WO2021165813A1

WO2021165813A1 - A method, machine and packaging line for packaging tiles with packagings complete with corner protections

Info

Publication number: WO2021165813A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/051243
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurizio Bardi
Original assignee: Sacmi Tech S.P.A.
Priority date: 2020-02-20
Filing date: 2021-02-15
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Also published as: IT202000003437A1

Abstract

The method includes exclusively releasing a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C) to rest on the upper face and at a respective corner of a first flank of a stack (A) of tiles and moving the stack (A) of tiles so that the corner protections impact against a first packaging element (F). Downstream of the contact, the first packaging element (F) prevents the corner protections from falling and, thereafter, stabilises them after being folded on the stack (A) of tiles by first folding means (2), during the continuance of the movement. The machine (1) comprises release means (5) which comprise hands and actuators to release corner protections. The hands form couples configured to release the corner protections in time sequence, the hands of each pair releasing a respective corner protection in time phase with one another. The machine (1) comprises positioning means of the packaging elements, folding means for folding them on the stack (A) of tiles and movement means which enable the packaging element to contact the corner protections and the folding means.

Description

A METHOD, MACHINE AND PACKAGING LINE FOR PACKAGING TILES WITH PACKAGINGS COMPLETE WITH CORNER PROTECTIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector relating to packing of a tile or a stack of tiles, for example made of ceramic material, plastic, glass or concrete.

In particular, the invention relates to a method, machine and packaging line for packaging a tile, or a stack of tiles, with a package complete with corner protections, also known as corner pieces. The invention is particularly useful for applying primary packagings, i.e. the first covering or packaging applied directly on the article.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Generally packagings prevent breakage of the tiles during the handling or transport and confine them within a predetermined volume. Corner protections are used to increase resistance to external stresses on the corners and/or to prevent the corners from directly impacting with objects or persons.

In the sector of tiles the use of the corner protections is particularly relevant when the movement does not take place with automatic systems or in pallets but manually and/or in small batches with single packages.

The corner protections are applied at a corner of a tile, or of a stack (A) of tiles, before being covered, at least partly, by at least a packaging element, usually made of cardboard or a plastic material. When the corner protection is positioned between the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, and the packaging element, the packaging element limits the possibility of movements, or keeps the tile stationary making it possible to make gluing or blocking the corner protection unnecessary, for example, with the aid of strapping machines. In other words the corner protection is trapped between the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, and the packaging elements.

According to the dimensions and other production and/or commercial requirements, the tiles can be packaged singly or in a stack; usually the tiles are compacted and stacked on one another to form a series of stacks of tiles, each of the stacks thus-formed is then destined to be conveyed towards the packaging station in relative packages. In a common practice, the conveying line intermittently feeds the packaging station which consequently represents a bottleneck in the production process, with packaging times of the single tile, or stack (A) of tiles, that can have a negative impact on the upstream operations. A classic conveying line comprises a conveyor belt or a pair of looped belts activated by rollers or pulleys.

The positioning of the corner protections usually takes place with the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, paused along the conveying line or in any case with the tile moving at a lower speed with respect to the conveying speed.

In a common embodiment the corner protections comprise two wings, which are joined to each other to form an L-shape so as to face on a respective flank of a tile, and a wall for contacting the upper face of the tile which joins the edges of the two wings; typically, in the case of rectangular or square-base tiles, the wall forms a right-angled triangle with the two cathetuses defined by the legs of the “L” shape. Document EP 2500283 A1 , by the same inventor of the present invention, describes a device for positioning a corner protection at a corner of a stack of tiles to be packaged. The same document teaches protecting all the corners of a tile resting along a packaging line by means of a plurality of devices for positioning the corner protections, one for each corner, as illustrated in figure 8 of EP 2500283 A1. With the corner protections positioned, the tile can be moved along to a following station where it is wrapped by at least a packaging element that also has the function of holding the corner protections in position.

