Apparatus and method for packaging an object inside a cardboard box

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for packaging an object inside a cardboard box comprises: a box forming station (3) for forming a box from the blank; a positioning station (4) for inserting a container bag inside the box; a filling station for filling the bag inside the box with the object to be packaged; a closing station for closing the filled box. The cutting and / or welding of the bag occurs by means of an ultrasonic system.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING AN OBJECT INSIDE A CARDBOARD BOX

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for packaging an object inside a cardboard box.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In the field of packaging systems, various apparatuses and methods are known for the automated production of packaging boxes and the insertion of plastic bags inside these boxes for the containment of objects. The background art conventionally comprises production lines that integrate different machines, each responsible for a specific task, such as the formation of the boxes, the insertion of plastic bags, the filling of the boxes, and their sealing.

[0007] The first step in these systems is forming boxes from cardboard blanks. The machines are designed to fold, glue or clamp the cardboard, creating the structure of the box. This part of the process is generally standardized in various systems.

[0008] Further, a common feature in systems of the prior art is the use of plastic reels. Typically, a desired portion of the plastic bag is picked up from the reel and cut to a predetermined length, forming a bag open on one side. The cut plastic bag is then inserted into the box, with automated mechanisms or manual adjustments to ensure its correct alignment.

[0009] The lower edge of the plastic still on the reel remains open after the cutting process. Before the subsequent cycle, this open edge is closed by means of welding or sealing to prepare the subsequent bag for insertion.

[0010] Once the bag is inserted, the objects are inserted into the bag itself inside the box. The filled bag is then sealed, and the box is closed and fastened with adhesives, tapes, or glue closure.However, systems and methods of the prior art have some drawbacks and could be improved.

[0011] In particular, the main drawbacks of systems of the prior art include the following macro groups:

[0012] High Energy Consumption:

[0013] The process of cutting plastic and welding the lower edge entails significant energy consumption, especially due to the heating elements required for sealing.

[0014] Operational complexity:

[0015] The mechanisms necessary for precise cutting and welding add levels of mechanical and electronic complexity to the production line. This increases the probability of breakdowns and requires regular maintenance. Waste of Material:

[0016] The cutting process often generates materials in excess that are discarded, leading to a waste of material.

[0017] Inefficiency in Cycle Times:

[0018] The additional cutting and welding steps slow down the overall cycle time of the production line, reducing its efficiency.

[0019] Environmental problems:

[0020] The use of welding processes with high energy consumption entails high operating costs and greater environmental impact, rendering the system less sustainable.

[0021] In this context, patent document EP3498617A1 provides a line for packaging an object inside a cardboard box. Further examples of machines and methods for packaging an object inside a cardboard box are described in patent documents CA1245579A, US2007221532A1 and US2022032394A1. Although the systems of the prior art achieve the basic objective of inserting the bag and filling the box, their intrinsic limitations in terms of energy consumption, operational complexity and material waste remain unresolved.Object of the invention

[0022] An object of the present invention is to make available a system and a method for packaging an object inside a cardboard box which overcome the drawbacks of the above-cited prior art.

[0023] Said object is fully achieved by the method and the system according to the present invention, which are characterized by the content of the claims set forth below.

[0024] According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides an apparatus for packaging an object. The object is packaged inside a cardboard box. It should be noted that, such an apparatus may be used in various sectors, for example for the packaging of food, pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic products, and in general in any sector wherein one or more products in liquid, semi-liquid or solid form is / are packaged inside a box. The box is preferably of cardboard, however, the present invention may also be adapted to cases where the box inside which the object to be packaged is packaged is made of other materials. The apparatus comprises an inlet. The inlet is configured to receive a cardboard blank. The apparatus comprises a conveyor. The conveyor is configured to convey the cardboard blank along a working path.

[0025] The apparatus includes a forming station. The box forming station is configured to form a box from the cardboard blank.

