Machine for the production of groups of roll products

Abstract

A machine for the production of groups of roll products includes a second unit (5) for turning and grouping a plurality of product groups (4) and comprising: an endless drive system (6) mounting a plurality of paddles (7) protruding radially from the path line (P6) of the drive system (6); each paddle (7) forming, with the next one, a space (S) for receiving a product group (4) and turning it through at least a right angle (a); the second unit (5) comprises a set number of paddles (7); a division of the paddles (7) into two distinct groups (7a, 7b) connected respectively to a first drive system (6a) and a second drive system (6b) in such a way that the paddles (7) are positioned alternately; means (8) for adjusting one of the groups (7a) of paddles (7) relative to the other group (7b), in such a way as to define two different operating positions between the two groups (7a, 7b) of paddles (7), namely, a first position in which the paddles (7) of the two groups (7a, 7b) are equally spaced to form a working containment space (S1) and a second position in which the paddles (7) of the two groups (7a, 7b) are positioned close together in pairs to form a second working containment space (S2) that is larger than the first containment space (S1).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a machine for the production of groups of roll products, in particular, but without limiting the scope of the invention, rolls of toilet paper or kitchen paper.

It is very well known that machines of this kind for producing groups of roll products consist of a plurality stations, located in line along the machine itself, where the products are manipulated and divided up to form first the groups of products and then the final packages.

In practice, the stations basically comprise:

• • a unit for feeding the roll products;
  • a unit for dividing the roll products into groups;
  • a unit for wrapping and sealing the groups of products.

In addition to these, the production line may comprise a series of stations for conveying and positioning a plurality of these groups (also referred to as batch—which may include one or more wrapped groups of products) for the end of line stations where the batches can be bagged and palletized, ready for storage or transportation.

More specifically, the structures that prepare the products for the end of line stations normally comprise the following, in current machines: a system for conveying and, if necessary, diverting the products (with belts and related comb pushers); downstream of this system, there is a product straightening unit that turns each group of products by 90° and to form batches of product groups that are advanced by other comb pushers towards an end bagging machine (usually in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the batches are fed to the straightening unit) or towards units for picking up and palletizing the groups of products.

This specification is concerned in particular with the straightening unit, which may comprise the following (see FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating two such units as known in prior art: a pair of parallel endless chains C trained around pairs of power-driven toothed wheels R; the chains C are associated with a plurality of paddles P, protruding radially from the chains C, for picking up, straightening through 90° (from a “lying down” to an upright position) and moving the incoming groups of products G from the conveyor system. Each paddle P is substantially L-shaped to be able to stably accommodate one side L1 and the base L2 of the incoming group G and to turn the latter by ninety degrees.

The side of the paddle P that accommodates the base L2 is linked to a pair of guides S associated with the pair of chains C.

As clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the number and size of the paddles P mounted on the chains C varies in accordance with the size and configuration of the product groups G made by the machine.

At present, roll products come in several different diameter sizes and at least two different pack styles (single or double layer) which means that many sets of paddles P of different widths are required to handle all pack configurations (for current pack configurations, five different sets are used, distinguished by the different colors of the guides).

To this must be added the fact that the pack configurations vary in height according to the pack style, that is to say, the height may be that of a single product or the sum of different products placed one after the other within the same group of products.

In this case, too, the paddle dimension L1 must vary in length according to the product group G formed by the machine. At present, the product groups G available on the market come in seven different lengths.

The products can be variously combined to form at least thirty-five different configurations which the straightening unit must be able to handle.

The changeover procedure to be performed on this unit consists of the following steps: stopping the machine; removing all the products of the old configuration; manually disconnecting all the paddle P guides S from the chains C; and positioning another set of paddles P for the new configuration, also performed manually by the operator.

As may be inferred from this summary description, the changeover procedure for a straightening unit is a time-consuming, laborious task and, taking into account that changeovers in machines of this kind are quite frequent, that adds up to a considerable amount of down time, which in turn means a significant reduction in machine productivity as a whole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of this invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing a machine for the production of roll products equipped with a product group straightening unit that is extremely versatile and allows changeover to be performed quickly and without necessitating manual operations on the unit itself.