The release of the corner protections reduces the productivity of the packaging lines, both because the necessary times for releasing these elements add to the times for wrapping the stack, for example with packaging materials, and because the movement with the corner protections takes place at a reduced velocity. Often the corner protections fall from the corners during the conveying of the stack or during its movement to be packaged, because, as they are preferably only rested on the edges thereof, they are subject to jolts, vibrations and impacts from the conveyor means which comprise chains, belts and other mobile components. In known solutions the stack advances by at least its own size in the direction of the packaging line with the corner protections in an unstable position. To obviate these drawbacks, the speed of the stack of tiles complete with corner protections is generally drastically reduced with respect to a stack without them, with consequent further delays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the light of the foregoing, a first aim of the present invention consists in limiting the risk that the corner protections might fall once released onto the tile or the stack (A) of tiles. A further aim is to reduce the impact of the release of the corner protections on the packaging times. These and other aims, which will be obvious to the expert in the sector from a reading of the following text, are attained by means of a method for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles according to claim 1 , a machine for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles according to claim 9 and a packaging line for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles according to claim 11.

According to the method of the present invention, on the two opposite corners of a first flank of a tile, or a stack of tiles, a first corner protection and a second corner protection are released, and a first packaging element is positioned facing onto the first flank so that with the subsequent movement of the tile, or stack of tiles, the first corner protection and the second corner protection contact the first packaging element. Downstream of this contact, the possibility for the first corner protection and the second corner protection resting on the tile to fall is reduced.

The movement of the tile, or stack of tiles, further enables the first folding means to contact the first packaging element so as to fold it on the tile, or on the stack of tiles, so as to hold the first corner protection and the second corner protection in place.

The present invention further relates to a machine for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles, which comprises the following elements configured in such a way as to obtain the above-described effects: release means for releasing at least a pair of corner protections, first positioning means for positioning a first packaging element, first movement means for moving the tile, or the stack of tiles, and first folding means for folding the first packaging element on the tile, or on the stack of tiles.

The invention is advantageously used in a packaging line for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles, comprising the machine and conveyor means for conveying the tile, or the stack of tiles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is an axonometric view, complete with a detail, of an embodiment of a machine for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles according to the invention, in which all the elements have been removed, such as for example the frame, the protective screens and the control and command unit, which are not strictly connected to the teachings herein divulged;

- figure 2 is a lateral view, complete with a detail, of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

- figure 3 is a view from above of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

- figures from 4 to 9 are axonometric views, some with inset details, which together with figure 1 show successive instants according to an embodiment of the method;

- figures from 10 to 15 are schematic views from above relative to the same instants shown in figures from 4 to 9;

- figures from 16 to 21 are schematic lateral views relative to the same instants shown in figures from 4 to 9;

- figure 22 is a view from above of a tile or a stack of tiles packaged according to the present invention;

- figure 23 is a view from above of possible movement directions of a tile or a stack of tiles according to the invention;

- figures 24 and 25 illustrate a respective variant of a machine for packaging a tile, or a stack of tiles, according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the appended tables of drawings, in which reference numeral (1) denotes in its entirety a machine for packaging tiles, single or in a stack; according to a preferred embodiment the method for packaging tiles with at least a packaging element of the present invention comprises following steps:

- supplying a tile, or a stack (A) of tiles, both having an upper face, a lower face and, between them, flanks which define corners there-between;

- supplying at least a corner protection configured to at least partly protect a corner of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles;

- supplying a first packaging element (F) comprising two lateral portions (F2) and a central portion (F1) which extends between the two lateral portions (F2) by a portion that is at least equal to the distance between the two corners of a first flank of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles;

- supplying first folding means (2) configured for folding the first packaging element (F) on the tile, or on the stack (A) of tiles.

The method further comprises following steps: a) positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first flank facing towards the first folding means (2); b) exclusively releasing a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C) of the at least a corner protection, to rest on the upper face and at a respective corner of the first flank, thus leaving the other corners of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, free; c) positioning the first packaging element (F) between the first and the second corner protection (B, C) and the first folding means (2), with the central portion (F1) facing onto the first flank; d) moving the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) resting thereon according to a first direction and a first sense (Y) so that the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) contact the first packaging element (F) and so that the first folding means (2) fold the two lateral portions (F2) of the first packaging element (F) on the flanks adjacent to the first flank and fold the two lateral portions (F2) and the central portion (F1) of the first packaging element (F) at least on the upper face. In step d) the central portion (F1) and each of the two lateral portions (F2) advantageously mutually overlap, at least above the upper face, in order to hold the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) in place. Typically, the central portion (F1) and each of the two lateral portions (F2) mutually overlap, also below the lower face; in this way the first packaging element (F) also holds the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, from the lower side thereof.

As will be more fully illustrated in the following, in step c) it is preferred to keep the first packaging element (F) in position at least up to the start of step d). Typically, as long as the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) contact the first packaging element (F). The falling of the first and second corner protection (B, C) or the dealignment of the first packaging element (F) are thus avoided.

