the winding of a tube of sheet cut from the continuous strip of paper material about the articles when the articles to be packaged occupy a volume having a minimum value.

[0038] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral (100) denotes an apparatus for packaging articles internally of respective envelopes (B) obtained from a continuous strip (N) of paper material, object of the present invention, in its entirety.

[0040] The apparatus (100) of the invention comprises at least a tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, wherein the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is conformed in such a way as to have a quadrangular shape defining internally thereof an article containing volume (V).

[0041] The tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls comprises four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) (i.e. four L-shaped elements) which are mutually and reciprocally arranged to define, two-by-two, a respective wall (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls.

[0042] The four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3I L4) are configured to be reciprocally movable with respect to one another to vary the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and consequently to vary and adjust the article containing volume (V).

[0043] The at least a tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is predisposed with a relative first end on a support element (10) and with a second end that is open in such a way that the article containing volume (V) is accessible from outside.

[0044] The support element (10) is activatable in rotation about a first rotation axis (01 ) which is horizontal to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls in distinct angular positions (A1 , A2, A3, A4) with respect to the horizontal rotation axis (01 ) and is activatable in rotation about a second rotation axis (02), which is axial to the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and perpendicular to the support element (10), to rotate the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls about the second rotation axis (02).

[0045] The apparatus (100) of the invention further comprises: unwinding and feeding means (F), for unwinding a continuous strip (N) of paper material from a reel (B) and for feeding the continuous strip (N) along an infeeding direction (Z), wherein the unwinding and feeding means (F) comprise a movable gripping arm (F1 ), for example by suction; a control and adjustment system (M), for controlling the dimensions and volume of the articles which are inserted internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and for the adjustment of the reciprocal position of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls; cutting means (T1 ), for example comprising at least a cutting blade or cutting knife, mounted on a relative movable frame; application means of adhesive material (C), for example comprising at least a dispensing nozzle of adhesive material mounted on a relative movable frame or in a case in which for the formation of the envelopes, a continuous strip of pre-glued paper material is used, comprising for example a heating element for activating the adhesive material present in the paper material; first suction gripping means (S1 ); first closing means by gluing (C1 ); second suction gripping means (S2); second closing means by gluing (C2).

[0046] The control and adjustment system (M) can for example comprise viewing means, such as, for example, a videocamera or optical sensors or the like, or the viewing and control of the dimensions and the volume occupied by the articles inserted in the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls can also be carried out visually by an operator.

[0047] The first closing means by gluing (C1 ), or in a case in which, for the formation of the envelopes, a continuous strip of pre-glued paper material is used, can comprise, as shown in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, a pair of compression bars, reciprocally movable towards or away from one another, of which at least one is a heating bar for activating the adhesive material present in the paper material; alternatively, should the material used for the formation of the envelopes not be pre-glued, then the first closing means by gluing (C1 ) can comprise at least a nozzle for applying adhesive material (not illustrated) and at least a pair of compression bars, reciprocally movable towards or away from one another.

[0048] The second closing means by gluing (C2), in a case in which, for the formation of the envelopes, a continuous strip of pre-glued paper material is used, can comprise, as shown in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, a pair of compression bars, reciprocally movable towards or away from one another, of which at least one is a heating bar for activating the adhesive material present in the paper material; alternatively, should the material used for the formation of the envelopes not be pre-glued, then the first closing means by gluing (C1 ) can comprise at least a nozzle for applying adhesive material (not illustrated) and at least a pair of compression bars, reciprocally movable towards or away from one another.

[0049] In a possible embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, the apparatus (100) can be realised in such a way as to comprise two tubular structures with adjustable walls, arranged on relative support elements and arranged with respect to one another by 180° with respect to the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ).

[0050] In a further possible embodiment, also not illustrated in the figures, the apparatus can be realised in such a way as to comprise four tubular structures with adjustable walls arranged on relative support elements and arranged with respect to one another by 90° with respect to the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ).

[0051] Differently however, to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the apparatus (100) is realised in such a way as to comprise five tubular structures (1 ) having adjustable walls, arranged on respective five support elements (10) (see for example figure 1 D).

[0052] In this case, and preferably, the five tubular structures (1 ) are mounted on respective five support elements (10) in such a way as to be reciprocally arranged by an angle of 72°, with respect to the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ).

[0053] In the following, for ease of general description, an operating cycle will be presented of the apparatus for formation of an envelope starting from the continuous strip taking as reference a movement cycle of a single tubular structure with adjustable walls, independently of the effective number of tubular structures with adjustable walls which can be present in the apparatus, as, in the various cases cited in the foregoing, in each case, for each tubular structure with adjustable walls, the apparatus will carry out a same operating cycle.

[0054] Therefore, in a case in which the apparatus comprises two or four or five tubular structures with adjustable walls, each of the tubular structures with adjustable walls will carry out a relative operating cycle for realising a respective opened-out envelope, on the basis of the effective dimensions and volume occupied by the articles to be packaged, starting from the continuous strip of paper material, as will be described in the following.

[0055] The apparatus (100) is configured in such a way as to cyclically carry out the operations described in the following.

[0056] The four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls are reciprocally arranged to adjust the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls to a maximum width thereof to define an article containing volume (V) having a maximum dimension.

[0057] The support element (10) is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls in a first operating position (A1 ) for loading articles (see for example figures 1A, 1 B, 2A), to allow insertion by an operator (or by a robotic element) of one or more articles into the article containing volume (V) through the second open end of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls. In the first operating position (A1 ) the tubular structure with adjustable walls under discussion, will preferably be arranged inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, for example by an angle of 5°, so that the second open end is arranged and positioned higher up, i.e. superiorly, with respect to a horizontal plane (see for example figure 1 D).