According to the invention, this aim is achieved by a machine for the production of groups of roll products comprising the technical characteristics described in one or more of the claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technical characteristics of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic side views showing two different operating configurations of a prior art station in a machine for the production of roll products;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view from above of a part of the machine for producing product groups according to the invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are, respectively, a schematic side view and a schematic top plan view of the detail E from FIG. 3, that is to say, of a unit for straightening the groups of products according to the invention, in a first operating configuration;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are, respectively, a schematic side view and a schematic top plan view of the detail E from FIG. 3, that is to say, of a unit for straightening the groups of products according to the invention, in a second operating configuration;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view, with some parts cut away, of the straightening station of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 shows a scaled-up detail from FIG. 4 in a schematic side view;

FIG. 10 shows a scaled-up detail from FIG. 6 in a schematic side view;

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view, with some parts cut away in order to better illustrate others, showing an alternative constructional detail of the straightening station illustrated in the drawings listed above;

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the straightening station of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particular FIGS. 3 to 7, the machine according to the invention is used to make groups 4 of products, especially but without restricting the scope of the invention, groups of roll products for household or bathroom use.

Each of the groups 4 consists of a plurality of products 2, arranged in groups defining a configuration (that varies in accordance with production requirements, as we shall see in more detail below), wrapped in a sheet of film and closed, for example by heat-sealing.

The forming of the individual groups 4 of products is not described or illustrated in this specification since it is accomplished by known stations and units that do not strictly form part of this invention.

The part of the machine which this specification is concerned with and which is labeled 1 in its entirety, comprises at least the following along a feed line A:

• • a first unit 3 for conveying the product groups 4 one after the other towards
  • a second unit 5 for picking up, turning and grouping a plurality of product groups 4.

The first unit 3 may be constructed in different ways, one constructional form being illustrated purely by way of example in FIG. 3, and enables the groups 4 to be transferred from the stations where the groups 4 are made to the second unit 5 and, hence, to the end of line stations which are not illustrated or described here since they are of known type and do not fall within the scope of this invention.

The first unit 3 may consist of a pair of belts 3a and 3b positioned at an angle to each other to form a system for turning the product groups 4 through 90°. The product groups 4 are moved (and, if necessary, two or more groups are placed side by side) by comb pusher means 3c.

The second unit 5, consisting of a unit for “straightening” the product groups 4, is located downstream of the first unit 3.

The second unit 5 (see FIGS. 3 to 7) comprises a motorized endless drive system 6 mounting a plurality of paddles 7 protruding radially from the path line P6 of the drive system 6; each paddle 7 forms, with the next one, a space S for receiving a product group 4 at a position where the paddle 7 is co-planar with the first unit 3, or more specifically, with the upper section 3b (see FIG. 4) and is turned through an angle α of at least ninety degrees in the direction, indicated by the arrow S6, in which the drive system 6 advances.

Once turned, the product groups 4 are positioned side by side on the upper section of the drive system 6, and are then expelled from the respective spaces S by comb pusher means 100 which move them towards the end of line units (not illustrated).

Still with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the second unit 5 comprises:

• • a set number of paddles 7;
  • a division of the paddles 7 into two distinct groups 7a and 7b, each of the groups 7a and 7b being connected respectively to a first and a second drive system 6a and 6b, in such a way that the paddles 7 of the two groups are positioned alternately along the endless path P6;
  • means 8 for adjusting at least one of the two groups of paddles 7,—in this case, the one labeled 7a—relative to the other group 7b, in such a way as to define two different relative operating positions between the two groups 7a, 7b of paddles 7.

In the first position, the paddles 7 of the two groups 7a, 7b are equally spaced to form a working containment space S1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and in the second position, the paddles 7 of the two groups 7a, 7b are positioned close together in pairs to form a second working containment space S2 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that is larger than the first containment space S1 defined by the first position.

In other words, irrespective of the plurality of possible configurations of the product 2 groups 4 (which we will see in more detail below), there are only two positions that can be adopted by the paddles 7—in a set number on the drive systems 6a and 6b—to define the transversal dimension of the spaces S.