In step d) the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, is moved towards the first packaging element (F) and the first folding means (2). In a preferred sequence which privileges the stability of the corner protections, first the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) contact the first packaging element (F) and then the first packaging element (F) contacts the first folding means (2); however the sequence could be different, for example, with the first packaging element (F) positioned resting on the first folding means (2).

In a preferred embodiment the velocity of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, in step a) is greater with respect to the velocity in step d), when the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) are in the resting position. In this way it is possible to accelerate the packaging without risking losing the corner protections and it is possible to travel the larger distances at greater velocities.

Preferably, in step a) the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, is conveyed in an advancement direction parallel to the first direction and crosses the zone where the first packaging element (F) is positioned at the end of step c) and step c) is at least partly simultaneous with step b). By operating step c) at least partly simultaneously with step b), i.e. in a concurrent operation time, the overall times can be further reduced.

Further, in step b) the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) can be first collected from at least a storehouse (56) and then positioned on the upper face of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, with the collection terminating before the conveying of the tile or of the stack (A) of tiles, according to step a). This enables further reducing the overall times as the collection is done before the tile is available for release. The first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) can preferably be neared to the position where the respective corners of the first flank will be located so as to enable the advancement of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles.

Step b), like step e) described in the following, preferably takes place with the tile momentarily stationary to ensure a correct release of the corner protections and/or to avoid changes of direction with the corner protections in the resting position. The tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, might possibly move with the corner protections reaching it, as the corner protections move at a greater velocity.

Therefore release of the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) preferably terminates following the step a) of positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the tile stationary. Flowever the positioning on the upper face of the first corner protection (B) and of the second corner protection (C) can take place with the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, still in motion, or at least starting when it is still in motion. The embodiments of the above-described method enable a drastic reduction of the trajectory travelled by the tile, or stack (A) of tiles, before the corner protections are halted, thus strongly reducing, practically eliminating, the risk that the corner protections might fall once they have been released onto the upper face.

The advantages gained emerge from the comparison with the solutions of the prior art, in which the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, passes from a first station, for release of the corner protections, to a second station, for packaging, and has to travel for a portion at least identical to the length thereof along the direction that unites the two stations. In this aspect, the method of the invention is advantageous with respect to the prior-art solutions as long as the first corner protection (B), or the second corner protection (C), and the first packaging element (F) is smaller than the dimension of the tile in the first direction.

Typically, with the purpose of minimising the travel of the tile, or stack (A) of tiles, with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) in rest position, the first packaging element (F) is placed in proximity of the first flank i.e. the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C).

As regards the afore-mentioned with respect to the prior art, it is preferable and advantageous to have a step c) in which the first packaging element (B) is positioned at a distance with the first corner protection (B) or with the second corner protection (C) that is smaller than the dimension of the tile in the first direction.

In step c) the first packaging element (F) is preferably placed in adherence to the operating volume required for carrying out step b); in other words, it is sought to minimise the distance between the tile and the first packaging element (F) as a function of the conditions and the operating context. In this way it is also possible to configure and arrange the folding means, as well as including a step d) in which the movement of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, is less than half, and preferably less than one third, of the dimension of the tile in the first direction.

In a preferred embodiment the method also comprises following steps, according to any combination with the above-described options:

- supplying a second packaging element (G) comprising two lateral portions (G2) and a central portion (G1) which extends between the two lateral portions (G2) by a portion that is at least equal to the distance between the two corners of a second flank of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles;

- supplying second folding means (3) configured to fold the second packaging element (G) on the tile, or on the stack (A) of tiles; e) exclusively releasing a third corner protection (D) and a fourth corner protection (E) of the at least a corner protection to rest on the upper face and at a respective corner of the second flank; f) positioning the second packaging element (G) between the third and the fourth corner protection (D, E) and the second folding means (3), with the central portion (G1) facing onto the second flank; g) moving the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) resting thereon according to a second direction and a second sense (Z) so that the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) contact the second packaging element (G) and so that the second folding means (3) fold the two lateral portions (G2) of the second packaging element (G) on the flanks adjacent to the second flank and fold the two lateral portions (G2) and the central portion (G1) of the second packaging element (G) at least on the upper face.

In step g) the central portion (G1) and each of the two lateral portions (G2) advantageously mutually overlap, at least above the upper face, to hold the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) in place, and wherein the second flank is adjacent to at least one of the flanks adjacent to the first flank.