[0058] This arrangement is advantageous, as the articles inserted in the article containing volume will tend to fall towards the first end of the tubular structure with adjustable walls, i.e. without the risk that they might tend to roll to the outside, for example owing to the conformation of the articles themselves.

[0059] The control and adjustment system (M) detects the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1) with adjustable walls (see for example figure 2A).

[0060] In this way, on the basis of the control carried out on the effective volume occupied by the articles, the four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) of the tubular structure with adjustable walls can be reciprocally movable to adjust and vary the reciprocal position thereof and thus to vary the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1) and adapt the article containing volume (V) to the effective volume occupied by the articles.

[0061] For example, in a case in which the effective volume occupied by the articles in the article containing volume of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is such as to correspond to the maximum containment volume in which the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls has been arranged, then the corner elements of the tubular structure will remain in the reciprocal positions thereof (in this regard see figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and the sequence of figures from 3 to 28, and figures 29A- 29D, 30A-30B for the subsequent functioning of the apparatus). Instead, in a case in which the effective volume occupied by the articles in the article containing volume of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is lower with respect to the maximum containment volume in which the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls has been arranged, then, by means of the control and adjustment system (M), the four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) of the tubular structure with adjustable walls are reciprocally movable to adjust and vary the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) and adapt the article containing volume (V) to the effective volume occupied by the articles (in this regard see for example figures 33 and 34, in which the dimensions of the walls of the tubular structure with adjustable walls are reduced and adapted to the effective volume occupied by the articles inserted therein, in this case minimum, and then the sequence of figures from 35-40 for the subsequent functioning of the apparatus).

[0062] Therefore, once the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls has been adapted, if necessary, at the effective volume occupied by the articles present internally thereof, the support element (10) is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) (see figures 2B and 2C) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls with the articles contained internally thereof in the article containing volume (V) in a second operating position (A2) (figure 2C) wherein the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is arranged with the relative open second end facing upwards so that the articles remain internally of the article containing volume (V).

[0063] In the second operating position (A2), the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls at issue is preferably positioned inclined with respect to a vertical plane, for example by an angle of 13°. Should the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls be arranged in the first operating position (A1 ) for loading articles with an angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane that is different to 5°, then it will be correspondingly positioned in the second operating position (A2) with an angle of inclination with respect to the vertical plane (VV) that is different to 13°.

[0064] The unwinding and feeding means (F) are activable to unwind the continuous strip (N) of paper material along the infeeding direction (Z) and towards the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls arranged in the second operating position (A2) (see figures 3 and 4).

[0065] The cutting means (T1 ), on the basis of the control carried out by the control and adjustment system (M) on the dimensions and the effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, are activable to begin longitudinally cutting the continuous strip (N) in advancement along the infeeding direction (Z) so as to obtain a forward part (A) of a portion of strip (N1 ) having a width with appropriate dimensions for the dimensions and for the effective volume occupied by the articles internally of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, while separating the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) from a discard residual strip (W) of the continuous strip (N).

[0066] At the same time, see for example figures 5, 6 and 7, the movable gripping arm (F1 ) (which, as mentioned in the foregoing, can advantageously be of the suction type and comprise suction cups) of the unwinding and feeding means (F) is configured to grip the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) cut from the continuous strip (N) of paper material and to bring the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) to at a first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls which is arranged in the second operating position (A2), to superpose the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) against a part of the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls at which a gripping element is present (11 ), and to position a transversal edge (E) of the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) at the gripping element (11 ), with the cutting means (T1) continuing to cut the continuous strip (N) in order to separate the portion of strip (N1 ) from the discard residual strip (W).

[0067] At the same time that the movable gripping arm (F1 ) brings the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) to the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, the unwinding and feeding means (F) continue to feed the continuous strip (N) along the infeeding direction (Z), enabling the cutting means (T1 ) to continue to longitudinally cut the continuous strip (N) by separating the portion of strip (N1 ) from the discard residual strip (W).

[0068] The gripping element (11 ), present on the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, is then activatable to clamp the vertical transversal edge (E) of the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) to block and retain the forward part (A) against a part of the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls (see figure 8), with the movable gripping arm (F1 ) releasing the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ).

[0069] Thus, the support element (10), on the basis of the control carried out by the control and adjustment system (M) on the dimensions and the effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, is activatable with a first rotation about the second rotation axis (02) (see figures from 9 to 11 ) to rotate the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls with a first rotation angle about the second rotation axis (02) to pull the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) and to start winding the portion of strip (N1 ), which the cutting means (T1 ) are cutting from the continuous strip (N) advanced by the unwinding and feeding means (F) at the same time, about the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, wherein the support element (10) is rotated with a first rotation about the second rotation axis (02) by a first rotation angle having an entity that is such as to obtain a length of the portion of strip (N1 ), cut by the cutting means (T1 ) from the continuous strip (N), that is adequate for the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ).

[0070] It is stressed that the unwinding and feeding means (F), once the movable gripping arm (F1 ) has brought the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) to the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and once the gripping element (11 ) has blocked the forward part (A), and while waiting for the first rotation of the support element (10), can be temporarily stopped, or kept active to advance the continuous strip (N1 ) and enable to the cutting means (T1 ) to continue to cut the portion of strip (N1 ) which will temporarily accumulate between the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and the cutting means (T1 ). Thus, once a length of the portion of strip (N1 ) has been reached that is adequate for the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ), the cutting means (T1 ) (see figures 12 and 14) are activable to cut the continuous strip (N) transversally, in the meantime held stationary by the unwinding and feeding means (F), and to completely separate the portion of strip (N1 ) from the continuous strip (N), with the application means of adhesive material (C) (see figure 13) being activatable to apply or activate at least a strip of adhesive material (CM) on a face of the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) and with the movable gripping arm (F1 ) of the unwinding and feeding means (F) being activatable to grip and retain the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) separated from the continuous strip (N) (figures 12 and 14).