[0026] The apparatus includes a positioning station. The positioning station is configured to insert a container bag inside the box. The bag receives the object to be packaged therein. The positioning station includes a pick-up element. The pick-up element is configured to slide a bag reel along a slide path to pick up a desired portion of bag from the reel. The bag is preferably made of plastic. The reel includes a first layer and a second layer overlapped with each other in a direction perpendicular to the slide path. It should be noted that, in an example, the reel may also be part of the apparatus.

[0027] The positioning station includes a cutting device. The cutting device isconfigured to cut the desired portion from the reel. The cutting device is configured to cut the desired portion from the reel along a cutting path transverse the slide path of the reel.

[0028] The cutting device cuts the bag picked up from the reel in a cutting area along a feed direction of the bag.

[0029] The positioning station includes a welding device. The welding device is configured to weld the first layer to the second layer along a welding path. The welding path is parallel to the cutting path and transverse to the slide path. The welding device welds the first layer to the second layer in a welding zone, upstream of the cutting zone with respect to the bag feed direction.

[0030] The positioning station includes a positioning device. The positioning device is configured to receive the cut portion of the bag and insert it into the box.

[0031] The apparatus includes a filling station. The filling station is configured to fill the bag inside the box with the object to be packaged;

[0032] The apparatus includes a closing station. The closing station is configured to close the filled box.

[0033] At least one of the cutting device and the welding device includes an ultrasonic system.

[0034] It should be noted that in the present description, the term bag reel means a reel of flexible material, preferably film, preferably plastic film, wound onto itself to form the reel and configured so as to present two overlapping layers in a direction perpendicular to the slide path of the material. In a preferred example, the reel does not in itself constitute a finished bag, but rather the material of which the bags in which the objects to be packaged are positioned are made. When the film is unwound, the two layers of the film are superimposed along the direction perpendicular to the slide path. Therefore, during the operation of the apparatus, a desired portion of such material is advanced along a slide path and then separated from the remainder of the reel by means of said cutting device arrangedtransversely to the sliding direction. The portion thus cut, having two superimposed layers, is subjected to a welding operation, preferably by means of an ultrasonic device, along a transverse edge which in one example corresponds to the bottom of the bag which is subsequently inserted into the box for receiving the objects to be packaged. Thereby, a bag closed at the bottom is formed, i.e., in a downstream position with respect to the open upper part along the slide path, adapted to receive the object to be packaged.

[0035] Subsequently, the bag thus formed is grasped by the positioning device and inserted into the previously formed box. The filling station then introduces the object into the bag positioned in the box, while the closing station closes the filled box. The bag is adapted to be inserted inside the box, for example by means of the positioning device and to receive the object to be packaged.

[0036] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, it may be provided that only the welding device is implemented by means of an ultrasonic system. In such an example, the cutting operation of the portion of plastic material may be carried out with any known technology, for example by means of a knife, for example by means of a circular disc knife driven by a motor. As explained above, the film has two superimposed layers, laterally joined to each other, for example by welding, gluing or another equivalent system. Alternatively, the film may be a continuous film where the sides are closed and the two layers are superimposed.

[0037] During operation of the apparatus, in each packaging cycle a portion of the film is unwound from the reel along the slide path. Such a portion comprises two superimposed layers, laterally joined, and an already closed bottom: the latter may derive from a welding operation performed in the preceding cycle or be preexisting in the first initial cycle.

[0038] Subsequently, the material is transversely cut to separate the portion corresponding to a bag. The bag thus obtained, closed at the bottom and laterally, but open at the top, is taken and inserted into the box. Theremaining part of material (film) that remains connected to the reel is transversely welded in proximity to the free edge, so as to close the bottom of the portion that will be used in the subsequent packaging cycle. The weld point where the film is welded is located upstream of the cutting point along the slide path. The welding operation may occur before, after or substantially simultaneously with respect to the cut.