The above-described preferred embodiment enables, for example, packaging a tile, or a stack (A) of tiles, having a rectangular or square base with the flanks covered by a first packaging element (F) and a second packaging element (G); in this case the second direction is opposite the first direction and the first direction and the second direction are at least mutually parallel.

With reference to the embodiment of the method visible in the appended figures, between step d) and step e) the tile or the stack (A) of tiles is moved in an opposite direction to the first sense according to the first direction to return into the position in which the release of the first and second corner protection (B, C) took place. Step e) terminates with the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, stationary, though this is not strictly necessary. The positioning on the upper face of the first corner protection (B) and of the second corner protection (C) can take place with the tile, or stack (A) of tiles, still in motion, or at least starting when it is still in motion. According to the teachings of the present invention it is also possible to package other shapes, for example, tiles having a hexagonal base, with a first and a second packaging element (G) or, possibly, with a third packaging element so as more easily to cover all the flanks; in this last case the first, second and third direction, discussed in the following, are not parallel to one another, but incident. Theoretically the additional steps of the preferred embodiment which introduces the second packaging element (G) can be reiterated on the same plan for further packaging elements, corner protections, folding means, directions and senses: for example a third packaging element, third folding means, a fifth and a sixth corner protection, a third direction and a third sense. Figure 23 illustrates the first, second and third direction, with the respective senses, for applying three packaging elements to a hexagonal tile, with the packaging elements covering all the flanks. The invention also concerns a machine (1) for packaging tiles supplied singly or in a stack, the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles both having an upper face, a lower face and, between them, flanks which define corners there-between.

The machine (1), still with reference to the figures of the appended drawings, comprises:

- release means (5) which comprise a plurality of hands and actuators for moving each hand of the plurality of hands from a pick-up position, in which the hand picks up a corner protection, and a release position, in which the hand releases a corner protection onto the upper face and at a corner of a tile, or a stack (A) of tiles;

- first positioning means for positioning a first packaging element (F) comprising two lateral portions (F2) and a central portion (F1) which extends between the two lateral portions (F2) by a portion that is at least equal to the distance between the two corners of a first flank of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles;

- first movement means (4) for moving and supporting the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles;

- first folding means (2) for folding the first packaging element (F) on the tile, or on the stack (A) of tiles.

The hands of the plurality of hands advantageously form at least a pair configured to release the corner protections in time sequence and the hands of each pair releasing a respective corner protection in time phase with one another. In particular, a first hand (51) and a second hand (52) of the plurality of hands form a first pair and are arranged to release respectively a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C) at a respective corner of the first flank.

In other words, the temporal sequence of the at least a pair of hands of the release means (5) is such that the first pair releases the corner protections only at the corner of the first flank, thus leaving the other corners free. By way of example, in the case of a second pair formed by a third hand (57) and a fourth hand (58), the second pair releases, after it has released the first pair and, preferably, after the first packaging element (F) has contacted the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C), typically after the first movement means (4) have finished operating. Further, in the case of only one first pair, the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) can subsequently release subsequently on the corners of another flank.

The first folding means (2) are facing towards the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) while the first positioning means are configured to position the first packaging element (F) between the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) and the first folding means (2), with the central portion (F1) facing onto the zone between the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52).

The first movement means (4) are configured to move the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) resting thereon according to a first direction and a first sense (Y) so that the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) contact the first packaging element (F) and so that the first folding means (2) fold the two lateral portions (F2) of the first packaging element (F) on the flanks adjacent to the first flank and fold the two lateral portions (F2) and the central portion (F1) of the first packaging element (F) at least on the upper face.

The first folding means (2) are advantageously configured to overlap the central portion (F1) and each of the two lateral portions (F2), at least on the upper face, thus holding the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) in place.

In the embodiment of figure 1, the second folding means (3), as well as the first folding means (2), comprise positioning fins (21 , 31) and flanks (22, 32) specially conformed to fold and stabilise respectively the second packaging element (G) and the first packaging element (F).

Typically the first folding means (2) are configured to overlap the central portion (F1) and each of the two lateral portions (F2) also below the lower face; in this way the first packaging element (F) also holds the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, from the lower side thereof.

The first positioning means preferably comprise at least a first suction cup (71) for positioning and/or maintaining the first packaging element (F) in the position where contact occurs with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C). In the embodiment illustrated in figure 4 the first suction cups (71) position the first packaging element (F), performing a vertical travel trajectory. The first suction cups (71) might possibly be fixed and the first packaging element (F) might descend by force of gravity or following a different travel trajectory, for example lateral.

