KR20070072854A - Apparatus for packing groups of items - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (010) for packing a group of items, in which the items are preferably packs containing respective products, in a special wrapper formed by a plastic film comprises means for supplying groups of items, means for feeding a wrapping film, and means for wrapping the group of items in the wrapper. The wrapping means comprise means for forming a tubular film (019) for wrapping the group of items, starting with a film being fed and means for inserting a plurality of items in the tunnel forming tubular film (019) forming means.

Description

Goods group packaging device {APPARATUS FOR PACKING GROUPS OF ITEMS}

The present invention relates to a group of article packaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "article group").

Preferably, the article is a packaging package in which the individual products are packed in a packing or bagging manner with a suitable wrapping paper formed by a film made of a suitable material, particularly preferably a plastic film.

Preferably, the individual products are roll products, in particular rolls of toilet or kitchen rolls, arranged in a suitable form desired in the packaging package.

However, the present invention is also preferably applied to the field of "tissue paper" in general.

Background Art Apparatuses for packing a package group of packages in a packing or bagging manner with special wrapping paper formed by plastic films are well known. The known apparatus includes means for supplying a group of articles, means for wrapping a group of articles in a wrapper, said packaging means comprising tubular film forming means for wrapping a group of articles in a film supplied, and a first article group and a second article. And means for pushing the groups into the tubular film in a manner that separates the groups from one another in the presently known apparatus. The group of articles in the tubular film is fed forward with the tubular film along the entire length of the means for arranging the film in tubular form by a conveyor belt that engages the outer surface of the tubular film and the outer surface of the package bundle inserted into the tubular film. .

However, since the article group and the tubular film supplying method are excessively forceful in their implementation and the volume of the apparatus becomes large, it is required that a particularly long supply belt be provided to the tubular film forming means.

There is also a known group of packaging devices, in which a single group of articles in the tubular film is pushed and thus the closed downstream wall of the tubular film in order to feed the tubular film and a single pack of packages inserted therein. It is known that a suitable pusher is used to feed the tubular film.

However, in the case of this type, the closed end wall of the tubular film pushed by the bundle of packages or by the package bundle group, in particular there is a risk of excessive pressure being applied to the seal just made and destroyed. In general, in order to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the film, the running speed of the type machine is kept relatively low.

However, the pusher must perform an excessively long return stroke since it must enter the tubular film to insert the article group and push the film for film supply. This contributes to excessively slowing the running speed of this type of machine.

In addition, in all of the above-mentioned devices, air accumulates in the tubular packaging film and thus additional and bulky means for evacuating the air from inside the tubular film is needed, otherwise the prepared bag remains in an inflated state. It should be noted that the wrapper may be destroyed due to internal overpressure created by compression of trapped air between the article wall and the closed wall of the package facing it.

Thus, there is provided an apparatus for packaging a group of articles, which are preferably wrapping packages containing individual products, with special packaging obtained from a film or sheet, in particular a film made of plastic material. The apparatus comprises article group supply means, film supply means and means for wrapping the article group into a film, wherein the article group packaging means comprises means for arranging the film in a tubular shape and means for inserting the article group into the tubular film. It includes. The apparatus is characterized in that the means for arranging the film in tubular form is provided with means for supplying a group of articles which are aligned and joined together.

In this way, a device with a relatively high operating speed can be manufactured.

The invention also relates to a process for packaging a group of articles in a special wrapper obtained from a film or sheet, in particular a film made of a plastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The technical features and advantageous aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of example only and illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the scope of the invention.

1A shows a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, a schematic side view of which part is shown in cross section.

1B-1I are schematic side views illustrating further operational steps of the first preferred embodiment of the device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged detail view of the sealing and cutting area, in particular showing the front region of the fed tubular film.

3 is a schematic rear view of a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the front part of a tunnel in which the wrapping paper or film is arranged in the shape of a tube which can be used in the first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

5A is a schematic perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

5B is a schematic side view of a second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

6 is a schematic side view of a package package supplied via an apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus for forming an article group to be packaged, which belongs to a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

8 is a schematic perspective view of a downstream portion of an article group package tunnel to be packaged which belongs to a second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of an end separation carriage for a group to be packed, belonging to a second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

10A to 10C are schematic side views of the main operation steps of the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus.

The accompanying drawings show, according to the present invention, a first preferred embodiment 10 of a device for wrapping an article group 12 with a film 16, in particular a special wrapping 14 made of a film made of plastic material. .

Preferably, the article 18 is a package of packages in which individual products are packaged or bagged in a wrapper or bag 14.

In total, each group of articles to be packaged includes a plurality of longitudinal outer surfaces 12'c between the rear cross section 12'b, the front cross section 12'a and between the front face 12'a and the rear face 12'b. Equipped.

The wrapper or bag 14 used to pack the article groups in turn comprises an article group front packaging front portion 14a, an article group rear packaging rear portion 14b and an article group longitudinal outer wall packaging intermediate portion 14c. .

The first embodiment of the apparatus comprises a means 20 for sequentially supplying a group of articles, a packaging film supply means 22 and a means for wrapping the article group with a packaging film.

Further downstream of the tubular film forming means, means, generally designated by clamping, sealing and cutting means, are provided at the cross section of the tubular packaging film to form a package containing the individual article groups. do.

In particular, the article group packaging means comprises means 23 for arranging the film in a tubular form, ie tubular film forming means, and means 24 for inserting the article group into the tubular film 19.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 1A, the tubular tunnel means for film formation have a quadrilateral cross section and extend in the longitudinal direction, respectively, for the infeed and outfeed of the article. 27a) and an inner first tunnel 27 formed by the folded plate to open the downstream end 27b.

The tubular film forming means further comprises an outer second tunnel 28 which extends in the longitudinal direction and opens upstream end 27a and downstream end 27b for infeed and outfeed of the article, respectively.

The forming tunnel 28 has a surface at the infeed end 28a for converting the flat film into a tubular arrangement before the flat film enters the outer tunnel 28 through the front opening 28a.

As shown, after the film is folded to form a suitable tubular film, the film slides into the outer channel 28 while the means 29 longitudinally seal the overlapped ends of the film.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1A, the downstream end 27b of the inner tunnel 27 extends beyond the downstream end 28a of the outer tunnel 28.

However, the dual forming tunnels 27 and 28 and the longitudinal sealing means 29 of the film are well known to those skilled in the art and are of general type and have not been described in detail to simplify the description. However, other tubular film preparation methods are also conceivable, for example, in another embodiment, the double tubular film forming tunnel may have an interior tunnel 27 in some way as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. It may be as shown in Figure 4 showing whether it has a peripheral face 27 'and an outer peripheral face 27 ". As in the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the group of articles to be packaged is a tube 27 The product packaging film slides outside of the outer surface 27 "of the inner channel 27, while being inserted into and sliding the inner surface 27 '.

In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 shows that the infeed end 27a of the inner tunnel 27 is in some way altered the infeed end 28a of the outer tunnel 28 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. It extends upstream past and how the appropriate transition surface or tab 28 'is provided when the flat film enters the outer tunnel 28 through the upstream infeed opening 28a.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the article inserting means 24 is designed to insert a plurality of article groups into the tubular film that are aligned and the cross section of each article group is combined with the cross section of the adjacent article group. In particular, while the tubular film portion to be used to package the article group slides on the outer surface of the tubular body 27, the inserting means moves the article group through the front opening 27a of the inner tubular element 27 to the inner tubular element 27. ).