[0039] Advantages of using ultrasonic devices for welding or cutting the bag are as follows:

[0040] Energy Efficiency:

[0041] Ultrasonic systems consume less energy with respect to conventional thermal methods. They concentrate energy exclusively on the materials to be joined or cut, reducing losses and rendering the process lower-cost. Precision and Speed:

[0042] Ultrasound enables highly precise operations, ensuring clean cuts and strong welds, with minimal deformation of the materials. This is particularly useful for applications that require fine details or delicate materials. Furthermore, the process is often more rapid than conventional methods. Elimination of Consumable Materials:

[0043] Unlike conventional welding or mechanical cutting methods (which require blades), ultrasonic devices eliminate the need for additional materials, reducing costs and environmental impact.

[0044] Cleaning and Safety:

[0045] Welding: Ultrasonic welding does not use external heat, smoke, or vapors, ensuring a cleaner and safer process for operators.

[0046] Cutting: In cutting processes, ultrasound produces smooth edges without the need for further finishing processes, reducing waste and contamination.

[0047] Environmental Sustainability:

[0048] Since ultrasound relies on mechanical micro-vibrations rather than on heat or adhesive substances, it produces few by-products, rendering the process more environmentally friendly.Minimum Thermal Impact

[0049] Durability and Longevity:

[0050] The cutting blades and the ultrasonic welding tips undergo less wear with respect to conventional mechanical components, increasing the service life of the tools and reducing maintenance costs.

[0051] In an example, both the welding device and the cutting device include an ultrasonic system.

[0052] In an example, the cutting device and the welding device are spaced apart with respect to one another along the slide path. In an example, the apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit, in an example, is configured to activate the cutting device and the welding device simultaneously.

[0053] Such a solution allows a particularly rapid and efficient apparatus to be obtained.

[0054] In an example, an operating frequency of the ultrasonic system of the cutting device and / or of the ultrasonic system of the welding device is adjustable based on a thickness of the bag.

[0055] Such a solution allows a particularly efficient and flexible apparatus to be obtained.

[0056] In an example, the cutting device and / or the welding device are movable along the cutting and welding path.

[0057] In an example, the positioning device includes a pair of cross members. The cross members extend longitudinally. The cross members are spaced apart from one another. The cross members are movable towards and away from each other along a direction perpendicular to the slide path and the cutting / welding path. The cross members are movable between an approached position in which the cross members approach an outer surface of the first and second layers of the bag, and a retracted position in which the cross members are distanced from the first layer and second layer. The pair of cross members is movable along the slide path between a raised position in which the cross members are distanced from the boxand a lowered position in which the cross members are approached to the box.

[0058] The cross members are in the raised and approached position to grasp the bag. The crossbars are in the retracted position to open the bag. The crossmembers are in the lowered position to insert the bag into the box. In an example, each cross member of the pair of cross members includes one or more suction cups. The suction cups are configured to grip the outer surface of the first and the second layer in the approached position. In an example, the closing station includes an ultrasonic system for welding the filled bag.

[0059] In an example, the ultrasonic system of the cutting device and / or the ultrasonic system of the welding device are configured to operate at an operating frequency between 20 and 50 khz. Preferably, the operating frequency is 40 khz.

[0060] In an embodiment, a single device may be provided for cutting and welding. In such an example the cutting and the welding occur at the same point and at two different times (the welding occurs at the same point of the bag subsequent to cutting). It should be noted that such an embodiment is an alternative to the embodiment described above, in which two separate devices are provided for cutting and welding to cut the desired portion and perform the welding on the open part of the reel (thus at two separate points), and is compatible with one or more aspects of the present description. When a single device for cutting and welding is provided, the operating frequency and / or the sonotrode is changed to switch the function of the device from cutting to welding and vice versa. It should be noted that an aspect of the present description provides a positioning station according to one or more aspects of the present description, independently of the described apparatus. Further, another aspect of the present description provides a welding device and a cutting device according to one or more aspects of the present description, independently of the apparatus and of the positioning station described.According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a method for packaging an object inside a cardboard box. The method comprises a step of receiving a cardboard blank. The method comprises a step of transporting the cardboard blank along a working path. The method comprises a step of forming a box from the blank. The method comprises a step of moving a bag reel along a slide path to pick up a desired portion of bag from the reel. The reel includes a first layer and a second layer overlapped with each other in a direction perpendicular to the slide path.