As visible in figure 4, the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) also preferably comprise at least a respective second suction cup (53) to pick up and release the corner protections. Typically the second suction cups (53) are activated, for example by creating a depression, when they are in proximity of the corner protection still in the storehouse. Downstream of the movement of the hand by the actuators up to in proximity of the corner, the second suction cups (53) enable the release, for example by creating a slight overpressure, as well as relieving the depressed condition.

The embodiment of figure 1 is especially suitable for operating on quadrilateral tiles, for example having a square base, as shown. The release means (5) preferably comprise four release units (50), each of which comprises a storehouse (56) for housing a plurality of corner protections, a first actuator (54) which is vertically mobile and a second actuator (55) which is rotationally mobile with respect to a horizontal axis, which is connected to the first actuator and which bears the hand. Owing to the first actuator (54) and the second actuator (55) the hand can pass from the pick-up position, in proximity of the storehouse (56), to the release position, in proximity of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles.

The hand preferably reaches the release position by moving or rotating in a direction that substantially coincides with the bisector of the corner; in this way any eventual dealignments of the two wings of the corner protection are resolved. A third actuator might possibly move the hand according to the last direction. In the case illustrated in figure 25, a further actuator (not illustrated) enables the rotation of the release unit (50) so as to be able to vary the orientation of the hand and release the corner protections on both a first flank and a second flank of a same tile, or stack (A) of tiles. Figure 24 shows how in the case of four release units (50), the distance between each pair can be smaller than the dimension of the tile.

Generally the collection of the corner protections takes place from a respective storehouse (56) located as close as possible to the release position. In the appended figures, the storehouses (56) are arranged vertically and there is one for each hand; numerous variants are possible, among which horizontal storehouses (56) or a storehouse (56) for two or more hands. Further, each of the storehouses (56) comprises a U-shaped profiled element and retaining means, such as for example straps or flexible walls, for retaining and releasing the corner protections. Typically the storehouses (56) are located in proximity of the hand to reduce the times of the release step, preferably in proximity of the release position. In the positioning thereof, as in the configuration of the actuators and the hands, any eventual interferences between them and the packaging elements being folded must be excluded.

The first movement means (4) and the second movement means (6) of the embodiment of figure 1 comprise respectively first pushers (41) and second pushers (61). They further comprise three pairs of looped idle belts (9) which support the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, during the movements thereof. In the embodiment described herein the idle belts (9) are advantageously mobile in parallel directions to the first direction, the second direction and the advancement direction. Further, two of the three idle belts (9) are utilised by both the first movement means (4) and the second movement means (6).

The first pushers (41) and the second pushers (61) preferably comprise respective first pressers (42) and second pressers (62) which press the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, to ensure the correct movement thereof: thanks to the pressers the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, moves solidly with the pressers without sliding on the belts, for example when the pusher stops. In the figures it can be observed how the first pressers (42) and the second pressers (62) are both vertically movable by means of specific actuators (not illustrated) and how the second pushers (61) act, at least partly, as conveyor means. It can further be seen how the configuration of the three idle belts (9) enables the packaging elements to intersect the rest plane, or the rest planes, defined by the idle belts (9). This is even more useful in the event that the packaging element also covers the lower face of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, with the idle belts (9) maintaining the packaging element in position, in a like way to the pressers.

Typically the first pushers (41) and the second pushers (61) are movable along guides (not illustrated) by means of skates, not visible in the figures as they are located beneath the protection guards.

The release means (5) and the first positioning means are preferably configured in such a way that the distance according to the first direction, between each of the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) and the positioning place of the first positioning means is smaller than the extension of the tile or of the stack (A) of tiles according to the first direction. A like configuration is advantageous with respect to the solutions in the prior art, for the reasons already mentioned and, preferably, the positioning place of the first positioning means adheres to the operating volume requested by the release means (5) in order to release the second corner protection (B, C); in other words, it is sought to minimise the distance between the tile and the first packaging element (F) as a function of the conditions and the operating context.

In this way it is also possible to configure and arranged the first folding means (2), at a distance from both the release positions of less than a half, preferably less than one third, of the dimension of the tile in the first direction.