[0071] The support element (10) (see figures 15-18) is then activatable with a second rotation about the second rotation axis (02) to further rotate the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls about the second rotation axis (02) by a second rotation angle so as to reach a complete rotation of 360° in such a way as to wind the portion of strip (N1 ) completely separated from the continuous strip (N) about the four walls (R1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and with the movable gripping arm (F1 ), during the second rotation of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, retaining the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) and bringing to and arranging the face of the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ), on which the strip of adhesive material (CM) has been applied or activated, on and against the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) retained by the gripping element (11 ) of the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, so as to obtain, on completion of the complete rotation by 360° of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, a tube of sheet (TB) wound about the tubular structure (1) with adjustable walls.

[0072] Thus, the support element (10), after the movable gripping arm (F1 ) has released the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ), is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) (see figures 21 and 22) in order to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, containing the articles to be packaged internally thereof and with the tube of sheet (TB) wound there-about, in a third operating position (A3), in which the first suction gripping means (S1 ) and the first closing means by gluing (C1 ) are present and positioned.

[0073] In the third operating position (A3), the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls will preferably be arranged inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the second open end is higher than the horizontal plane.

[0074] The first suction gripping means (S1 ) (figure 22), after the gripping element (11 ) has released the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N), are activatable to pick up by suction the tube of sheet (TB) and to transfer a first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) to beyond the second open end of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and to the first closing means by gluing (C1 , V1 ); the first closing means by gluing (C1 ) are then activatable to close, by gluing, the end edges of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) projecting from the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls (figure 23).

[0075] In a case in which, for the formation of the envelopes, a continuous strip of preglued paper material is used, i.e. previously impregnated with adhesive material, then the first closing means by gluing (C1 ) comprise a pair of heating bars (as shown in the figures) to clamp and compress the end edges of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) and in the meantime activate, by heating, the adhesive material present in the paper material.

[0076] In this closing step of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB), two rodshaped elements can also be used (not illustrated) which are inserted in the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) while it is still open, in a reciprocally neared configuration, and then the rod-shaped elements are moved away from one another to abut the transversal portions of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) so as to move them away from one another causing the longitudinal portions of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) to near one another, while keeping them tensed and stretched, which longitudinal portions will then be glued to one another to close the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB).

[0077] Alternatively, in a case in which the paper material is not pre-glued, the first closing means by gluing can also comprise nozzles for dispensing adhesive material (not illustrated in the figures) which are activatable to apply adhesive material at the internal portions of the end edges of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) and at least a pair of compression bars that can be neared to one another, to clamp and compress the end edges of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) in order to close it by gluing.

[0078] In a case of use of nozzles for application of adhesive material, the nozzles for application of adhesive material can carry out the function as described above for the rod-shaped elements, by stretching the longitudinal portions of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) which are to be reciprocally glued.

[0079] The support element (10) is then activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, containing the articles to be packaged internally thereof, and with the tube of sheet (TB) wound there-about and with the first head (TB1 ) projecting from the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls having been closed, in a fourth operating position (A4) in which the second suction gripping means (S2) are present, and to arrange the tube of sheet (TB) with the first head (TB1 ) closed and facing downwards, in such a way that the articles contained in the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls are arranged resting against the first closed head (TB1 ) internally of the tube of sheet (TB) (see figure 24).

[0080] In the fourth operating position (A4), the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls will preferably be arranged inclined with respect to a vertical plane with the first head (TB1 ) closed and facing downwards, and with the second head (TB2) still open, facing upwards.

[0081] The second suction gripping means (S2) are activatable to pick up by suction the tube of sheet (TB) and remove the tube of sheet (TB) completely from the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls while keeping the tube of sheet (TB) with the first closed head (TB1 ) facing downwards and with the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) open, facing upwards, so that the articles remain internally of the tube of sheet (TB), and to transfer the tube of sheet (TB) with the articles contained internally thereof into an operating station (ES) in which the second closing means by gluing (C2) are present and positioned (see figures 25 and 26).

[0082] The second closing means by gluing (C2) are activatable to close, by gluing, the end edges of the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) in such a way as to obtain a closed envelope (B) having dimensions corresponding to and adequate for the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles arranged and packed internally of the envelope (B) (see figures 27 and 28).

[0083] In a case in which, for the formation of the envelopes, a continuous strip of preglued paper material is used, i.e. previously impregnated with adhesive material, then the second closing means by gluing (C2) comprise, as illustrated in the figures, a pair of heating bars for clamping and compressing the end edges of the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) and in the meantime for activating, by heating, the adhesive material present in the paper material.

[0084] In this closing step of the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB), two rodshaped elements can also be used (not illustrated) which are inserted in the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) while it is still open, in a reciprocally neared configuration, and then the rod-shaped elements are moved away from one another to abut the transversal portions of the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) so as to open them and cause the longitudinal portions of the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) to near one another while keeping them tensed and stretched, which will then be reciprocally glued to close the second head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB).

[0085] Alternatively, in a case in which the paper material is not pre-glued, the first closing means by gluing can also comprise nozzles for dispensing adhesive material (not illustrated) which are activatable to apply adhesive material at the internal portions of the end edges of the second head of the tube of sheet and at least a pair of compression bars that can be neared to one another, in order to clamp and compress the end edges of the second head of the tube of sheet so as to close the tube by gluing.