More specifically, in the second operating position, only the group 7b of paddles 7 defines respective spaces S for containing the groups 4 of products 2 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 again).

Looking more closely at the details of the invention, the product groups 4 may have any of a plurality of different configurations according to a first (transversal) dimension LA and included at least between a first, single-layer configuration and a second, double-layer configuration of wrapped products 2 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7); each first and second configuration being subdivided into two or more sub-configurations defined by a first, minimum sub-configuration LA1 in which each product 2 has a first diameter D1, and a second, maximum sub-configuration LA2 in which each product 2 has a second diameter D2 that is greater than the first diameter D1.

The two positions of the groups 7a and 7b of paddles 7 make it possible to accommodate all the above mentioned configurations and sub-configurations.

More specifically, at the first operating position, each paddle 7 of both groups 7a, 7b forms a first working containment space S1, defined as the distance between two consecutive paddles 7, designed to permit the passage and containment of the first configuration, including the respective sub-configurations between the first and the second, minimum and maximum sub-configuration LA1 and LA2 (again, see FIGS. 4 and 5).

At the second operating position, each paddle 7 of the group 7b (fixed) forms a second working containment space S2, defined as the distance between the working containment paddle 7 and the next or preceding paddle 7 placed side by side with the next or preceding working containment paddle 7, designed to permit the passage and containment of the second configuration, including the respective sub-configurations between the first and the second, minimum and maximum sub-configuration LA1 and LA2.

In short, the size of the spaces S1 and S2 delimited by the two possible positions of the groups 7a and 7b of paddles 7 must satisfy, for each grouping of single- and double-layer configurations, two essential conditions: the spaces S1 and S2 must be able to accommodate the second maximum sub-configuration LA2 (maximum overall and diameter dimension of the product 2) and the first sub-configuration LA1 (minimum overall and diameter dimension of the product 2) must not be able to turn round on itself (i.e. be positioned sideways or aslant) within the space S1 or S2 as the paddles 7 move around and during subsequent expulsion by the pusher means 100.

Looking in more detail at the operating structure, the first and second drive systems 6a and 6b each comprise (see FIG. 8):

• • two pairs 9a, 9b of parallel endless drive chains trained around two respective pairs 10a, 10b of toothed wheels kinematically connected to each other and to a single motor 11; the pairs 9a, 9b of chains mounting the first and second groups 7a and 7b of paddles 7, respectively;
  • the above mentioned adjustment means 8 operating between the two pairs 9a, 9b of chains and the single motor 11.

Purely by way of example, without limiting the scope of the invention, the adjustment means 8 may comprise a mechanical clutch 12 positioned and acting on the drive system 6a and designed to change between two separate states, in the first of which the clutch 12 simultaneously transmits drive to both the drive systems 6a and 6b, causing the groups 7a, 7b of paddles 7 to move normally along the endless path P6, and in the second of which the clutch 12 does not transmit drive to one of the drive systems, namely, the one labeled 6b, so as to keep the respective group 7b of paddles 7 stationary while the group 7a of paddles 7 connected to the other drive system 6a moves in such a way as to vary its relative distance from the other group 7b of paddles 7 between the two above mentioned relative operating positions (see arrows F7a).

The mechanical clutch 12 may be operated manually or automatically by a machine 1 control unit 13, represented schematically as a block in the drawings.

The cascade connection with the toothed wheels of the two drive systems 6a and 6b is not described in detail since it is of known type and is illustrated only in FIG. 8.

Looking further at the constructional details (with reference also to FIGS. 8 to 10), each paddle 7 of the first and second groups 7a and 7b may consist of a flat member having the shape of an upturned U where the two legs 14 and 15 are connected to the respective drive system 6a and 6b, and where the connecting section 16 of the U defines at least a part of the space for picking up and containing the product groups 4 and a central opening 16g.

The U shape of the paddles 7 described in this specification is a preferred non-limiting embodiment of them and, as shown in FIG. 12, the paddles 7 might not have the leg 14 and might be connected by the other leg only to a single drive system 6a or 6b, thus forming a rotated L shape: this would create a unit 5 with a lighter structure (without one of the wheel and chain drive systems) while maintaining the same level of operating efficiency.