According to a preferred embodiment the machine (1) also comprises, in any combination with the above-described options:

- second positioning means for positioning a second packaging element (G) comprising two lateral portions (G2) and a central portion (G1) which extends between the two lateral portions (G2) by a portion that is at least equal to the distance between the two corners of a second flank of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles;

- second movement means for moving and supporting the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles;

- second folding means (3) for folding the second packaging element (G) on the tile, or on the stack (A) of tiles.

In a first variant, a third hand (57) and a fourth hand (58) of the plurality of hands, possibly comprising second suction cups (53), form a second pair and are arranged to respectively release a third corner protection (D) and a fourth corner protection (E) at a respective corner of the second flank.

In a second variant, the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) are configured to respectively release a third corner protection (D) and a fourth corner protection (E) at a respective corner of the second flank. In this case the time succession affects only one pair; in the following reference will be made to the first variant as the second variant can be derived from the first.

The second folding means (3) are facing towards the release positions of the third hand (57) and the fourth hand (58) while the second positioning means are configured to position the second packaging element (G) between the release positions of the third hand (57) and the fourth hand (58) and the second folding means (3), with the central portion (G1) facing onto the zone between the release positions of the third hand (57) and the fourth hand (58).

The second movement means are configured to move the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) resting thereon according to a second direction and a second sense (Z) so that the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) contact the second packaging element (G) and so that the second folding means (3) fold the two lateral portions (G2) of the second packaging element (G) on the flanks adjacent to the second flank and fold the two lateral portions (G2) and the central portion (G1 ) of the second packaging element (G) at least on the upper face.

The second folding means (3) are advantageously configured to overlap the central portion (G1) and each of the two lateral portions (G2) mutually overlap, at least above the upper face, thus holding the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) in place. Typically, the second folding means (3) are advantageously configured to overlap the central portion (G1) and each of the two lateral portions (G2) also below the lower face; in this way the second packaging element (G) also holds the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, from the lower side thereof.

The second positioning means preferably comprise at least a third suction cup (81) for positioning and/or maintaining the second packaging element (G) in the position where contact occurs with the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E).

The third hand (57) and the fourth hand (58) also preferably comprise at least a respective fourth suction cup to pick up and release the corner protections. The release means (5) and the second positioning means are preferably arranged in such a way that the distance according to the second direction, between each of the release positions of the third hand (57) and the fourth hand (58) and the positioning place of the second positioning means is smaller than the extension of the tile or of the stack (A) of tiles according to the second direction. A like configuration is advantageous with respect to the solutions in the prior art, for the reasons already mentioned and, preferably, the positioning place of the second positioning means adheres to the operating volume requested by the release means (5) to release the third and the fourth corner protection (D, E); in other words, it is sought to minimise the distance between the tile and the second packaging element (G) as a function of the conditions and the operating context.

In this way it is also possible to configure and arrange the second folding means (3), at a distance from both the release positions of less than a half, preferably less than one third, of the dimension of the tile in the second direction.

The above-described preferred embodiment just described enables, for example, packaging a tile, or a stack (A) of tiles, having a rectangular or square base with the flanks covered by a first packaging element (F) and a second packaging element (G); in this case the second direction is opposite the first direction and the first direction and the second direction are parallel.

The above considerations in relation to the method, with respect to other tile shapes or further elements necessary for using other packaging elements, are alike the considerations for the machine (1 ).

The machine (1) can advantageously be part of a packaging line, for example at the outlet of a production or sorting plant.

The packaging line for packaging tiles comprises: a machine (1 ) according to any one of the embodiments described in the foregoing and conveyor means for conveying in succession a tile or a stack (A) of tiles in such a way that the first flank of each tile, or stack (A) of tiles, reaches the operating zone of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52).

The conveyor means advantageously convey according to the advancement direction and an advancement sense (X) in which the advancement direction is parallel to the first direction and the advancement sense is opposite the first sense. Further, the first positioning means are located along the packaging line in a retracted position with respect to the release means (5), according to the advancement direction and the advancement sense (X). A like packaging line can easily be integrated in an industrial plant and enables rapid packaging without the risk of accidental falls of the corner protections; in the event that the conveying takes place parallel to the movement means it is simpler to realise the movement means.

In the embodiment of figure 1 the second pushers (61) also act as conveyor means, at least for a portion of the packaging line. The conveyor means usually comprise at least a conveyor belt or at least a pair of looped belts activated by rollers or pulleys.