[0086] In a case of use of nozzles for application of adhesive material, the nozzles for application of adhesive material can carry out the function as described above for the rod-shaped elements, for stretching the longitudinal portions of the second head of the tube of sheet which are to be reciprocally glued.

[0087] A sliding element, arranged inclined, can be present in the operating station (ES), for conveying the envelope obtained on a conveyor belt (not illustrated) for the transport of the closed envelope towards successive work stations.

[0088] Thus, owing to the presence of the tubular structure with adjustable walls, the dimensions and internal volume for containing of articles of which can be regulated and varied as a function of the effective volume occupied by the articles inserted internally thereof, it is possible to obtain envelopes of dimensions that are adequate and corresponding to the volume of the articles to be packaged. Further, owing to the fact that the tubular structure with adjustable walls is rotatable about the first horizontal rotation axis, it can be arranged angularly in successive angular positions about the first horizontal rotation axis in which the various operating means are positioned (described in the foregoing) for carrying out the various closing operations of the envelope.

[0089] This enables reducing the longitudinal extension of the apparatus, which will have a smaller size.

[0090] Further, owing to the fact that the tubular structure with adjustable walls, once positioned in the second operating position, is activatable in rotation in successive angular rotations so as to achieve a complete 360° rotation about the second rotation axis, which is axial to the tubular structure and perpendicular to the support element thereof, it is possible to wind the portion of strip separated from the continuous strip about the walls of the tubular structure, obtaining a tube of sheet with the articles inside, from which tube of sheet a respective envelope will be obtained, with the packaged articles internal thereof.

[0091] Thus, differently to the machines of the prior art, the winding of a portion of strip separated from the continuous strip to form a tube of sheet takes place in a very small and limited space, and in a vertical direction, or substantially vertical, instead of horizontal, further contributing to a drastic reduction in the overall size, in the horizontal direction, of the apparatus.

[0092] Further advantageous aspects of the apparatus proposed by the present invention are described in the following.

[0093] In a first advantageous aspect, the apparatus (100) comprises a movable abutting element (30) which is arranged and configured, once the gripping element (11) present in the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls has been activated to retain the transversal edge (E1 ) of the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ), to abut the portion of strip (N1 ), which the cutting means (T1 ) are cutting from the continuous strip (N), and in order to keep the portion of strip (N1 ) tensed during the first rotation of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls by the first rotation angle and to facilitate the winding of the portion of strip (N1 ) about the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls (see for example figures 9-11 ).

[0094] Further, the movable abutting element (30) is therefore movable to abut the portion of strip (N1 ) in proximity of the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ), which has been separated from the continuous strip (N), and to keep the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) tensed during the second rotation of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls by the second rotation angle up to the complete rotation by 360° while the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is bringing the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) above the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) retained by the gripping element (11 ) in order to facilitate the complete winding of the portion of strip (N1 ) about the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls to obtain the tube of sheet (TF) (see for example figures 15-18).

[0095] In a further advantageous aspect, the apparatus (100) comprises a presser element (31 ) which is arranged and configured, once the movable gripping arm (F1 ) has brought and arranged the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N) above and against the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) retained by the gripping element (11 ), to be activatable to compress the rear part (AR) against the forward part (AV) so as to facilitate the reciprocal adhesion by gluing there-between (see for example figures 18 and 19).

[0096] In the case of use of pre-glued presser paper material, the presser element can also be a heating element for activation of the adhesive material.

[0097] According to the preferred but not exclusive embodiment illustrated in the figures, the unwinding and feeding means (F) comprise pulling and relaying rollers for unwinding the continuous strip (N) from the reel (B) and for feeding the continuous strip (N) on a conveying plane (NP) which is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane which defines the infeeding direction (Z) for the continuous strip (N), and wherein the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is mounted on a frame (TF) which is movable with respect to the conveying plane (NP) of the continuous strip (N).

[0098] In particular, the frame (TF) is movable in such a way as to alternating move the movable gripping arm (F1 ) between a first position (Z1 ), wherein the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is at the conveying plane (NP) (see for example figures 3 and 4), and a second position (Z2) wherein the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is positioned at the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2) (see for example figures 6 and 7).

[0099] For example, the movable abutting element (30) and the presser element (31 ) can also be mounted on the frame (TF).

[0100] In a further aspect of the invention, the support element (10) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls inferiorly comprises a shaft element (10A) that is coaxial to the second axial rotation axis (02) with adjustable walls.

[0101] The support element (10) is mounted by means of the shaft element (10A) on a horizontal body (20) in such a way that the shaft element (10A) can be rotated with respect to the horizontal body (20) about the second axial rotation axis (02) that is axial to the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and perpendicular to the support element (10). The horizontal body (20) is borne by a frame (9) and is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to rotate the support element (10) about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ).

[0102] In particular, the shaft element (10A) of the support element (10) comprises a first rotoidal coupling element (81 ), and wherein, when the support element (10) is rotated about the first horizontal rotation axis (01) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls in the second operating position (A2), with the second open end facing upwards, the first rotoidal coupling element (81 ) is enmeshed by a second rotoidal coupling element (82) mounted on an end of a shaft (80) of a motor (83) translatable along a respective guide.

[0103] Thus, once the enmeshing has been carried out, the second rotoidal coupling element (82) is then activatable in rotation so as to activate in rotation, via the coupling between the first rotoidal coupling element (81 ) and the second rotoidal coupling element (82), the shaft element (10A) of the support element (10) and therefore the support element (10) about the second rotation axis (02) (see figures 30A and 30B).

[0104] A further advantageous aspect of the invention consists in the fact that the apparatus (100) comprises an antirotation system (SA) of the shaft element (10A) of the support element (10) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls which system is configured to prevent the rotation of the shaft element (10A), and therefore of the support element (10), until the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2).