The characteristic constructional form of each paddle 7 illustrated, combined with the fact that there is a set number of paddles 7, makes it possible to define a further adjustment on the second unit 5.

This second adjustment is necessary because, besides the above mentioned configurations, the groups 4 of products 2 may have a plurality of additional configurations defined by a second dimension H (longitudinal dimension of the group 4) defined by the height or the sum of superposed heights of the wrapped roll products 2, and included at least between a third, minimum sub-configuration LA3 in which each product 2 has a first height H1 and a fourth, maximum sub-configuration LA4 in which each product 2 has a second height H2 that is greater than the first height H1 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

The second unit 5 is also equipped with means 17 for adjusting the supporting depth H7 in the working pickup space of the paddles 7 according to the type of configuration and acting at least along an arc-shaped section of the paddle 7 drive path P6 between the above mentioned product group 4 pickup area, where each paddle 7 lies in the same plane as the first unit 3, and the position of the paddle 7 when it has been turned through the above mentioned right angle α (again see FIGS. 4 to 7 and FIGS. 9 and 10).

More specifically (again see FIGS. 9 and 10), the means 17 for adjusting the supporting depth H7 may comprise, in a first embodiment:

• • an arc-shaped surface 18 positioned and operating in the arc-shaped section of the path P6 at the opening 16g defined by the U shape of each passing paddle 7;
  • a straight, static surface 19 forming the base of each containment space S and connected to the arc-shaped surface 18;
  • first actuating means 20 for moving the arc-shaped surface 18 along the openings 16g of the paddles 7 between two or more operating positions (see arrows F20), according to configurations, included between a first, advanced minimum depth operating position, where the arc-shaped surface 18 is substantially in contact with the wall 16 of the passing paddles 7, and a second, retracted, maximum depth position where the arc-shaped surface 18 is away from the passing walls 16, so as to vary the supporting depth H7 of the passing paddles 7 according to the above mentioned third and fourth sub-configurations LA3 and LA4.

Obviously, in this situation, since the straight surface 19 is positioned at a fixed distance, it must be positioned at a distance H3 from the paddle 7 wall 16 that is smaller than the height H1 of the third, minimum sub-configuration LA3 so as to always allow contact of the wall 16 with any configuration after turning and then lowering the product group 4 along the wall 16 of the paddle 7 until contact with the surface 19.

In an alternative embodiment (illustrated schematically in FIG. 11), the means 17 for adjusting the supporting depth H7 of each paddle 7 may be positioned and active both along the arc-shaped section and along a straight operating section of the path P6, that is to say, along the active sections, so that the supporting depth H7 of each paddle 7 remains constant between the area where the product groups 4 are received and the area where the product groups 4 are expelled.

In this embodiment, the means 17 for adjusting the supporting depth H7 may comprise:

• • the first arc-shaped surface 18 positioned and operating in the arc-shaped section of the path P6 at the opening 16g defined by the U shape of each passing paddle 7;
  • a second, straight, mobile surface 19 forming the base of each containment space S and connected to the arc-shaped surface 18;
  • actuating means 20 for moving both the arc-shaped surface 18 and the second surface 19 along the passing openings 16g between two or more operating positions, according to the configurations, included between the first, advanced minimum depth operating position and the second, retracted, maximum depth position.

In this alternative embodiment, the actuating means 20 may be divided into:

• • first actuating means 20a acting on the first, arc-shaped surface 18 in such a way as to move it between the operating positions (see arrows F20a); and
  • second actuating means 20b acting on the second, straight surface 19 in such a way as to move it in height between the operating positions in synchrony with the first actuating means 20a, while keeping the second surface 19 perpendicular to the passing paddles 7 at all times (see arrows F20b).

To keep the transition between the two surfaces 18 and 19 smooth, the surfaces 18 and 19 themselves are connected to each other by a third, flexible transition surface 21, with tubular cross section, which forms a telescoping sliding connection between the respective ends of the two surfaces 18 and 19, joined to the third surface 21 itself and permitting the double adjustment of the first and second surfaces 18 and 19 by causing the two surfaces 18 and 19 to slide relative to the third, flexible tubular surface 21 (see arrows F21).