The conveyor means preferably move the tile at a greater velocity than the first or second movement means. If the packaging line comprises a machine (1) that also works as a second packaging element (G), the layout of the packaging line includes, in succession, according to the direction of the conveyor means, first folding means (2), first positioning means, at least a pair of hands of the release means (5), second positioning means and second folding means (3). It can also be observed that usually the operations on the side of the second packaging element (G), or typically of the last, have more time available as they are not subject to the interferences of the preceding operations, such as for example the crossing of the tile into the positioning zone of the packaging element or in the release positions of the hands.

Figure 22 illustrates a tile packaged with only a first packaging element (F) the lateral portions (F2) of which cover a large part of the flanks adjacent to the first flank. Typically the packaging obtained using only a first packaging element (F) can remain open on one side of the tile, be completed in successive stations or the lateral portions (F2) of the first packaging element (F) might extend to cover the other flanks, holding, or not, further corner protections. The length of each of the lateral portions (F2, G2) of the first packaging element (F) and the second packaging element (G) can differ from the other lateral portion or from the others of the other packaging element. Among other things it is not necessary for the packaging elements to overlap with respect to one another.

Typically, joining means, such as glues, or fastening means, such as straps or staples, are applied in the areas or on the overlapping areas between the packaging elements or between the portions of packaging elements. The joining means are preferably applied during the course of the steps of the method by means of applicators and are preferably secured to the surfaces by means of pressers which can be independent, such as for example pressure cylinders, or can be part of the movement means. The pressers can also be used even in the absence of the joining means to facilitate the maintaining of the folded positions of the packaging elements; this is useful, for example, up to the application of the straps.

Preferably at least two spots of glue are applied for each packaging element, in the overlapping areas between the central portion (F1 , G1) and each of the two lateral portions (F2, G2), and two spots of glue in the eventual overlapping areas of the packaging elements, each in proximity of a different flank.

To protect the corners, the corner protections preferably cover the whole corner or at least a portion thereof and, preferably, they are made of plastic material or cardboard.

The packaging elements preferably comprise first fold lines between the central portion (F1 , G1) and the lateral portions (F2, G2) so as to facilitate the folding of a part of the folding means. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging elements comprise second fold lines located internally of the central portion (F1 , G1) and of the two lateral portions (F2, G2) to facilitate the folding on the upper face or lower face. The packaging elements can have score lines that further facilitate the folding thereof. A typical packaging element is a cardboard blank.

The packaging elements are preferably the primary packaging of the tile or of the stack (A) of tiles.

The method, the machine (1) and the packaging line enable packaging a plurality of tiles and/or stacks of tiles in succession.

As can be seen in the figures, the release means (5) preferably comprise four hands that delimit a space for accommodating the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the tile being conveyed and moved to return into a same position before the release of the first and second corner protection (B, C) and of the third and fourth corner protection (D, E). The second movement means can move from the position reached with the first movement means (4).

The suction cups described in the foregoing are pneumatic, also known as vacuum suction cups; the hands can comprise other types of gripping organs such as, for example, pliers.

The actuators of the embodiment of figure 1 are pneumatic; in other preferred embodiments they are oil-dynamic or electrical, or a combination of the three options. It is understood that the above has been described by way of non-limiting example and that any constructional variants are considered to fall within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as claimed in the following.

Claims

1) A method for packaging tiles with at least a packaging element, the method comprising following steps:

- supplying a tile or a stack (A) of tiles, both having an upper face, a lower face and, between them, flanks which define corners there-between;

- supplying first folding means (2) configured to fold the first packaging element (F) on the tile, or on the stack (A) of tiles; the method being characterised in that it comprises following steps: a) positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first flank facing towards the first folding means (2); b) exclusively releasing a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C) of the at least a corner protection, to rest on the upper face and at a respective corner of the first flank, thus leaving the other corners of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, free; c) positioning the first packaging element (F) between the first and the second corner protection (B, C) and the first folding means (2), with the central portion (F1) facing onto the first flank; d) moving the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) resting thereon according to a first direction and a first sense (Y) so that the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) contact the first packaging element (F) and so that the first folding means (2) fold the two lateral portions (F2) of the first packaging element (F) on the flanks adjacent to the first flank and fold the two lateral portions (F2) and the central portion (F1) of the first packaging element (F) at least on the upper face; wherein during the step d) of moving the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) resting thereon, the central portion (F1) and each of the two lateral portions (F2) mutually overlap, at least above the upper face, in order to hold the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) in place.