[0061] The method comprises a step of cutting the desired position from the reel along a cutting path transverse to the slide path of the reel.

[0062] The method includes a step of welding the first layer to the second layer along a welding path, parallel to the cutting path and transverse to the slide path.

[0063] The method includes a step of receiving the cut portion of the bag and inserting it into the box.

[0064] The method includes a step of filling the bag inside the box with the object to be packaged.

[0065] The method includes a step of closing the filled box.

[0066] At least one of the cutting step and the welding step takes place via an ultrasonic system.

[0067] In an example, both the welding step and the cutting step take place via an ultrasonic system.

[0068] In an example, welding and cutting take place simultaneously and at two points spaced apart from each other along the slide path.

[0069] In an example, the method comprises a step of preparing a pair of cross members. The method comprises a step of moving the cross members towards and away from each other along a direction perpendicular to the slide path and the cutting / welding path between an approached position in which the cross members move towards an outer surface of the first and second layers of the bag, and a retracted position in which the crossmembers are distanced from the first layer and second layer. The method comprises a step of moving the cross members downwards and upwards along the slide path between a raised position in which the cross members are distanced from the box and a lowered position in which the cross members are approached to the box. The method comprises a step of moving the cross members in the raised and approached position to grasp the bag. The method comprises a step of moving the cross members in the retracted position to open the bag. The method comprises a step of moving the cross members to the lowered position to insert the bag into the box.

[0070] In an example, a step of closing the filled bag takes place via an ultrasonic system.

[0071] Brief description of the drawings

[0072] This and other features will be more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, shown merely by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] - Figures 1A and 1B illustrate an apparatus for packaging an object inside a cardboard box according to one or more aspects of the present description;

[0074] - Figure 2 shows the plastic reel and the bag positioning device inside the box;

[0075] - Figure 3 shows the welding device and the cutting device.

[0076] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention With reference to the accompanying Figures, an apparatus for packaging an object inside a cardboard box is indicated with 1.

[0077] The apparatus 1 includes an inlet I and an outlet. The apparatus receives a cardboard blank at the inlet I. The cardboard blank may be picked up from a stack of cardboard blanks placed one on top of the other. The cardboard blanks may be placed horizontally, hence on one or moresupport surfaces parallel to each other and parallel to the ground, or vertically.

[0078] The cardboard blanks may be of different sizes. Indeed, there may be provided multiple stocks of cardboard blanks, where each reserve includes a plurality of cardboard blanks of a specific size, horizontally or vertically placed.

[0079] The cardboard blank is a flat blank having a central part PC and a plurality of flaps FA connected to the central part and foldable onto the central part to form the closed box.

[0080] The apparatus includes a feeding unit UA for picking up the cardboard blank at the inlet I and for conveying it to a box forming unit 3.

[0081] Preferably, the blanks are positioned vertically. The feeding unit includes a pick-up member PR that receives each blank from the stock, for example by means of suction cups or other devices adapted to pick up the blank from the stock, and moves it along a feed direction to the box-forming unit 3. Therefore, in this example, the blank is positioned along a vertical axis, is picked up from the stock by means of the pick-up member, is conveyed along the feed direction and is delivered to the box forming unit 3, while its orientation is kept the same (the blank always extends vertically).

[0082] A preparation step for the cardboard blank S may be provided.