[0105] In this regard, the apparatus (100) futher comprises an unblocking system (SB) of the antirotation system (SA), positioned at the second operating position (A2), which is configured to unblock the antirotation system (SA) and to thus enable the rotation of the support element (10) about the second axial rotation axis (02) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2).

[0106] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, see in this regard figures 29A and 29D, the antirotation system (SA) comprises a radial hole (16) realised radially in the shaft element (10A), a pin (17) with a head (18) which is maintained inserted in the radial hole (16) by means of a lever (19) which is inserted, and elastically maintained, in a groove (17A) present in the pin (17).

[0107] The unblocking system (SB) of the antirotation system (SA) comprises a sleeve element (21 ) having a slot (22) which is conformed in such a way as to receive and accommodate internally thereof the head (18) of the pin (17) when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2).

[0108] The sleeve element (21 ) is movable to pull the head (18) of the pin (17), once the head (18) has been inserted in the slot (22), disengaging the lever (19) from the groove (17A), and to extract the pin (17) from the radial hole (16), to allow the rotation of the shaft element (10A), and therefore of the support element (10).

[0109] Once the complete 360° rotation of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls has been achieved, the sleeve element (21 ) is further movable to push the head (18) of the pin (17) to newly insert the pin (17) into the radial hole (16) of the shaft element (10A) and to enable the lever (19) to be repositioned in the groove (17A) so as to keep the pin (17) inserted in the radial hole (16) and to prevent the rotation of the shaft element (10A) during the successive rotations of the tubular structure (1 ) about the first rotation axis (01 ).

[0110] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls comprises four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) which are mounted perpendicularly on the support element (10) and that are arranged two-by-two parallel and opposite in such a way as to constitute and form a respective central part of the four walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls (see in this regard figures 31 A and 31 B).

[0111] Each of the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) is conformed in such a way as to comprise a through-groove (H), with the four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) reciprocally arranged with respect to one another, and with respect to the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15), in such a way that respective wings (L1A, L1 B; L2A, L2B; L3A, L3B; L4A, L4B) of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) which are adjacent to one another, are arranged slidably internally of the through-groove (H) of a respective plate (12, 13, 14, 15).

[0112] For example, internally of the through-groove (H) of a first plate (12), which is illustrated in figures 31 A and 31 B, the wing (L1 A) of a first corner element (L1 ) and the wing (L2A) of a second corner element (L2) are slidable, while internally of the transversal channel (H) of a second plate (14), being the lower one and opposite and parallel to the first plate (12), the wing (L3B) of a third corner element (L3) and the wing (L4A) of a fourth corner element (L4) are slidable.

[0113] In the same way, internally of the transversal through-channel (H) of a third plate (13), which is illustrated in figures 31 A and 31 B, and arranged transversally to the first (12) and second (14) plate, the wing (L2B) of the second corner element (L2) and the wing (L3A) of the third corner element (L3) are slidable, while internally of the transversal through-channel (H) of a fourth plate (15), which is opposite and parallel to the third plate (13), the wing (L4B) of the fourth corner element (L4) and the wing (L1 B) of the first corner element (L1 ) are slidable. Further, the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) are mounted slidably on the support element (10) so that they can be, two-by-two, reciprocally movable towards or away from one another in such a way as to move the wings (L1A, L1 B; L2A, L2B; L3A, L3B; L4A, L4B) of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) internally of the through-grooves (H) of the other two plates (12, 13, 14, 15) to vary the reciprocal position thereof and thus vary the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls.

[0114] For example, when the first plate (12) (the upper one illustrated in figures 31 A and 31 B) and the second plate (14) (being the lower one and opposite and parallel to the first plate (12)) are moved with respect to the support element (10) in order to near one another, they push, respectively, the wing (L1 B) of the first corner element (L1 ) and the wing (L2B) of the second corner element (L2), and the wing (L3A) of the third corner element (L3) and the wing (L4B) of the fourth corner element (L4) to slide respectively internally of the through-grooves (H) of the third plate (13) and the fourth plate (15), causing them to superpose on one another, and thus enable reducing the dimensions, in the perpendicular direction to the first plate (12) and second plate (14), of the tubular structure (1 ).

[0115] Likewise, when the third plate (13) (on the left in figures 31 A and 31 B) and the fourth plate (15) (on the right and opposite and parallel to the third plate (13)) are moved with respect to the support element (10) in order to near one another, they push, respectively, the wing (L2A) of the second corner element (L2) the wing (L3B) of the third corner element (L3) and the wing (L1A) of the first corner element (L1 ) and the wing (L4A) of the fourth corner element (L4), to slide respectively internally of the transversal through-channels (H) of the first plate (12) and second plate (14), causing them to superpose on one another, and thus enable reducing the dimensions, in the perpendicular direction to the third plate (14) and the fourth plate (15), of the tubular structure (1 ).

[0116] In this regard, the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) are mounted slidingly along a respective slots (21 , 22, 23, 24) realised in the support element (10). In particular, the plates (12, 13, 14, 15) which are parallel and opposite one another are alternatingly activatable in translation along the slots (21 , 22, 23, 24) by means of the control and adjustment system (M).

[0117] In this regard, the control and adjustment system (M) comprises at least a respective linear actuator (M1 , M2) for the movement of the plates (12, 13, 14, 15) which are parallel and opposite one another.

[0118] Preferably, according to the preferred but not exclusive embodiment illustrated in the figures, the linear actuators (M1 , M2) for the activation in translation along the slots (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the plates (12, 13, 14, 15), which are parallel and opposite one another, comprise a screw-nut screw system (4, 5), which is mounted on the support element (10), on the opposite side with respect to the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, and which is activatable by a respective motor (41 , 51 ) (see for example figures 32A, 32B and 32C).