2) The method of claim 1 , wherein during the step a) of positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, is conveyed in an advancement direction parallel to the first direction and crosses the zone where the first packaging element (F) is positioned in step c) of positioning the first packaging element (F) and wherein step c) of positioning the first packaging element (F) is at least partly simultaneous with step b) of exclusively releasing a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C). 3) The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the velocity of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, in step a) of positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, is greater than the velocity in step d) of moving the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) resting thereon.

4) The method of claim 2 or claim 3, when dependent on claim 2, wherein in step b) of releasing a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C), the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) are first collected from at least a storehouse (56) and are then positioned on the upper face of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, and wherein the collection terminates before the conveying of the tile or of the stack (A) of tiles, according to step a) of positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, is completed.

5) The method of claim 4, wherein in step b) of releasing a first corner protection

(B) and a second corner protection (C), the positioning on the upper face of the tile begins during the conveying of the tile, or of the stack (A) of tiles, according to step a) of positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles. 6) The method of any one of claims from 2 to 5, wherein the release of the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) terminates following the step a) of positioning the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the tile stationary.

7) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step c) of positioning the first packaging element (F), the first packaging element (F) is placed in adherence to the operating volume required for carrying out step b) of releasing a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C).

8) The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising steps of:

- supplying second folding means (3) configured to fold the second packaging element (G) on the tile, or on the stack (A) of tiles; e) exclusively releasing a third corner protection (D) and a fourth corner protection (E) of the at least a corner protection to rest on the upper face and at a respective corner of the second flank; f) positioning the second packaging element (G) between the third and the fourth corner protection (D, E) and the second folding means (3), with the central portion (G1) facing onto the second flank; g) moving the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) resting thereon according to a second direction and a second sense (Z) so that the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) contact the second packaging element (G) and so that the second folding means (3) fold the two lateral portions (G2) of the second packaging element (G) on the flanks adjacent to the second flank and fold the two lateral portions (G2) and the central portion (G1) of the second packaging element (G) at least on the upper face; wherein during the step g) of moving the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) resting thereon, the central portion (G1) and each of the two lateral portions (G2) mutually overlap, at least above the upper face, to hold the third corner protection (D) and the fourth corner protection (E) in place, and wherein the second flank is adjacent to at least one of the flanks adjacent to the first flank.

9) A machine (1) for packaging tiles supplied singly or in a stack, the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles both having an upper face, a lower face and, between them, flanks which define corners there-between, the machine (1) comprising:

- - first folding means (2) for folding the first packaging element (F) on the tile, or on the stack (A) of tiles; the machine (1) being characterised in that the hands of the plurality of hands form at least a pair configured to release the corner protections in time sequence, the hands of each pair releasing a respective corner protection in time phase with one another; a first hand (51) and a second hand (52) of the plurality of hands form a first pair and are arranged to release respectively a first corner protection (B) and a second corner protection (C) at a respective corner of the first flank; the first folding means (2) are facing towards the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52); the first positioning means are configured to position the first packaging element (F) between the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) and the first folding means (2), with the central portion (F1) facing onto the zone between the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52); the first movement means (4) are configured to move the tile, or the stack (A) of tiles, with the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) resting thereon according to a first direction and a first sense (Y) so that the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) contact the first packaging element (F) and so that the first folding means (2) fold the two lateral portions (F2) of the first packaging element (F) on the flanks adjacent to the first flank and fold the two lateral portions (F2) and the central portion (F1) of the first packaging element (F) at least on the upper face; wherein the first folding means (2) are configured to overlap the central portion (F1) and each of the two lateral portions (F2), at least on the upper face, thus holding the first corner protection (B) and the second corner protection (C) in place.

10) The machine (1) for packaging a tile or a stack (A) of tiles of claim 9, wherein the release means (5) and the first positioning means are arranged in such a way that the distance according to the first direction between each of the release positions of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52) and the positioning place of the first positioning means is smaller than the extension of the tile or of the stack (A) of tiles according to the first direction.

11) A packaging line for packaging tiles, comprising a machine (1) according to claims 9 or 10 and conveyor means for conveying in succession a tile or a stack (A) of tiles in such a way that the first flank of each tile, or stack (A) of tiles, reaches the operating zone of the first hand (51) and the second hand (52), the conveyor means being configured to convey according to an advancement direction parallel to the first direction and an advancement sense opposite the first sense and the first positioning means being located along the packaging line in a retracted position with respect to the release means (5), according to the advancement direction and the advancement sense.