In particular, in the first embodiment, the first article group 12a that is upstream, the second article group 12b that is downstream, and the third article group 12c and the fourth article group 12d, both of which are intermediate parts, are provided. .

Advantageously, the means for inserting the article into the tubular film is an article push means designed to engage the rear face 12'a of the upstream article group from among the plurality of article groups inserted and forming the tubular film supply means. . According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, in particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation of pushing the aligned plurality of article groups is such that the front face 12 ′ b of the downstream article group 12 b is tubular among the plurality of article groups. It engages with and pushes the closed cross section 14a of the film. As such, the film can be fed forward by the insertion means without applying very high pressure to the downstream transverse wall 14a of the tubular film. In addition, the present method of inserting a group of articles into a tubular film is characterized by the presence of air in the tubular film that reduces the pressure acting on the downstream film closure and consequently reduces the risk of breaking the downstream film finish. It avoids other disadvantages caused by the air.

As shown, the push means has a pusher which has an external supply for feeding the article group forward in the downward position and a portion for returning to the position for receiving the next article group in the upper position and moves forward-rear alternately. It consists of 30.

As shown, the means for pushing the plurality of groups of articles reached in the front insertion position into the tubular film remains outside the front of the tubular film placing means, thus providing a rather short supply stroke that is substantially equal to the length of a single group of articles. It should be done, which is advantageous in terms of the operating speed of the device.

As shown, upstream of the tubular film arrangement tunnel means 27, 28, means 32 are provided for supplying the article to a position where the article is received by push means for inserting the article into the tubular film arrangement tunnel. .

Preferably, the supply means supplies the upstream article group 12a toward the immediate downstream article group 12c, thus forming an article group accumulating means and feeding it into the tunnel 28 by the pusher 30. Form a plurality of groups of articles that are aligned or joined together to be pushed or pushed in.

As shown, the supply means consists of a conveyor belt 34 on which the supplied article is placed.

The push means are thus supported and pushed by a head 38 which is supported by a vertical arm which is a vertical movable part 36 and which slides on a longitudinal member 40 which in turn extends longitudinally above the feed belt 34. A pusher comprised of a plate 30 traversing the direction.

According to the advantageous and preferred embodiment shown, the stroke for inserting the article group into the tunnel 27 and the return stroke of the means for inserting the article group into the tubular film are shorter than the length of the supporting surface of the supply means 32.

As shown, once the push for insertion is complete, the insertion means leaves the rear portion 12 "a of the upstream article group outside of the tubular film placement means.

The article group supply means 20 comprises sequential accommodating means 42 of the article, intermediate storage means 44 of the article and preformed and separated article group ejecting means 46.

The sequential accommodating means of the article receives the article 18 from above in contact and places it in a position to be received by the storage means 44 ′ which will be described later, as described in more detail below. In addition, the sequential receiving means are designed to push forward the received article after the article is placed in the receiving position, for which the means receive the article and at the same time the article previously received and already located in the front belt or storage means And a portion 48 designed to push it.

The portion 48 designed to receive one article and at the same time push forward the previously received articles forwardly has an upper surface 48a for receiving the article and extends downward starting at its front edge and forwards the previous article forward. And a portion with a front face 48b designed to push.

Further, preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the first portion 48 and the second portion 48 alternately perform the operation of continuously receiving the article and the operation of pushing forward the article received by the other portion. ) Is provided.

For this purpose, parts 48 and 48 move along a substantially circular path, ie a closed rotational path.

In addition, each part 48 has a plurality of surfaces 49 which are transversely separated from each other and which have a bracket shape, in which the surface of the portion 48 is not plated. The push element is designed to be inserted between the corresponding protrusion of the storage means 44, which is not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings.

The bracket 49 has a trapezoidal profile and is supported by the support block 56 so that the portion can cover a closed path for placing the same portion at the article receiving position at predetermined time intervals. 54, it extends vertically from the transverse beam 50 which is movable above and in turn movable above the longitudinal rods 58, 60.

In particular, each beam 50 extends in a cantilever shape from the guide and the support means, located on each side of the machine and facing where the guide and support means for the other beam 50 are located.

Each part is moved along the path of rotation by a separate rotation chain, each part being connected with each rotation chain at a suitable point on the side facing the other part connected to its individual chains 55, 55. The drive chains 55, 55 of this part are in turn driven by a motor 57, in which only one is shown in the accompanying drawings.

As shown, the intermediate storage means 44 of the article comprises a lower article support conveyor belt 44 ′ and at least one upper article feed belt 62.

The storage means is also provided with article densification means or article side centering means 64.

The discharging means 46 of the preformed and separated article group comprises a supply means composed of an article supply conveyor belt 34 and an article supply stop means 66, thus releasing the article group consisting of a predetermined number of articles. Release the article in a manner that allows.

The article supply stop means comprises a plate 66 which is movable between a downward position in engagement with the article to stop the article and an upward position allowing free passage of the article group.

In addition, useful means for separating or separating the group of articles to be packaged are provided.

In particular, the means for disengaging separates the downstream article group from the upstream article group immediately adjacent to the downstream article group among the plurality of articles inserted in the paving tunnels 27, 28.

As shown, advantageously and preferably, the means for separating the downstream group of goods from the immediate adjacent upstream group of goods is located downstream of the outside of the tubular film placement means, and immediately at the same time as the closure of the rear of the downstream packaging package. It operates in such a way as to allow the closure of the front part of the adjacent upstream package bundles to a extent that allows for closure. According to yet another embodiment, however, the means for separating the downstream group of goods from the immediately adjacent upstream group of goods may be located in an area covered by the tubular film production means, in particular at the end of the means.

In particular, the means for separating the downstream article group from the immediately adjacent upstream article group separates the article group by a distance substantially at that point depending on the size of the bag to be packaged.

Advantageously, said separating means consists in particular of a means for engaging with and feeding the front part of the tubular film packed downstream product group, while engaging with the front part of the tubular film packed downstream product group.

In particular, means for joining the tubular film and the upstream group and means for moving the joining means are provided.

As shown, the coupling means consists of at least a first conveyor belt 72 and a second conveyor belt 74 having longitudinal coupling portions 72a, 74a which extend horizontally and face each other vertically. .

The cutting means consists of the facing blades 76, 76 in the clamping and sealing plates 78, 78 in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

In practice, suitable drive means bring the facing plates and blades towards each other to seal the package and cut the package from the tubular film.

Advantageously, the means for separating or away from the cutting and sealing means are supported in a single frame 80 moving back and forth in the longitudinal direction.

To this end, longitudinal drive means are provided comprising a belt 82 operatively connected with a frame 80 that moves forward and backward and slides along a suitable longitudinal guide not shown in the accompanying drawings.

In particular, the belt 82 extends below the support surface 84 downstream of the tubular film placing means.

Respective engagement and release means of the separation means are provided, respectively, which move the engagement means in contact with the tubular film and away from the tubular film.

The coupling element is supported by individual support frames 86, 86 which are movable vertically by pneumatic actuators not shown in the accompanying drawings.