[0083] In this case, a strip of corrugated cardboard is taken from a cardboard stock. Said cardboard stock is configured to store the cardboard strip that will subsequently be processed to form the cardboard blank, which subsequently forms the box. The supply may be of the fanfold type (a continuous strip of cardboard (for example, corrugated), where strip portions are folded one over the other). Alternatively, the cardboard stock may be of the reel type, where the cardboard strip is wound substantially in a spiral. In an example, the cardboard stock comprises a plurality of support surfaces parallel to one other and parallel to the ground. The support surfaces contain cardboard strips of three or more different widths. The cardboard strip is further processed by means of one or more knivesconfigured to cut the cardboard strip to form the cardboard blank, and by means of a plurality of creasing tools configured to generate creasing lines in the cardboard, to generate a plurality of folding lines on the cardboard blank (which separate the flaps from the central part of the blank and create the four side walls of the box).

[0084] In particular, the cardboard blank, until it reaches the box-forming unit 3, is a flat blank, in the sense that the blank is folded so that the parts of the central part of the blank that form the side walls of the box are folded one over the other and are in contact with each other, and the flaps extend vertically from the central part. Subsequently, the blank is opened, so that the central part of the box builds the side walls PL of the box and that the flaps extend vertically from the side walls upwards. In particular, in this step, the upper flaps, which subsequently build the upper wall of the box, extend vertically from the side walls upwards in an upright position and the lower flaps (which extend from the central part on the opposite side of the upper flaps) are folded towards the inside of the box in a horizontal position, perpendicular to the vertical position, to build the bottom wall of the box.

[0085] The apparatus includes a conveyor 2 that conveys the cardboard blank and also the formed box along a working path. The conveyor defines a work surface. The work surface is parallel to the ground (that is horizontal). The working path may be L-shaped or rectilinear.

[0086] All the elements of the apparatus are placed along the working path.

[0087] In the box forming station 3, the lower flaps of the cardboard blank are folded and glued to each other so as to form the bottom wall of the box. The flaps may be pre-glued, for example after they are taken from the stock, or before folding the lower flaps, alternatively, a welding tape may be used after the flaps are folded to form the bottom wall of the box.

[0088] In this step the box, with the side walls and the bottom wall already formed and with the upper flaps extending vertically from the side walls upwards in an upright position, is conveyed along the working path to a positioningstation 4. In the positioning station 4, a container bag, preferably made of plastic, is inserted into the box. In particular, the bag is picked up from a bag reel B.

[0089] The reel includes a first layer and a second layer overlapped with each other in a direction perpendicular to a slide path P of the reel. In particular, the reel B slides, by means of a picking element 400, along the slide path P to pick up a desired portion of bag from the reel.

[0090] In particular, the reel B is resting on two rollers, spaced apart from each other, one of which rotates about an axis of rotation, preferably by means of an actuator. There is provided a plurality of wheels that rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating roller, wherein the bag picked from the reel is received between the wheels and the rotating roller and is guided along the slide path.

[0091] Once the desired portion of the bag has been picked up from the reel, the bag is cut along a cutting path transverse to the slide path of the reel P and by means of a cutting device 401.

[0092] There is also provided a welding device 402 for welding the first layer to the second layer of the bag along a welding path, parallel to the cutting path and transverse to the slide path.

[0093] There is provided a positioning device 403 for receiving the cut portion of the bag and inserting it into the box.

[0094] In particular, the bag taken from the reel (before or after being cut) is picked up by a pair of cross members 4031, 4032, which are moved towards and away from each another along a direction perpendicular to the slide path and to the cutting / welding path, between an approached position in which the cross members move towards an outer surface of the first and second layers of the bag to grasp them, and a retracted position in which the cross members are distanced from the first layer and second layer, to separate the first layer from the second layer, i.e., to open the bag.

[0095] The cross members are moved downwards and upwards along the slidepath between a raised position in which the cross members are distanced from the box and a lowered position in which the cross members are approached to the box. In particular, the cross members move upwards to grasp the bag and to open it, and move downwards, while the cross members are in the spaced-apart position, to leave the bag open inside the box.