Advantageously, the actuating means 20, 20a, 20b can be activated by the machine 1 control unit 13 so that all the adjustments described above are coordinated.

To enable all the above mentioned second configurations of the product groups 4 included between the third and fourth sub-configurations LA3 and LA4 to be picked up correctly:

• • the depth H16 of the wall 16 must be at least equal to the height of the third, minimum sub-configuration LA3; and
  • the wall 16 and the first arc-shaped surface 18 in the second, retracted maximum depth position must have a total supporting depth H7 at least equal to the fourth, maximum sub-configuration LA4, that is to say, the sum of H16 (fixed) and H18 (variable, starting from the lower end of the wall 16) must be equal to the fourth, maximum sub-configuration LA4.

The spacing between the configuration depth H7 adjustment surface 18 and the paddles 7 means that the surface 18 also acts as a means for relieving the stress created by the pressure on the packages already positioned on the paddles 7 (applied by the product groups 4 positioned on the first feed unit 3).

This is possible because the control unit 13 can control the actuating means 20, 20a and 20b in such a way as to enable a forward movement of the first, arc-shaped surface 18, past the predetermined height H, depending on the configuration, and then a guided return movement of the surface 18 itself with the advancing product groups 4 so as to produce said relief action during the feeding of the product groups 4 themselves.

This enables the paddles 7 to rotate the product groups 4 more easily since the paddle 7 does not have a base attached under it acting as a brake under the axial thrust of the product groups 4.

In a machine with this structure, therefore, the straightening unit can be adjusted in two simple steps and without having to operate directly on the paddles or to change the paddles every time changeover is required.

The straightening unit, therefore, comprises a set number of paddles that can be adjusted, even automatically, in just two steps:

• • the first step regards the transversal dimension (single or double layer, independently of the diameter of the products) between two paddle positions (close together or spaced apart);
  • the other step regards the height of the products, adjusted using only the single arc-shaped section or the arc-shaped section and the mobile straight section in order to vary the supporting height of the product groups on the paddles, again quickly and easily and without having to substitute the paddles on the unit.

The straightening unit therefore fully achieves the aforementioned aims thanks to a simple, optimized structure that enables changeovers to be performed quickly and accurately without altering the basic architecture of the unit but optimizing and simplifying the cross adjustment system on the many possible product group configurations.

This significantly reduces unit down time due to changeovers, with obvious benefits in terms of machine productivity as a whole.

The invention described has evident industrial applications and can be modified an adapted in many ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A machine for the production of groups of roll products packaged and wrapped in a sheet of wrapping film and each comprising a plurality of products (2) grouped together in a dimensionally variable configuration, and being wrapped and sealed in sheet of wrapping film; the machine (1) being of the type comprising, along a feed line (A), a first unit (3) for conveying the product groups (4) one after the other towards a second unit (5) for turning and grouping a plurality of product groups (4) one after the other; the second unit (5) comprising at least an endless drive system (6) mounting a plurality of paddles (7) protruding radially from the path line (P6) of the drive system (6); each paddle (7) forming, with the next one, a space (S) for receiving a product group (4) at a position where the paddle (7) is co-planar with the first unit (3) and being turned through at least a right angle (a) in the feed direction (S6) of the drive system (6); wherein the second unit (5) comprises:

a set number of paddles (7);

a division of the paddles (7) into two distinct groups (7a, 7b), each of the groups (7a, 7b) being connected respectively to a first drive system (6a) and to a second drive system (6b), in such a way that the paddles (7) are positioned alternately along the endless path (P6);

means (8) for adjusting one of the groups (7a) of paddles (7) relative to the other group (7b), in such a way as to define two different relative operating positions between the two groups (7a, 7b) of paddles (7), namely, a first position in which the paddles (7) of the two groups (7a, 7b) are equally spaced to form a working containment space (S1) and a second position in which the paddles (7) of the two groups (7a, 7b) are positioned close together in pairs to form a second working containment space (S2) that is larger than the first containment space (S1) defined by the first position.

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the second operating position, only one group (7b) of paddles (7) forms a respective space (S) for containing the product groups (4).