In addition, means are provided for moving the package package formed downstream of the sealing and cutting means away. The means for moving the package away is composed of a group of immediately adjacent upstream articles that push the packaged article group. Thus, the packaged article group slides on a plurality of aligned rollers 85 supported on the conveyor 84 inclined downward by gravity.

In the end, the device operates as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1A, preferably, the article group 12a discharged upstream is pushed by the insertion means 24, consistent with the state leaning against the backside of the adjacent downstream article group 12c. To the position, it is transported by conveyor 32.

At this time, the pusher 30 is lowered to engage with the rear of the upstream article group, and pushes the plurality of article groups forward as shown in FIG. 1A, and thus the rear part and the upstream article group of the adjacent upstream article group 12c ( The front part of 12a) enters the tunnel, with the result that the tubular film is fed forward. As shown in Fig. 1A, during the execution of the step, vertically facing sealing and cutting plates which are moved by corresponding vertical belts 73 between positions vertically close to each other and vertically distant from each other for sealing and cutting ( 76, 78 are returned to the expanded position to allow subsequent groups of articles to pass freely between the positions.

With the single support frame 80 substantially reaching the rear outfeed 27b of the forming tunnel 27 as shown in FIG. 1C and the engaging means 72, 74 are separated as shown in FIG. 1B. At the same time as approaching the rear end of the tunnel, the front part of the downstream article group 12b exits out of the rear end 27b of the pavement tunnels 27 and 28.

In this position, the engagement belts 72, 74 rotate to pull out the downstream article group 12b as shown in FIG. 1D, while the downstream article group included in the outer surface of the tubular film and the longitudinal portion of the tubular film. In combination with (12b).

While the upstream article group remains in the inner tubular body 27, the separating means pull the tubular film 19 and the downstream article group.

To this end, as shown in FIG. 1E, the belts 72, 74 associated with the front portion of the tubular film and the downstream article group 12b move longitudinally by moving forward of the support frame 80. .

In particular, as shown in FIG. 1F, the longitudinal movement means of the coupling means 72, 74 tubularly couples the coupling means to separate the rear face of the downstream article group 12b from the immediately adjacent upstream article group 12d. Move forward to move away from the downstream end 27b of the film batch or production means.

As shown in Fig. 1F, in this condition, the pusher 30 is raised to return from the upper position to the back toward the push start position.

As shown in FIG. 1G, the longitudinal movement means 80 of the joining means for the front article group allows the rear end of the downstream article group from the immediately adjacent upstream article group while allowing the downstream end of the tubular film to be clamped, sealed and cut. Move away from the tubular film placement means 27, 28 by a portion or stroke suitable for separation.

As shown in FIG. 1G, with the support frame 80 apart, each top 76 and bottom 78 of the clamping jaw designed to support and seal the cutting means move closer to each other. To start. During the execution of this step, the film and article group 12b located downstream of the sealing and cutting means 76, 78 is stopped by and retained by the coupling means 72, 74, and downstream of the tunnel 27. Immediately adjacent upstream article groups supported at the inner surface of the end 27b are stationary and have a front or downstream surface forming a rear face 14a of the wrapping paper or tubular film for the article group 12b in combination therewith. The film is released to form.

As shown in FIG. 1H, when the jaws 76 and 78 meet, the film is sealed and cut in the middle region of the transverse sealing region.

As shown in Fig. 1H, the cutting and sealing means operate while the tubular film and the group of articles inserted therein are stationary.

While the sealing and cutting operations are carried out, the supply means 32 are located upstream, as shown in FIG. 1I showing how the sealing and cutting jaws 76, 78 return to the extended non-operational position. The new article group 12 is brought into contact with the article group that is stationary and partly exits the outside of the tunnel 27. 1I shows how the pusher 30 may push the rear of the new upstream article group 12 out of the plurality of article groups to be supplied, even before the upstream article group contacts the neighboring article group that has partially exited the tunnel. It shows if it moves to.

At this point, the cycle is repeated as shown in FIG. 1A described above.

A packaging film supply means is provided comprising a film support reel 22. Further, reel rotation drive means including a reel rotation roller 22a driven by the motor 22b is also provided.

The flat film drive means comprise control means designed to form controlled film release means and provided in the form of mechanical control means, not shown.

The film 16 is returned by various return means, especially in the form of a roller and fed by a pair of feed rollers 22e before reaching the tunnel infeed. In particular, during the execution of various acceleration and deceleration steps in film feeding, a movable return roller 22d is provided which forms a counterweight for maintaining film tension. Counterweight roller 22d has a center film 16 contact and return portion and an end movable in a separate vertical guide. The motor-driven unwinding assembly releases the film from the reel, which releases the film at a substantially constant speed. The acceleration and deceleration applied to the film are controlled by a roller system located downstream of the reel.

In particular, in the first step, the flat film supply means 22e is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed V1 equal to the film forming means, ie the article group supply speed in the inner tubular body 27. The film released in this step forms the lateral wall of the bag, or the top wall, the bottom wall and the side wall of the bag.

In the second step, the flat film supply means 22e is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed V2 which is faster than the predetermined film supply speed V1 equal to the translational movement speed of the sealing means. The film released in this step forms the end wall portion of the bag. In addition, the amount of film released in this step is sufficient to form the wrapping or sticking state required for the individual article groups.

In the third step, the flat film supply means 22e is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed V3 equal to the closing speed of the sealing means. The film released in this step forms the remainder of the back end wall of the bag and provides the front wall of the bag for subsequent article groups.

In addition, the flat film supply means 22e releases the film at a predetermined speed V0, in particular at the same speed as the state in which film release is stopped, so that the cross section separating the downstream article group from the subsequent article group can be sealed and cut. It is designed to be.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, an article bundle or group of articles to be packaged includes a plurality of packages of packages arranged and arranged in various transverse rows that are generally parallel to each other. In particular, three rows of packaging packages are used to produce the illustrated group of articles.

5A and 5B show a second preferred embodiment 010 of an apparatus for packaging a group of articles in a film, in particular a special wrapper made of plastic material.

Preferably, the article is a package package in which the individual products are packaged or packed in a wrapper or bag.

Preferably, the individual products are rolled products, in particular rolls of toilet or kitchen rolled tissues or the like.

The machine extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of continuous operating units.

In particular, the machine includes an article receiving unit 010a, optionally upstream, which is equipped with a diverter for distributing the article in a predetermined plurality of rows.

Immediately downstream of the article receiving unit 010a is provided a unit 010b for forming a plurality of articles or groups of articles to be inserted into a wrapper or bag. However, the unit will be described in more detail later.

Downstream of the unit 010b for forming or preparing an article group or bundle of articles to be placed in a bag, the article group or article bundle to be packaged, including an article group supply unit 010'c and a substantial packaging unit 010 "c. There is provided a unit 010c for wrapping the paper into wrapping paper.

After the article to be packaged is wrapped in a wrapper, the wrapper is joined, in particular sealed, and then cut and unloaded by the downstream unit 010d.

Furthermore, a unit suitable for arranging the article to be packaged at a plurality of levels, in particular at least a first level and a second level, may be provided. In fact, over one plurality of article rows arranged side by side and forming a lower level, similar plurality of article rows are arranged to form an upper level.