[0119] The motors (41 , 51 ) for activating the screw-nut screw systems (4, 5) are arranged to be movable and couplable with the respective screw-nut screw systems (4, 5) when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the first operating position (A1 ) for loading articles, to adjust the reciprocal distance between the plates (12, 13, 14, 15) and thus to vary the reciprocal position of the wings (L1A, L1 B; L2A, L2B; L3A, L3B; L4A, L4B) of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4), and to adapt and vary the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls to the dimensions and the effective volume of the articles inserted internally of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, detected by the control and adjustment system (M). Once the adjustment operations have been carried out, the motors (41 , 51 ) are movable to be decoupled by the respective screw-nut screw systems (4, 5) (figure 32C).

[0120] The motors (41 , 51 ) can be automatically movable and activated on the basis of data acquired by the viewing means of the control and adjustment system (M), such as for example a videocamera, or in a case in which the control of the volume occupied by the articles in the article containing volume of the tubular structure is carried out visually directly by an operator, then the motors can be activated manually by the same operator, for example by means of relative activating buttons, to the desired adjustment for the tubular structure with adjustable walls.

[0121] Possibly, in a case in which five tubular structures with adjustable walls are present, as shown in the figures and in particular in figure 1 D, other motors can be included (not illustrated in detail) arranged in a non-operative position (A5) in which the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is temporarily positioned before being newly repositioned in the first operating position (A1 ) to receive new articles and to repeat the operating cycle for realising a respective envelope.

[0122] In this way, these other motors can be movable and couplable with a respective screw-nut screw system (4, 5) in such a way as to activate the screw-nut screw system to move the plates away from one another (if necessary) and return the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls into the maximum dimensions thereof, i.e. with the article containing volume at its maximum value, before being newly repositioned in the first operating position (A1 ) to receive new articles and to repeat the operating cycle for realising a respective envelope. In a further preferred and advantageous aspect, the unwinding and feeding means (F) comprise a pulling device (DW) which is arranged and configured to pull the discard residual strip (W) of the continuous strip (N), which has been cut by the cutting means (T1 ) away from the portion of strip (N1 ) which is arranged against a part of the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, and transport the discard residual strip to a shredding station (not illustrated) in which the discard residual strip (W) of the continuous strip is shredded. This enables having an optimal elimination, and with a small volume, of the waste of the continuous strip not utilised for realising the envelopes.