3. The machine according to claim 1, where the product groups (4) have a plurality of different configurations according to a first dimension (LA) and included at least between a first, single-layer configuration and a second, double-layer configuration of wrapped products (2); each first and second configuration being subdivided into two or more sub-configurations included between a first, minimum sub-configuration (LA1) in which each product (2) has a first diameter (D1), and a second, maximum sub-configuration (LA2) in which each product (2) has a second diameter (D2) that is greater than the first diameter (D1), wherein, at the first operating position, each paddle (7) of both groups (7a, 7b) forms a first working containment space (S1), defined as the distance between two consecutive paddles (7), designed to permit the passage and containment of the first configuration, including the respective sub-configurations between the first minimum sub-configuration (LA1) and the second, maximum sub-configuration (LA2).

4. The machine according to claim 1, where the product groups (4) have a plurality of different configurations according to a first dimension (LA) and included at least between a first, single-layer configuration and a second, double-layer configuration of wrapped products (2); each first and second configuration being subdivided into two or more sub-configurations included between a first, minimum sub-configuration (LA1) in which each product (2) has a first diameter (D1), and a second, maximum sub-configuration (LA2) in which each product (2) has a second diameter (D2) that is greater than the first diameter (D1), wherein, at the second operating position, each paddle (7) of one group (7b) forms a second working containment space (S2), defined as the distance between the working containment paddle (7) and the next or preceding paddle (7) placed side by side with the next or preceding working containment paddle (7), designed to permit the passage and containment of the second configuration, including the respective sub-configurations between the first minimum sub-configuration (LA1) and the second, maximum sub-configuration (LA2).

5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first drive system (6a) and the second drive system (6b) each comprise at least:

one pair (9a, 9b) of endless drive chains trained around a respective pair (10a, 10b) of toothed wheels kinematically connected to each other and to a single motor (11); the chains (9a, 9b) mounting the first group (7a) and the second group (7b) of paddles (7), respectively;

the adjustment means (8) acting between the pair of chains (9a, 9b) and the single motor (11).

6. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first drive system (6a) and the second drive system (6b) each comprise:

two pairs (9a, 9b) of endless drive chains trained around two respective pairs (10a, 10b) of toothed wheels kinematically connected to each other and to a single motor (11); the pairs (9a, 9b) of chains mounting the first group (7a) and the second group (7b) of paddles (7), respectively;

the adjustment means (8) acting between the two pairs of chains (9a, 9b) and the single motor (11).

7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment means (8) comprise a mechanical clutch (12) positioned and acting on the drive system (6a) and designed to change between two separate states, in the first of which the clutch (12) simultaneously transmits drive to both the drive systems (6a, 6b), causing the groups (7a, 7b) of paddles (7) to move normally along the endless path (P6), and in the second of which the clutch (12) does not transmit drive to the drive system (6b), so as to keep the respective group (7b) of paddles (7) stationary while the group (7a) of paddles (7) connected to the other drive system (6a) moves in such a way as to vary its relative distance from the group (7b) of paddles (7) between the two relative operating positions.

8. The machine according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical clutch (12) can be operated manually.

9. The machine according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical clutch (12) can be operated automatically from a panel (13) for controlling the machine (1).

10. The machine according to claim 5, wherein each paddle (7) of the first group (7a) and of the second group (7b) comprises a rotated L-shaped member where the vertical leg (15) is connected to the respective drive system (6a, 6b) and where the horizontal leg (16) of the L forms at least a part of the space for picking up and containing the product groups (4).

11. The machine according to claim 6, wherein each paddle (7) of the first group (7a) and of the second group (7b) comprises an upturned U-shaped member where the two legs (14, 15) are connected to the respective drive systems (6a, 6b) and where the connecting section (16) of the U forms at least a part of the space for picking up and containing the product groups (4).