As shown in FIG. 6, which is a particularly schematic side view, each article group 012 to be packaged consists of a plurality of aligned articles 011-arranged in two or more rows arranged side by side (only one in FIG. 6). Only rows 013 are shown], the overall rear or upstream cross section 012'b, the front or downstream cross section 012'a, and the upper peripheral surface 0112'c, the lower peripheral surface 0212'c and each other. A plurality of between the back 012'b and the front 012'a, including the opposing first side circumferential surface and the second side circumferential surface (only one (0312'c is shown in FIG. 6)). A transverse peripheral surface 012'c.

As shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6, the article group packaging wrapper or bag 014 is in turn a front or downstream portion 014a for the article group front packaging, and a rear or upstream portion 014b for the back packaging of the same article group. And an intermediate peripheral portion 014c for lateral peripheral wall wrapping of the same article group.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the article group forming means is a horizontally reciprocating article supply and transverse direction for distributing articles in two or more transverse rows on a conveyor belt forming the article supply means 043. Dispensing arm (B) may be included.

Further downstream of the means 443, an additional article group supply means 045 is provided in the form of a separate conveyor belt. The conveyor belt 045, together with the previous conveyor belt 043, forms an intermediate storage means of the article.

In addition, the article intermediate storage means 045, which is not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings, is provided with article lateral center alignment or densification means.

As clearly shown in FIG. 7, the article group forming means 010b to be packaged comprises a predetermined separate article group discharging means 046 in the form of a conveyor belt, which acts on the individual supply means 044, and means 046. Upstream of) is provided a means for maintaining or stopping the rows of articles arranged side by side.

Indeed, the predetermined separate article group release means 046 comprises means for engaging with the front or downstream side of the row of articles arranged side by side, the means for engaging the front of the article group supplied forward and It consists of a transverse bar or barrier 049 that is movable between positions allowing free passage.

In practice, the coupling means 049 is supported by the mutually opposite vertical plates 051, 053 of the support frame, on which the inner guide profile is fixed for the sliding side end of the barrier. In FIG. 7, only one guide profile 005 and the end 057 of only one associated barrier that can be slidably mounted to the guide profile 005 are shown.

The engagement means 049 is movable between a downward position and an upward position which prevents supply of the article.

Lateral guides (055) for the end (057) of the means for engaging the front of the article row are forward to allow the barrier to rise with the transverse moving parts towards the front of the device so as not to block or rub the front of the article. It has a linear profile extending at an angle.

As shown in FIG. 7, the article holding means 047 located upstream of the release means 046 is provided with a means 046 or a barrier 049 to continue stopping the article that is not part of the group of articles to be packaged. In the open position allowing free passage of the article, it works by stopping the supply of the article. To this end, the distance between the upstream holding means 047 and the downstream discharge means 046 is suitably defined to ensure the length of the group of articles to be packed required.

The upstream retaining means 047 comprises lower engagement means 047a which act on the side of the article facing vertically, extend laterally and are designed to contact the underside of the article and are provided in the form of a comb element.

The retaining means further comprises opposing means (047b) designed in contact with the upper surface of the article and provided in the form of a plurality of surfaces or sheets which are laterally separated from each other.

In practice, preferably, the drive means, consisting of an actuator 047c, provided in particular in the form of a pneumatic cylinder, engages and releases the article to prevent the supply of the article and to supply the article.

In particular, the actuator 047c acts on the cruciform member 047c which is integral with the other end of the comb 047a whose one longitudinal end is integral with the end of the supply means 404, in particular the spring 047e. The cruciform member 047c is lifted to push the article against the upper engagement surface 047b constructed of and supported by suitable elastic means.

As shown in FIG. 7, the plate 047'a has a groove that is properly hinged to the machine frame and the comb element 047a slides.

In practice, the plate 047'a acts as an article support plate with comb element teeth each protruding and retracting with respect to the plate support surface 047 'to engage and release the article as required.

When the article supply stop means 049 is released, the conveyor belt 044 supplies a group of articles composed of a predetermined number of articles to the packaging area.

8 and 10A show a method for the article group packaging means 010c for arranging the film in a tubular shape, i.e., tunnel means and means 024 for inserting the article group in the tubular film 019. It is shown as including.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 5A, the tubular tunnel means 023 for film formation are formed by plates folded to have a quadrilateral cross section, and extend longitudinally, respectively, upstream for the infeed and outfeed of the article. An inner first tunnel 027 that is open at an end 027a and a downstream end 027b.

In addition, the tubular film forming means extends in the longitudinal direction and opens an outer second tunnel 028 open at the upstream end 028a and the downstream end 028b for infeed and outfeed of the tubular film 019, respectively. Include.

The forming tunnel 028 has a surface at the infeed end 028a for converting or placing the flat film into a tubular shape before the flat film enters the outer tunnel 028 through the front opening 028a.

As shown, while the film slides the outer channel 028, the means 029 longitudinally seals the overlapped ends of the film after the film is folded to form a tubular film.

As shown, the downstream end 027b of the inner tunnel 027 extends beyond the downstream end 028a of the outer tunnel 028.

The front part of the dual forming tunnels 027 and 028 and the longitudinal sealing means 029 of the film may be of a general type well known to those skilled in the art, and thus have not been described in detail in order to simplify the present specification. . In addition, other tubular film forming methods can also be considered.

As shown in FIG. 8, the inner tunnel 027 has an inner circumferential surface 027 ′ and an outer circumferential surface 027 ″.

While the product packaging film 019 slides externally along the outer surface 027 "of the outer tunnel 027, a group of articles to be packaged is inserted into the inner tunnel 027 and slides its inner surface 027 '.

The accompanying drawings also show how the infeed end 027a of the inner tunnel 027 extends upward beyond the infeed end 028a of the outer tunnel 028. In addition, it is well known in the art that, when the flat film enters the outer tunnel 028 through the upstream infeed opening 028a, the flat film is easily placed in a tubular manner in a manner common to the art and is therefore known in the accompanying drawings. Appropriate and significant switching surfaces or tabs are provided that do not require detailed illustration.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the article inserting means 024 is designed to insert a plurality of article groups into the tubular film which are aligned and the cross section of each article group joins the cross section of the article group which is longitudinally adjacent.

In particular, while the inserting means inserts the article group into the inner tubular element 027 through the front opening 027a of the inner tubular element 027, the tubular film portion to be used for packaging the article group is the tubular body 027. Slide the outside of).

In particular, in the second embodiment, an upstream first article group 012a, a downstream second article group 012b, and an intermediate third article group 012c and fourth article group 012d are provided.

Indeed, advantageous group accumulations are provided in paving tunnels that allow advantageous product output.

Advantageously, the means for inserting the article into the tubular film is article pushing means designed to engage the backside 012'a of the upstream group of articles from among the plurality of articles to be inserted and form the tubular film supply means. According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, in particular, as shown in FIG. 10A, the operation of pushing the aligned plurality of article groups is such that the front surface 012 ′ b of the downstream article group 012b among the plurality of article groups has a tubular film. In combination with the closed cross section of 014a acts to push him. By this method, the film can be fed forward by the insertion means without excessive pressure being applied to the downstream transverse wall 014a of the tubular film. In addition, the present method of inserting a group of articles into a tubular film reduces the pressure acting on the downstream film finish and consequently reduces the risk of breaking the downstream film finish, thereby reducing the presence of unnecessary air in the tubular film and the air in the wrapper. Avoid other disadvantages caused by

As shown, the push means has a pusher that moves forward-backward alternately, having an outer supply portion for feeding the article group forward in the downward position and a portion for returning to the position for receiving the next article group in the upper position. It consists of 30.