[0096] In particular, the cross members are moved into the raised and approached position to grasp the bag; into the retracted position to open the bag, into the lowered position to insert the bag into the box.

[0097] The pair of cross members includes one or more suction cups or a vacuum system for gripping the outer surface of the first layer and of the second layer in the approached position.

[0098] The welding device and / or the cutting device include an ultrasonic system. Therefore, the cutting and / or welding device uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to perform cuts on the bag and to join the first and second layers of the bag.

[0099] Preferably, the operating frequency of the ultrasonic system both for cutting and for welding is 40 khz.

[0100] In particular, ultrasonic welding occurs by applying to two layers of the bag a variable normal load and setting one part into vibration with respect to the other by means of the vibrating assembly formed by the piezoelectric transducer and the booster, at the end of which the sonotrode is screwed. The sonotrode generates friction between the parts by means of a vibration with ultrasonic frequency, of 40 khz. This intense vibration generates heat and consequently the layers melt and welding takes place. The ultrasonic generator provides a sinusoidal electrical wave, with a frequency comprised between 20 and 50 kHz.

[0101] The transducer converts electrical pulses into mechanical motion. The booster amplifies this movement and transfers it to the sonotrode, which is brought into contact with the bag. The sonotrodes may be made of various materials and follow the outline of the workpiece.The ultrasonic cutting device follows the same principles.

[0102] The difference between the ultrasonic cutting device and the ultrasonic welding device lies in the sonotrode. Indeed, in the cutting, the sonotrode has a sharpened end, similar to a blade, which comes into contact with the bag to perform the cut and has a smooth abutment surface. The shape is optimized to concentrate ultrasonic energy along a thin line for clean cutting.

[0103] On the other hand, in the welding, the sonotrode has a non-sharp and knurled abutment surface, designed to transfer the vibrations over a wider area.

[0104] The cutting device and the welding device are spaced apart with respect to each another along the slide path. The cutting device is placed downstream of the welding device along the slide path P.

[0105] The cutting device and the welding device may be offset or aligned.

[0106] The apparatus includes a control unit configured to activate the cutting device and the welding device simultaneously.

[0107] The cutting device and / or the welding device are movable along the cutting and welding path. The cutting device and / or the welding device are slidable along a bar extending along the cutting / welding path.

[0108] Therefore, when the desired portion of the bag is picked up from the reel, the control unit activates the actuators that move the cutting device and the welding device, and activates the ultrasonic system, thus, while the cutting device and the welding device are moved along the cutting path and the welding path, the cutting and the welding take place at the same time.

[0109] The operating frequency of the ultrasonic system of the cutting device and / or of the ultrasonic system of the welding device is adjustable based on one or more parameters, for example a thickness of the bag. This value may be adjusted directly by the user or by means of the control unit. For example, it may be envisaged that the control unit is provided with a memory that includes a series of reference operating frequency values fora plurality of thickness values. In such an example, it may be envisaged that, at the start of the process, the user inputs the bag thickness to the control unit, and the control unit selects the correct value for the operating frequency for that thickness among the values of the series of frequency values.

[0110] It may be envisaged that the control unit receives data representative of the thickness of the bag from a sensor, thus without the intervention of the user.

[0111] In particular, for bags of greater thickness a higher frequency value is used.

[0112] The apparatus may be provided with one or more sensors for monitoring the position of the box along the working path.