Claims

CLAIMS1) An apparatus (100) for packaging articles internally of respective envelopes (B) obtained from a continuous strip (N) of paper material, comprising: at least a tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, wherein the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is conformed in such a way as to have a quadrangular shape defining internally thereof an article containing volume (V), wherein the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls comprises four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) which are mutually and reciprocally arranged to define, two-by-two, a respective wall (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and which are configured to be reciprocally movable with respect to one another to vary the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and consequently to vary and adjust the article containing volume (V), wherein the at least a tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is disposed with a relative first end on a support element (10) and with a second end that is open in such a way that the article containing volume (V) is accessible from outside, wherein the support element (10) is activatable in rotation about a first rotation axis (01 ) which is horizontal to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls in distinct angular positions (A1 , A2, A3, A4) with respect to the horizontal rotation axis (01 ) and is activatable in rotation about a second rotation axis (02), which is axial to the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and perpendicular to the support element (10), to rotate the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls about the second rotation axis (02); unwinding and feeding means (F), for unwinding a continuous strip (N) of paper material from a reel (B) and for feeding the continuous strip (N) along an infeeding direction (Z), wherein the unwinding and feeding means (F) comprise a movablegripping arm (F1 ); a control and adjustment system (M), for controlling the dimensions and volume of the articles which are inserted internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and for the adjustment of the reciprocal position of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls; cutting means (T1 ); application means of adhesive material (C); first suction gripping means (S1 ); first closing means by gluing (C1 ); second suction gripping means (S2); second closing means by gluing (C2); wherein the apparatus (100) is configured in such a way that: the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls are reciprocally arranged to adjust the dimensions of the walls (R1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls to a their maximum width to define an article containing volume (V) having a maximum dimension; the support element (10) is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls in a first operating position (A1 ) for loading articles, to allow insertion of one or more articles internally of the article containing volume (V) through the second open end of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls; the control and adjustment system (M) detects the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, so that, on the basis of the controlcarried out on the effective volume occupied by the articles, the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls can be reciprocally movable to vary the reciprocal position thereof and thus to vary the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) and adapt the article containing volume (V) to the effective volume occupied by the articles; the support element (10) is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls with the articles contained internally thereof in the article containing volume (V) in a second operating position (A2) wherein the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is arranged with the relative second end open facing upwards so that the articles remain internally of the article containing volume (V); the unwinding and feeding means (F) are configured and activable to unwind the continuous strip (N) from the reel (B) and to advance the continuous strip (N) of paper material along the infeeding direction (Z) and towards the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls arranged in the second operating position (A2); the cutting means (T1 ), on the basis of the control carried out by the control and adjustment system (M) on the dimensions and the effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, are activable to begin longitudinally cutting the continuous strip (N) in advancement along the infeeding direction (Z) so as to obtain a forward part (A) of a portion of strip (N1 ) having a width with appropriate dimensions for the dimensions and for the effective volume occupied by the articles internally of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, while separating the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) from a discard residual strip (W) of the continuous strip (N),with the movable gripping arm (F1 ) of the unwinding and feeding means (F) being configured to grip the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) cut from the continuous strip (N) of paper material and to bring the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) to at a first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls which is arranged in the second operating position (A2), to superpose the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) against a part of the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls at which a gripping element is present (11 ), and to position a transversal edge (E) of the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) at the gripping element (11 ), with the cutting means (T1) continuing to cut the continuous strip (N) in order to separate the portion of strip (N1 ) from the discard residual strip (W); the gripping element (11 ), present on the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1) with adjustable walls, is activatable to clamp the transversal edge (E) of the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) to block and retain the forward part (A) against a part of the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, with the movable gripping arm (F1 ) releasing the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ); the support element (10), on the basis of the control carried out by the control and adjustment system (M) on the dimensions and the effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, is activatable with a first rotation about the second rotation axis (02) to rotate the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls about the second rotation axis (02) to pull the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) and to start winding the portion of strip (N1 ), which the cutting means (T1 ) are cutting from the continuous strip (N) advanced by the unwinding andfeeding means (F) at the same time, about the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, wherein the support element (10) is rotated with a first rotation about the second rotation axis (02) by a first rotation angle having an entity that is such as to obtain a length of the portion of strip (N1), cut by the cutting means (T1 ) from the continuous strip (N), that is adequate for the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1); wherein the cutting means (T1 ), once a length of the portion of strip (N1 ) has been reached that is adequate for the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles present internally of the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ), are activable to cut the continuous strip (N) transversally, in the meantime held stationary by the unwinding and feeding means (F), and to completely separate the portion of strip (N1 ) from the continuous strip (N), with the application means of adhesive material (C) being activatable to apply or activate at least a strip of adhesive material (CM) on a face of the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) and with the movable gripping arm (F1 ) of the unwinding and feeding means (F) being activatable to grip and retain the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) separated from the continuous strip (N); with the support element (10) then being activatable with a second rotation about the second rotation axis (02) to further rotate the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls about the second rotation axis (02) by a second rotation angle so as to reach a complete rotation of 360° in such a way as to wind the portion of strip (N1 ) completely separated from the continuous strip (N) about the four walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and with the movable gripping arm (F1 ), during the second rotation of the tubular structure (1 ) withadjustable walls, retaining the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) and bringing to and arranging the face of the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ), on which the strip of adhesive material (CM) has been applied or activated, on and against the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) retained by the gripping element (11 ) of the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, so as to obtain, on completion of the complete rotation by 360° of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, a tube of sheet (TB) wound about the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls; the support element (10), after the movable gripping arm (F1 ) has released the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N), is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, containing the articles to be packaged internally thereof and with the tube of sheet (TB) wound there-about, in a third operating position (A3) in which the first suction gripping means (S1 ) and the first closing means by gluing (C1 ) are present and positioned; the first suction gripping means (S1 ), after the gripping element (11 ) has released the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N), are activatable to pick up by suction the tube of sheet (TB) and to transfer a first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) to beyond the second open end of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and to the first closing means by gluing (C1 , V1 ); the first closing means by gluing (C1 ) are then activatable to close, by gluing, the end edges of the first head (TB1 ) of the tube of sheet (TB) projecting from the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls; the support element (10) is then activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to position the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls,containing the articles to be packaged internally thereof, and with the tube of sheet (TB) wound there-about and with the first head (TB1 ) projecting from the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls having been closed, in a fourth operating position (A4) in which the second suction gripping means (S2) are present, and to arrange the tube of sheet (TB) with the first head (TB1 ) closed and facing downwards, in such a way that the articles contained in the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls are arranged resting against the first closed head (TB1 ) internally of the tube of sheet (TB); the second suction gripping means (S2) are activatable to pick up by suction the tube of sheet (TB) and