As shown, the means 030 for pushing the plurality of article groups into the tubular film that have reached the front insertion position remains outside the front of the tubular film placement means, and thus a rather short feed stroke that is substantially equal to the length of a single article group. This is advantageous in terms of the operating speed of the device. However, in an optional embodiment, the push means 030 can enter a paving tunnel.

However, the stroke of the push means 030, in particular the final position of the push stroke, may vary depending on the length of the article or packaging package.

As shown, upstream of the tubular film production tunnel means 027, 028, means are provided for supplying the article to a position where the article is received by push means for inserting the article into the tubular film placement tunnel. .

Preferably, the supply means forms an upstream article group 012a immediately adjacent to the downstream article group while forming a plurality of article groups aligned and coupled together to be fed or pushed into the tunnel 028 by the pusher 030. The article group accumulating means is formed by supplying toward the (012c) and for the immediately adjacent downstream article group 012c.

Thus, as shown, preferably, the pushing means is supported by a vertical arm 036 which is movable vertically and supported by a head 038 which in turn slides on the longitudinal member 040. It comprises a pusher composed of a plate 030 traversing.

According to the second advantageous and preferred embodiment shown, the stroke for inserting the article group in the tunnel 027 and the return stroke of the means for inserting the article group in the tubular film are smaller than the length of the feed means supporting surface.

As described above, advantageously and preferably, when the insertion push is completed, the insertion means leaves the rear portion 012 "a of the upstream article group outside of the tubular film placement means.

In particular, the pusher 030 has a central portion 030a and two side tabs 030b, 030c. The support devices 030d, 030e for the tabs 030b, 030c at the center 030a are such that the tabs 030b, 030c are released if the thrust acting on the article group reaches a predetermined limit value. (Not shown in detail in the drawings, and may be any suitable type available to those skilled in the art). In this way, it is possible to prevent harmful thrust on the product or other article if the tunnel is full.

Also, as shown in FIG. 8, preferably but not exclusively, the tubular film placement or production means is advantageously provided with means for feeding the group of articles into the tubular film in a bundle state. .

The supply means consists of an article and tubular film supply means comprising the article and the tubular film in a region extending longitudinally to the tubular film production tunnel 027.

The article and tubular film supply means each comprise a plurality of upper feed belts and lower feed belts.

Advantageously, the feed belt is located at the end or downstream of the forming tunnel.

Advantageous means for rotationally driving the feed belt and advantageous means for moving the feed belt toward and away from the tubular film and the group of articles contained therein are provided. Means for moving the feed belt toward the tubular film and the article group by the vertical movement and away from the tubular film and the article group are not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings.

The feed belts 0113 and 0115 extend from the downstream end of the tunnel onto a predetermined portion suitable for internal engagement with a predetermined number of articles.

In particular, the plurality of upper feed belts 0113 is formed of a group of articles inserted into the longitudinal surface of the tubular film reached through the upper surface of the tubular film and downstream of the opening 027c of the front or the upper wall of the inner tunnel 027. Engage with the top surface.

In particular, the plurality of lower feed belts 0151 are longitudinal portions of the tubular film reached through the upper surface of the tubular film and downstream of the slit 027d of the opening or front of the lower wall of the inner tunnel 027. Engage with the upper surface of the article group inserted in.

Also provided are means 027e for supporting the article group in an uncoupled state.

In particular, a slit 027d is made transversely, and a plurality of projections 027e extending downstream from the middle edge 027f of the base of the tunnel 027 is provided.

In practice, the feed belt 0151 joins with the corresponding longitudinal portion or strip of the tubular film slid below the bottom surface of the projection 027e protruding from the longitudinal opening 027d and then with the tubular film and the article group bottom surface. The lower surface extends beyond the upper surface 027g of the projection 027e to contact the lower surface of the individual article. On the contrary, when the belt is contracted vertically while releasing the tubular film and the lower part of the article group, the belt goes through the slit while moving to a position below the protrusion 027e where the lower part of the article group is placed on the upper surface 027g. Return to. In the latter operating condition, the lower surface of the tubular film is freely slidable under the projection 027e.

Clearly, the article group is supplied to the paving tunnel by thrust applied by the upstream article group inserted by the push means 030 for the first upstream portion, and the belts act on the second portion. By the tunnel.

This prevents the product from crushing. There is no resistance at the time of insertion by the push means 030.

In addition, advantageous means are provided for separating or separating a packaged group of articles.

In particular, the means for disengaging separates the downstream article group from the upstream article group immediately adjacent to the downstream article group among the plurality of articles inserted in the paving tunnels 027 and 028.

As shown, advantageously, the means for separating the downstream article group from the immediately adjacent upstream article group is located downstream of the tubular film placing means and immediately adjacent the upstream package package front immediately upon closure of the downstream package package means. It operates in such a way that the downstream article group 012b is separated from the immediately adjacent upstream article group to the extent of sealing.

In particular, the means for separating the downstream article group from the immediately adjacent upstream article group separates the article group by a distance according to the size of the packaged bag at the time of separation.

Advantageously, said separating means consists in particular of a means for engaging with and feeding the front part of the tubular film packed downstream product group, while engaging with the front part of the tubular film packed downstream product group.

In particular, means are provided for associating with the tubular film and the upstream article group, and means for moving the joining means.

As shown, the coupling means consists of at least a first conveyor belt 072 and a second conveyor belt 074 with longitudinal coupling portions 072a, 074a which extend horizontally facing each other vertically. do.

In particular, as shown, the coupling means have a plurality of first conveyor belts 072 and a plurality of second conveyors, each having a longitudinal coupling portion 072a, 074a which extends horizontally, facing each other vertically. It is composed of a belt (074).

10B and 10C, the tubular film production means is provided with means for stopping the supply of the bundle of articles in the tubular film into the tubular film.

The means for stopping the supply into the tunnel extends inside the tubular film 019 and engages with the front face of the article group 012d to be separated from the downstream article group 012b to be packaged.

The stop means 0119 comprises, at its downstream end, a longitudinally extending element 0119a with a cross member 0119b, not shown in detail, designed to engage the top of the package group 012c.

The longitudinal element 0119a pivots about a member 0119c upstream of the longitudinal sealing means 029, the upstream end of which is driven by an actuator, in particular a corresponding drive means composed of pneumatic cylinders 0119f. Combine with article group 012d and release article group 012d.

In practice, the stop means retains the article group if operated to separate the downstream article group to close and cut each bag.

Advantageously, at the downstream end of the tunnel 027, tubular film internal air replacement means are provided.

The air replacement means consists of tubular film internal air flow release means designed to counter any vacuum that may be formed by the downstream article group 012b that is separated from the article group 012d.

Preferably, the tubular film internal air replacement means is a small, perforated with a plurality of distributed openings extending along the cross member 0119b of the stop means of the upstream article group immediately adjacent to the article group 012b to be separated. Consists of a tube. A perforated small tube with a plurality of similarly distributed openings extends down at the end edge of the tunnel 027. The perforated small tube for air replacement inside the tubular film is not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings.

The tubular film internal air replacement means further comprises a plurality of perforated small tubes which are longitudinally spaced from one another.

The cutting means consists of blades 077 and 077 facing each other in the clamping and sealing plates 078 and 078 in a manner substantially known to the person skilled in the art.