[0113] After the bag is inserted into the box, the box together with the bag, is transferred to a filling station to fill the bag inside the box with the object to be packaged. After the filling of the bag, the box is transferred to a closing station, where, in a first stage, the filled bag is closed by means of ultrasonic welding (as explained before), and in a second stage, the box with the welded filled bag is closed with glue or with the tape.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1) for packaging an object inside a cardboard box, the apparatus comprising:- an inlet (I) for receiving a cardboard blank (S);- a conveyor (2) for conveying the cardboard blank along a working path; - a box forming station (3) for forming a box from the blank;- a positioning station (4) for inserting a container bag inside the box, wherein the bag receives the object to be packaged inside it, wherein the positioning station includes:- a pick-up element (400) for sliding a bag reel (B) along a slide path (P) to pick up a desired portion of bag from the reel, wherein the reel includes a first layer and a second layer overlapping each other in a direction perpendicular to the slide path;- a cutting device (401) for cutting the desired portion from the reel along a cutting path transverse to the slide path of the reel;- a welding device (402) for welding the first layer to the second layer along a welding path, parallel to the cutting path and transverse to the slide path;- a positioning device (403) for receiving the cut portion of the bag and inserting it into the box;the apparatus further includes:- a filling station for filling the bag inside the box with the object to be packaged;- a closing station for closing the filled box;wherein at least one between the cutting device and the welding device includes an ultrasonic system.

2. An apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein both the welding device and the cutting device include an ultrasonic system.

3. An apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe cutting device and the welding device are spaced apart from each other along the slide path, wherein the apparatus includes a control unit configured to activate the cutting device and the welding device simultaneously.

4. An apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an operating frequency of the ultrasonic system of the cutting device and / or the ultrasonic system of the welding device is adjustable according to a thickness of the bag.

5. An apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting device and / or the welding device are movable along the cutting and welding path.

6. An apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (403) includes a pair of longitudinal cross members (4031, 4032), spaced apart and movable towards and away from each other along a direction perpendicular to the slide path and the cutting / welding path between an approached position in which the cross members approach an outer surface of the first and second layers of the bag, and a retracted position in which the cross members are distanced from the first layer and second layer, wherein the pair of cross members is movable along the slide path between a raised position in which the cross members are distanced from the box and a lowered position in which the cross members are approached to the box,wherein the cross members are:- in the raised and approached position to grasp the bag,- in the retracted position to open the bag;- in the lowered position to insert the bag into the box.

7. An apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein each cross member ofthe pair of cross members includes one or more suction cups for gripping the outer surface of the first and second layers in the approached position.

8. An apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing station includes an ultrasonic system for welding the filled bag.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ultrasonic system of the cutting device and / or the ultrasonic system of the welding device are configured to operate at an operating frequency between 20 and 50 khz10. A method for packaging an object inside a cardboard box comprising the following steps:- receiving a cardboard blank (S);- conveying the cardboard blank along a working path;- forming a box from the blank;- moving a bag reel (B) along a slide path to pick up a desired portion of bag from the reel, wherein the reel includes a first layer and a second layer overlapping each other in a direction perpendicular to the slide path;- cutting the desired position from the reel along a cutting path transverse to the slide path of the reel;- welding the first layer to the second layer along a welding path, parallel to the cutting path and transverse to the slide path;- receiving the cut portion of the bag and inserting it into the box;- filling the bag inside the box with the object to be packaged;- closing the filled box;wherein at least one of the cutting step and welding step takes place via an ultrasonic system.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein both the welding step and the cutting step take place via an ultrasonic system.

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein welding and cutting take place simultaneously and at two points spaced apart from each other along the slide path.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, comprising the following steps:- preparing a pair of cross members;- moving the cross members towards and away from each other along a direction perpendicular to the slide path and the cutting / welding path between an approached position in which the cross members move towards an outer surface of the first and second layers of the bag, and a retracted position in which the cross members are distanced from the first layer and second layer;- moving the cross members downwards and upwards along the slide path between a raised position in which the cross members are distanced from the box and a lowered position in which the cross members are approached to the box;- moving the cross members in the raised and approached position to grasp the bag;- moving the cross members in the retracted position to open the bag; - moving the cross members to the lowered position to insert the bag into the box.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a step of closing the filled bag takes place via an ultrasonic system.

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