remove the tube of sheet (TB) completely from the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls while keeping the tube of sheet (TB) with the first closed head (TB1 ) facing downwards and with the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) open, facing upwards, so that the articles remain internally of the tube of sheet (TB), and to transfer the tube of sheet (TB) with the articles contained internally thereof into an operating station (ES) in which the second closing means by gluing (C2) are present and positioned; the second closing means by gluing (C2) are activatable to close, by gluing, the end edges of the second head (TB2) of the tube of sheet (TB) in such a way as to obtain a closed envelope (B) having dimensions corresponding to and adequate for the dimensions and effective volume occupied by the articles arranged and packed internally of the envelope (B).2) The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a movable abutting element (30) which is arranged and configured, once the gripping element (11) present in the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls has been activated to retain the transversal edge (E1 ) of the forward part (A) of theportion of strip (N1 ), to abut the portion of strip (N1 ), which the cutting means (T1 ) are cutting from the continuous strip (N), and in order to keep the portion of strip (N1 ) tensed during the first rotation of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls by the first rotation angle and to facilitate the winding of the portion of strip (N1 ) about the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, with the movable abutting element (30) being therefore movable to abut the portion of strip (N1 ) in proximity of the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ), which has been separated from the continuous strip (N), and to keep the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) tensed during the second rotation of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls by the second rotation angle up to the complete rotation by 360° while the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is bringing the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N1 ) above the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) retained by the gripping element (11 ) in order to facilitate the complete winding of the portion of strip (N1 ) about the tubular structure (1) with adjustable walls to obtain the tube of sheet (TF).3) The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a presser element (31 ) which is arranged and configured, once the movable gripping arm (F1 ) has brought and arranged the rear part (AR) of the portion of strip (N) above and against the forward part (A) of the portion of strip (N1 ) retained by the gripping element (11 ), to be activatable to compress the rear part (AR) against the forward part (A) so as to facilitate the reciprocal adhesion by gluing there-between.4) The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding and feeding means (F) comprise pulling and relaying rollers for unwinding the continuous strip (N) from the reel (B) and for feeding the continuous strip (N) on a conveying plane (NP) which is inclined with respect to a horizontalplane which defines the infeeding direction (Z) for the continuous strip (N), and wherein the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is mounted on a frame (TF) which is movable with respect to the conveying plane (NP) of the continuous strip (N) in such a way as to alternating move the movable gripping arm (F1 ) between a first position (Z1 ), wherein the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is at the conveying plane (NP), and a second position (Z2) wherein the movable gripping arm (F1 ) is positioned at the first wall (P1 ) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2).5) The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (10) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls inferiorly comprises a shaft element (10A) coaxial to the second axial rotation axis (02) that is axial to the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, wherein the support element (10) is mounted by means of the shaft element (10A) on a horizontal body (20) in such a way that the shaft element (10A) can be rotated with respect to the horizontal body (20) about the second axial rotation axis (02) that is axial to the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls and perpendicular to the support element (10), wherein the horizontal body (20) is borne by a frame (9) and is activatable in rotation about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to rotate the support element (10) about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ).6) The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the shaft element (10A) of the support element (10) comprises a first rotoidal coupling element (81 ), and wherein, when the support element (10) is rotated about the first horizontal rotation axis (01 ) to position the tubular structure (1) with adjustable walls in the second operating position (A2), with the second open end facing upwards, the first rotoidalcoupling element (81 ) is enmeshed by a second rotoidal coupling element (82) mounted on an end of a shaft (80) of a motor (83) translatable along a respective guide, wherein the second rotoidal coupling element (82) is then activatable in rotation so as to activate in rotation, via the coupling between the first rotoidal coupling element (81 ) and the second rotoidal coupling element (82), the shaft element (10A) of the support element (10) and therefore the support element (10) about the second rotation axis (02).7) The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprising an antirotation system (SA) of the shaft element (10A) of the support element (10) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls which is configured to prevent the rotation of the shaft element (10A), and therefore of the support element (10), until the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2); and an unblocking system (SB) of the antirotation system (SA), positioned at the second operating position (A2), which is configured to unblock the antirotation system (SA) and to thus enable the rotation of the support element (10) about the second axial rotation axis (02) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2).8) The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the antirotation system (SA) comprises a radial hole (16) realised radially in the shaft element (10A), a pin (17) with a head (18) which is maintained inserted in the radial hole (16) by means of a lever (19) which is inserted, and elastically maintained, in a groove (17A) present in the pin (17), and wherein the unblocking system (SB) of the antirotation system (SA) comprises a sleeve element (21 ) having a slot (22) which is conformed in such a way as to receive and accommodate internally thereof the head (18) of thepin (17) when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the second operating position (A2), and wherein the sleeve element (21 ) is movable to pull the head (18) of the pin (17), disengaging the lever (19) from the groove (17A), and to extract the pin (17) from the radial hole (16), to allow the rotation of the shaft element (10A), and therefore of the support element (10), and wherein the sleeve element (21 ) is also movable to push the head (18) of the pin (17) to newly insert the pin (17) into the radial hole (16) of the shaft element (10A) and to enable the lever (19) to be repositioned in the groove (17A) so as to keep the pin (17) inserted in the radial hole (16) and to prevent the rotation of the shaft element (10A) during the successive rotations of the tubular structure (1 ) about the first rotation axis (01 ).9) The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls comprises four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) mounted perpendicularly on the support element (10) and arranged two-by-two parallel and opposite in such a way as to constitute and form a respective central part of the four walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, wherein each of the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) is conformed in such a way as to comprise a through-groove (H), and wherein the four corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) are reciprocally arranged with respect to one another, and with respect to the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15), in such a way that respective wings (L1A, L1 B; L2A, L2B; L3A, L3B; L4A, L4B) of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) which are adjacent to one another, are arranged slidably internally of the through-groove (H) of a respective plate (12, 13, 14, 15), wherein the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) are mounted slidably on the support element (10) so that they can be, two-by-two, reciprocally movable towards or away from one another in such a way as to movethe wings (L1A, L1 B; L2A, L2B; L3A, L3B; L4A, L4B) of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) internally of the through-grooves (H) of the other two plates (12, 13, 14, 15) to vary the reciprocal position thereof and thus vary the dimensions of the walls (P1 , P2, P3, P4) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls.10) The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the four plates (12, 13, 14, 15) are mounted slidingly along a respective slots (21 , 22, 23, 24) realised in the support element (10), wherein the plates (12, 13, 14, 15) which are parallel and opposite one another are alternatingly activatable in translation along the slots (21 , 22, 23, 24) by means of the control and adjustment system (M) which comprises at least a respective linear actuator (M1 , M2) for moving the plates (12, 13, 14, 15) which are parallel and opposite one another.11 ) The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the linear actuators (M1 , M2) for the activation in translation along the slots (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the plates (12, 13, 14, 15) which are parallel and opposite one another comprise a screw-nut screw system (4, 5) activatable by a respective motor (41 , 51 ) which is movable and couplable with the screw-nut screw system (4, 5) when the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls is positioned in the first operating position (A1 ) for loading articles, to adjust the reciprocal distance between the plates (12, 13,1 4, 15) and thus to vary the reciprocal position of the wings (L1A, L1 B; L2A, L2B; L3A, L3B; L4A, L4B) of the corner elements (L1 , L2, L3, L4) to adapt and vary the article containing volume (V) of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls to the dimensions and the effective volume of the articles inserted internally of the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls.12) The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding and feeding means (F) comprise a pulling device (DW) arrangedand configured to pull the discard residual strip (W) of the continuous strip (N), which has been cut by the cutting means (T1 ) from the portion of strip (N1 ) which is arranged and wrapped about the tubular structure (1 ) with adjustable walls, and transport the discard residual strip to a shredding station in which the discard residual strip (W) of the continuous strip is shredded.

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