In practice, suitable drive means bring the plates and blades that face each other to each other in order to seal the package and cut the package from the tubular film.

Advantageously, the means for separating or away from the cutting and sealing means are supported on a single frame 080 moving back and forth in the longitudinal direction.

For this purpose, the longitudinal drive comprises a belt 082 operatively connected with the frame 080 which moves forward and backward and is assigned 079 and slides along the appropriate longitudinal side guides shown in FIG. 9. Means are provided.

In particular, the belt 082 extends below the support surface 084 downstream of the tubular film placing means.

Means for joining and releasing the separating means (087) are provided, which respectively move the joining means until they come into contact with the tubular film and away from the tubular film.

The coupling element is supported by individual support frames 086 and 086 that are movable vertically when each actuator, not shown in the accompanying figures, is actuated.

In addition, means are provided for moving the package package formed downstream of the sealing and cutting means away. The means for moving the package away is composed of a group of immediately adjacent upstream articles that push the packaged article group. Thus, the packaged article group slides over a plurality of aligned rollers supported by the gravity and tilted down by the gravity.

In the end, the device works as follows.

The article group 012a discharged upstream is transported by the conveyor 494 to a position where the insertion means 030 starts to push.

In this step, the vertically facing sealing and cutting plates 078 and 078 moving between positions vertically close to each other and positions vertically distant from each other for sealing and cutting can be freely passed by subsequent groups of articles therebetween. Towards the extended position, the sealing and cutting plates 078 and 078 are returned until they reach the extended position as shown in FIG. 10A.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 10A, the pusher 030 engages with the rear surface of the upstream article group 012a and pushes it against the immediately adjacent downstream article group 012c, thus pushing the immediately adjacent downstream article group 012c. Push forward into the tunnel. During the execution of this step, the supply belt in the tunnel supplies the downstream article groups 012b, 012d forward and also supplies the article group 012c upon arrival at the area covered by the downstream article groups 012b, 012d.

Because of being pushed by the belts 0113 and 0115, the front part of the downstream article group 012b exits out of the rear end 027b of the paving tunnel, and the engaging means 072 and 074 are separated, in a single state. With the support frame 080 substantially reaching the rear outfeed 027b of the forming tunnels 027 and 028, the coupling means 072 and 074 will reach the rear end of the tunnel as shown in FIG. 10B. Approach the rear end of the tunnel.

In this position, the engagement belts 072 and 074 are rotated to pull out the downstream group of articles 012b, as shown in FIG. 10B, while the downstream articles included in the outer surface of the tubular film and the longitudinal portion of the tubular film. In combination with group 012b.

The separating means operates to pull the tubular film (019) and the downstream article group, and the upstream article group is the inner tubular shape with the feed belt in the tunnel separated so that the tubular film can slide freely forward without supplying the article. Remains in the body 027.

In this state, the element 0119 for engaging and stopping the immediately adjacent upstream article group 012d is operated to stop the immediately adjacent upstream article group. Also in this state, the air replacement means is operated to supply an appropriate pressure to the film upstream of the downstream article group 012b.

To this end, the belts 072 and 074 coupled with the front part of the tubular film and the downstream article group 012b rotate, and also in the longitudinal direction by the forward movement of the support frame 080 along the side guides 079. Move.

In particular, the longitudinal movement means of the engagement means 072, 074 are coupled means for separating the rear surface of the downstream article group 012b from the immediately adjacent upstream article group 012d, as shown in FIG. 10B. Is moved forward away from the end 027b downstream of the tubular film batch or production means.

Thus, the closing distance between the downstream article group 012b and the immediately adjacent upstream article group 012d is obtained through the combined effect of the carriage 080 translational motion and the belt 072, 074 rotational motion.

As shown in FIG. 10C, the longitudinal movement means 080 of the joining means for the front article group allows the downstream end of the tubular film to be clamped, sealed, and cut, while directly adjoining the rear of the downstream article group immediately adjacent. Move away from the tubular film placement means 027, 028 by a portion or stroke suitable for separation from the article group.

As shown in Fig. 10C, with the support frame 080 separated, the upper and lower portions 078 and 078 of the clamping jaws, respectively designed for supporting and sealing the cutting means, move closer together. During the execution of this step, the film and article groups 012b downstream of the sealing and cutting means 078 and 078 are stopped and not moved by the coupling means 072 and 074, and the immediate upstream article group is the downstream end thereof. (027b) supported on the inner surface of the tunnel 27, suspended, stopped and not moved, the front surface of the wrapping paper for the article group (012b) or the front surface which is combined with the tubular film to supply the tubular film (014a) or The film is released to form the downstream face.

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the jaws 078 meet, the film is sealed and cut in the middle region of the transverse sealing region.

As shown, the cutting and sealing means operate when the tubular film and the group of articles inserted therein are stationary.

While the sealing and cutting operations are performed, the supply means brings the new article group 012 upstream to the position for feeding the push means.

Thus, while the sealing and cutting jaws 078 and 078 are returned to the extended inoperative position, the push means 030 engages against a group of articles in which a new article group is located immediately downstream and inserted into the tunnel front. Do it.

At this point, the cycle is repeated as described above.

As described above, with each actuation cycle of the supply means 0113 and 0115 in the tubular film production tunnel, the article group is fed forward by a portion equal to the length of the article group to be packed.

Provided is a packaging film supply means comprising a film support reel (022). To this end, there is also provided a suitable reel rotation drive means comprising an individual reel rotation roller driven by a motor, which is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

The flat film drive means may also comprise control means designed to form controlled film release means and provided in the form of mechanical control means, not shown.

The film 019 can be returned by various return means, in particular in the form of a roller and fed by a pair of feed rollers 22e not shown in the accompanying drawings, before reaching the tunnel infeed. In addition, a movable return roller may be provided that forms a counterweight for maintaining film tension during the execution of various film feed acceleration and deceleration steps. The counterweight roller has a center film contact and a return and an end movable in a separate vertical guide. The motor-driven loosening assembly releases the film from the reel 022, which releases the film at a substantially constant speed. The acceleration and deceleration applied to the film are controlled by a roller system located downstream of the reel 022.

In particular, in the first step, the flat film supply means is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed V1 equal to the film forming means, i.e., the article group supply speed in the inner tubular body. The film released during the execution of this step forms the side wall of the bag, or the top wall, bottom wall and side wall of the bag.

In the second step, the flat film supply means is equal to the sum of the translational movement speed of the sealing means and the speed applied to the film 19 by the rotation of the belts 072 and 074, and is equal to the predetermined film supply speed V1. It was designed to release the film at another predetermined rate (V2). The film released during the execution of this step forms part of the end wall of the bag. In addition, the amount of film released during the execution of this step is sufficient to form the required wrapping or adhesion state.

In a third step, the flat film supply means is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed V3 equal to the closing speed of the sealing means. The film released during the execution of this step forms the remainder of the back end wall of the bag and provides the front wall of the bag for subsequent article groups.

In addition, the flat film supply means is adapted to release the film at a predetermined speed V0, in particular at the same speed as the film release is stopped, so that the cross section separating the downstream article group from the subsequent article group can be sealed and cut. Designed.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, generally, an article bundle or group of articles to be packaged includes a plurality of package bundles arranged and arranged in various longitudinal rows parallel to each other. In particular, three rows of packaging packages are used to produce the illustrated group of articles.

Advantageously, the paving tunnels 027, 028 can adjust their width and / or height, or are provided with a plurality of paving tunnels 027, 028, each suitable for use with the individual transverse size of the group of articles to be packed. Can be.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the film supply means consists only of the tubular film forming means or tunnel, the push means 024 for pushing the article group at least at the initial stage of the process which is fed out from the member 024, The push means 024 is configured such that the front end of the downstream article group may receive the closed end of the tubular film and the front end of the downstream article group and the downstream end of the tubular film for forward feeding by the downstream supply means or rollers 072, 074. Push until

Indeed, in the latter embodiment, the feed rollers 0113 and 0115 operating in the tunnel portion can be omitted. The act of pushing or feeding the group of articles to be packaged exiting the tubular film forming tunnel is only transmitted by the forward stroke of the push means 024.

Thus, the device is made of a relatively simple and compact structure which allows to achieve a relatively high operating speed, i.e. less pressure is applied to the packaging film and the risk of product clumping is limited.

The present invention can be modified and changed without departing from the scope of the spirit of the invention. In particular, this second embodiment provides a device with a relatively simple and compact structure that allows to achieve a relatively high operating speed, ie, less pressure is applied to the packaging film.

In addition, all the details of the present invention may be replaced by equivalent technical elements.

Claims (93)

Article group supply means (044), Film feeding means, Means 010c for wrapping the film 019 in a tubular shape and for wrapping the article group with the film 019 and Means (024) for inserting the article group into the tubular film (019), In a device for wrapping a group of articles 012, which is a packaging package containing an individual product, in a special wrapping paper obtained from a film or sheet, in particular a film made of a plastic material, And means for feeding the article group (012a, 012b, 012c, 012d) in an aligned and coupled state to the means for tubularly placing the film (019). In the preamble of claim 1 or 1, A device characterized in that it comprises means (078, 078) for coupling, in particular sealing, of the corresponding cross section of the tubular packaging film (019). The method of claim 2, And means (077, 077) for cutting the tubular package film (019) at the cross-linking portion to form a package of packages comprising an individual article group (012). In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, The article insertion means (024) is designed to insert a plurality of groups of articles into the tubular film (019) in an aligned and coupled state with each other. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, The article inserting means (024) is designed to insert a plurality of groups of articles into the tubular film placing means (023) in an aligned and coupled state with each other. The method according to any of the preceding claims, The tubular film (019) arranging means (023) is characterized in that it comprises a tubular element (027) designed to receive a plurality of groups of goods in an aligned and coupled state, and the outside through which the tubular film (019) passes. . The method according to any of the preceding claims, Wherein the plurality of articles comprises at least an upstream first article group (012a) and a downstream second article group (012b). The method of claim 7, wherein And the plurality of articles comprises at least an intermediate third group of articles (012c). The method of claim 8, And the plurality of articles comprises at least an intermediate fourth article group (012d). The method according to any of the preceding claims, Said supply means being an article and a tubular film supply means. The method according to any of the preceding claims, The article and the tubular film feeding means comprise at least an upper feed part. The method according to any of the preceding claims, The article and the tubular film feeding means comprise at least a bottom feed. The method according to any of the preceding claims, Said article and tubular film feeding means each comprising a plurality of top feed belts and a plurality of bottom feed belts. The method according to any of the preceding claims, Said supply means being located at the end or downstream of the forming tunnel. The method according to any of the preceding claims, Means for coupling said supply means with a tubular film (019) and a group of articles contained therein, and means for releasing the supply means from the tubular film (019) and a group of articles contained therein. The method according to any of the preceding claims, Means for combining the supply means with the tubular film (019) and the group of articles contained therein, and the means for releasing the supply means from the tubular film (019) and the group of articles contained therein are the tubular film (019) and And is provided in the form of a means for moving towards and away from the group of articles contained therein. The method according to any of the preceding claims, Said supply means extending from an end of the tubular film placement means (023) over a predetermined portion suitable for engagement with a predetermined number of articles. The method according to any of the preceding claims, And said supply means engage with the tubular film (019) inserted into the longitudinal portion of the tubular film (019) reached through the opening of the corresponding wall of the tunnel (027) and the corresponding side of the article group. The method of claim 18, Said supply means engage with the upper face of the tubular film (019) and the article group inserted in the longitudinal part of the tubular film (019) reached through the opening (027c) of the upper wall of the inner tunnel (027). Device. The method of claim 18 or 19, Said supply means engage with the lower face of the article group and the tubular film (019) inserted in the longitudinal portion of the tubular film (019) reached at least through the corresponding opening (027d) of the lower wall of the tunnel (027). With Apparatus characterized in that a means (027e) is provided for supporting the article group in a separated state. The method of claim 20, Wherein the article is placed and a plurality of projections (027e) separated laterally by slits (027d) are provided for passage of the supply means. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, The supply means is provided in the form of an article comprising means (030) for pushing the article and in the form of a tubular film supply means. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Means for inserting the article into the tubular film (019) is provided in the form of article pushing means (030). The method of claim 22 or 23, Said push means being designed to mate with a rear face of an upstream article group among a plurality of article groups to be inserted. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, The push means comprise a movable element (030) designed to engage a group of articles located on a support surface (044). The method of claim 25, The movable element (030) is characterized by alternating movements that push the article forward and then back. The method of claim 25 or 26, The article group supporting means to be inserted consists of a conveyor belt (044) forming an article group supply means. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Means (044) are provided for feeding the upstream article group with respect to the immediately adjacent downstream article group, at least partially inserted into the packaging means (027, 028). In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Means for inserting a plurality of groups of articles into the tubular film (019) is maintained outside the front of the tubular film forming means. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Means (010b) are provided for separating the groups of articles to be packed away from each other. The method of claim 30, Means (010b) for separating the group of articles away from each other, the apparatus for separating the downstream article group from its upstream article group. 32. The method of claim 30 or 31, Means (010b) for separating the group of articles away from each other are located close to the end of the tubular film placement means. 33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, Means (010b) for separating the group of articles away from each other is located downstream of the tubular film placement means. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein Means for separating the downstream article group from its upstream article group (010b) further separates the article group in a manner that allows for closure of the downstream package rear end and closure of the upstream package front immediately adjacent thereto. Device. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein And means (010b) for separating the groups of articles from each other is a means for combining and supplying a tubular film (019) wrapping the downstream article group and a portion of the article group therein. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 35, The means (010b) for separating the article group from each other is characterized in that it is a means for engaging with the front portion of the tubular film (019) wrapping the downstream article group, Means are provided for moving the coupling means. The method of claim 36, And said engaging means moving means moves the engaging means back and forth in the longitudinal direction. The method of claim 36 or 37, And said coupling means consist of at least a first element and a second element arranged to face each other. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, The coupling element comprises a feed belt. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 39, Means (010b) for separating the group of articles away from each other, characterized in that the tubular film (019) and the corresponding portion of the group of articles contained therein are accelerated. 41. The method of any of claims 36-40, The longitudinal movement means of the means for engaging with the downstream article group moves away from the downstream end of the tubular film placement means, while the rear face of the downstream article group is away from the immediately adjacent upstream article group . The method of claim 41, wherein The longitudinal movement means of the means for engaging with the downstream article group allows the distance between the rear of the downstream article group and the upstream article group immediately adjacent, while allowing the downstream end of the tubular film 019 to be clamped, sealed and cut. Away from the tubular film placement means by a portion or stroke suitable for forming the device. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, Said longitudinal movement means returning toward the tubular film placement means before the front portion of the downstream article group exits from the tubular film placement means. The method of any one of claims 36-43, wherein Said longitudinal movement means returning toward the tubular film placement means before the article group moves forward. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 44, Means are provided for moving the engagement and / or cutting means in the longitudinal direction. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 45, Said joining and / or cutting means operating while the tubular film and the group of articles packed therein are stationary. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 46, Wherein said joining and / or cutting means and means for moving the article group away from each other are supported in a single frame (080). The method according to any one of claims 2 to 47, A device characterized in that a longitudinally movable support frame (080) is provided. The method of claim 48, A movable frame (080) longitudinal drive means is provided, consisting of a continuous element (082) operatively connected to a frame that moves forward and backward and slides along an appropriate guide. The method of claim 49, And a continuous element (082) for moving the longitudinally movable frame extends under support means (084) located downstream of the tubular film placement means. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 50, Drive means (087) are provided for engaging and disengaging the means for moving away from each other. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 51, Means are provided for driving the means for coupling and supplying the joining portion of the tubular film and the group of articles contained therein. The method of any one of claims 36-52, The coupling means characterized in that it comprises at least one feed belt (072, 074). The method of claim 53, Means are provided for rotationally driving the engagement belt (072, 074) to feed the tubular film (019) and the group of related articles. The method of any one of claims 36-54, The coupling element (072, 074) is characterized in that it is supported by a vertically movable support frame (087). The method of any one of claims 36-55, The coupling and supply belt (072, 074) is characterized in that it has a longitudinal coupling extending horizontally. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Means are provided for moving the downstream package away from the sealing and cutting means. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Wherein the packaging film supply means comprises a film support reel. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Means are provided for driving the film feeding means. The method according to any of the preceding claims, Said film drive means releasing the film at a substantially constant rate. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, The film feeding means is provided downstream of the film supporting means. 62. The method of claim 61, Wherein the film feeding means is controlled by suitable controls designed to allow controlled feeding of the film. 63. The method of claim 61 or 62, The flat film supply means is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed (V1) equal to the speed at which the article group enters the tubular film forming means. 64. The method of any of claims 61-63, The flat film supply means is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed V2 which is different from the predetermined film feed rate V1 during insertion of the article group and is equal to the translational movement speed of the means for moving the article group away from each other. Device characterized in that. The method of claim 61 or 64, wherein The flat film supply means is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed (V3) equal to the speed at which the clamping means is closed. The method of any one of claims 61 or 65, The flat film drive means is designed to release the film at a predetermined speed (V0), in particular equal to the stop of film release during the sealing and cutting of the cross section separating the downstream group of articles from the next group of articles. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Means are provided for stopping the feeding of the article group into the tubular film in the bundle state. The method of claim 67, The means for stopping supply into the tunnel is characterized in that it engages with the front portion of the group of articles (012d) which extends inside the tubular film and which should be separated from the downstream group of articles to be packed (012b). The method of claim 67-68, wherein Stop means (0119) characterized in that it comprises a longitudinally extending element (0119a). 70. The method of any of claims 67-69, The stop means (0119) is characterized in that it comprises a cross member (0119b) at the downstream end. The method of any one of claims 67-70, The stop means are characterized in that they pivot upstream of the longitudinal sealing means. The method of any one of claims 67-71, The upstream end of the stop means is driven to engage the article group (012d) and release the article group (012d). In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Apparatus characterized in that a means for replacing air inside the tubular film is provided. The method of claim 73, Said film internal air replacement means being located at a downstream end of the tunnel (027). 75. The method of claim 73-74, Said means for replacing air comprises means for releasing air flow inside the tubular film. 76. The method of any of claims 73-75, The means for replacing air inside the tubular film (019) has a plurality of dispersed openings and extends along the cross member (0119b) of the means for stopping the immediately adjacent downstream article group of the article group (012b) to be separated. Device comprising a small tube pierced. 77. The method of any of claims 73-76, The air replacement means in the tubular film (019) is characterized in that it comprises a perforated small tube having a plurality of dispersed openings and extending downward from the end edge (0127) of the tunnel (027). In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, The article group supplying means comprises means for sequentially receiving the article, intermediate storage means of the article and any separate article group release means. The method of claim 78, And the article is placed on the sequential article receiving means for placing the article at a location where the article is received by the storage means. 80. The method of claim 78 or 79, And said sequential article receiving means is designed to push a previously received article. 81. The method of any one of claims 78-80, Said sequential article receiving means is characterized in that it comprises at least one portion (48) designed to receive the article and simultaneously push forward the previously received article. 82. The method of any of claims 78-81, A portion (48) designed to receive an article and at the same time push the article previously received forward has an upper surface for receiving the article and a front surface designed to push forward the previously received article. 83. The method of any one of claims 78-82 A first portion and a second portion are provided, which are designed to receive the article and simultaneously push forward the previously received article, which portions alternately carry out the task of receiving the article one by one and pushing forward the article received by the other portion. Device characterized in that. 84. The method of any one of claims 78 to 83, The device (48), which is designed to receive the article and simultaneously push forward the previously received article forward, is substantially circular, i.e., moves along a closed path. 85. The method of any one of claims 78 to 84, The portion (48) designed to receive the article and simultaneously push the previously received article forwardly is provided with a plurality of receiving and push elements which are transversely separated from each other and whose surface is not plate. 86. The method of any one of claims 78 to 85, The portion 48 designed to receive the article and at the same time push the previously received article forwardly moves on the longitudinally moving vertical guide rod, following a closed path that positions it at the desired article receiving position at predetermined time intervals. Device characterized in that possible. 87. The method of any one of claims 78 to 86, Wherein the intermediate storage means of the article comprises a lower support, a supply face and at least one upper feed belt. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, An article densification or lateral center alignment means is provided. 89. The method of any one of claims 78 to 88, And means for releasing a pre-formed and separated group of articles includes article supply means and article supply stop means, wherein the article is released in a manner to eject a group of articles consisting of a predetermined number of articles. The method according to any of the preceding claims, The article supply stop means comprises a plate movable between a position associated with the article to stop the article and a retracted position through which the article group passes freely. In any of the preceding claims or in the preamble of claim 1, Appropriate means are provided for arranging the article to be packaged at a plurality of levels. Supply group stage, Film feeding stage, Wrapping the group of articles into a film, wherein the film is placed in a tubular shape for packaging the group of articles and the article group is inserted into the tubular film, In a method of packaging a group of articles, preferably packaging packages containing individual products, in a special wrapper obtained from a film or sheet, in particular a film made of plastic material, And a plurality of article groups are inserted into the tubular film in an aligned and bonded state together. Supply group stage, Film feeding stage, Wrapping the group of articles into a film, wherein the film is placed in a tubular shape for packaging the group of articles and the article group is inserted into the tubular film, In a method of packaging a group of articles, preferably packaging packages containing individual products, in a special wrapper obtained from a film or sheet, in particular a film made of plastic material, And the plurality of article groups are inserted into the tubular film arrangement means in an aligned and coupled state with each other.

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