12. The machine according to claim 1, where the groups (4) of products (2) have a plurality of configurations defined by a second dimension (H) defined by the height or the sum of superposed heights of the wrapped roll products (2), and included at least between a third, minimum sub-configuration (LA3) in which each product has a first height (H1), and a fourth, maximum sub-configuration (LA4) in which each product (2) has a second height (H2) that is greater than the first height (H1), wherein each paddle (7) of the first group (7a) and of the second group (7b) comprises an upturned U-shaped member where the two legs (14, 15) are connected to the first drive system (6a) and second drive system (6b), respectively, and where the connecting section of the U forms at least one wall (16) for picking up and containing the product groups (4); means (17) being provided for adjusting the supporting depth (H7) of the paddles (7) according to the type of configuration and acting at least along an arc-shaped section of the paddle (7) drive path (P6) between the product group (4) pickup area, where each paddle (7) lies in the same plane as the first unit (3), and the position of the paddle (7) when it has been turned through the right angle (a).

13. The machine according to claim 12, wherein the means (17) for adjusting the depth of each paddle (7) are positioned on the arc-shaped section and along a straight operating section of the path (P6), that is to say, along the active sections, so that the supporting depth (H7) of each paddle (7) remains constant between the area where the product groups (4) are received and the area where the product groups (4) are expelled.

14. The machine according to claim 13, wherein the means (17) for adjusting the supporting depth (H7) of each paddle (7) comprise:

an arc-shaped surface (18) positioned and operating at least in the arc-shaped section of the path (P6) at the opening (16g) defined by the U shape of each passing paddle (7);

a straight, static surface (19) forming the base of each containment space (S) and connected to the arc-shaped surface (18);

first actuating means (20) for moving the arc-shaped surface (18) along the openings (16g) between two or more operating positions, according to the configurations, included between a first, advanced minimum depth operating position, where the arc-shaped surface (18) is substantially in contact with the wall (16) of the passing paddles (7), and a second, retracted, maximum depth position where the arc-shaped surface (18) is away from the passing walls (16), so as to vary the supporting depth (H7) of the passing paddles (7) according to the configurations.

15. The machine according to claim 14, wherein the straight static surface (19) is positioned at a distance (H3) from the paddle (7) wall (16) that is smaller than the height (H1) of the third, minimum sub-configuration (LA3).

16. The machine according to claim 13, wherein the means (17) for adjusting the supporting depth (H7) of the passing paddles (7) comprise:

a first arc-shaped surface (18) positioned and operating in the arc-shaped section of the path (P6) at the opening (16g) defined by the U shape of each passing paddle (7);

a second, straight, upper mobile surface (19) forming the base of each containment space (S) and connected to the arc-shaped surface (18);

first actuating means (20) for moving the arc-shaped surface (18) and the second surface (19) along the openings (16g) between two or more operating positions, according to the configurations, included between a first, advanced minimum depth operating position, where the first surface (18) and the second surface (19) are substantially in contact with the wall (16) of the passing paddles (7), and a second, retracted, maximum depth position where the first surface (18) and the second surface (19) are away from the walls (16), so as to vary the supporting depth (H7) of the passing paddles (7) according to the configurations.

17. The machine according to claim 16, wherein the actuating means (20) are divided into:

first actuating means (20a) acting on the first, arc-shaped surface (18) in such a way as to move it between the operating positions; and

second actuating means (20b) acting on the second, straight surface (19) in such a way as to move it in height between the operating positions in synchrony with the first actuating means (20a) to keep the second surface (19) perpendicular to the passing paddles (7) at all times.

18. The machine according to claim 17, wherein the first arc-shaped surface (18) and the second straight surface (19) are connected to each other by a third, flexible transition surface (21), with tubular cross section, which forms a telescoping sliding connection between the respective ends of the first surface (18) and of the second surface (19), joined to the third surface (21) itself and permitting the double adjustment of the first surface (18) and second surface (19) by causing the two surfaces (18, 19) to slide relative to the third, flexible tubular surface (21).

19. The machine according to claim 14, wherein the actuating means (20, 20a, 20b) can be activated by a unit (13) for controlling the machine (1).

20. The machine according to claim 14, wherein the depth (H16) of the wall (16) is at least equal to the height of the third, minimum sub-configuration (LA3).

21. The machine according to claim 14, wherein the wall (16) and the first arc-shaped surface (18) in the second, retracted maximum depth position have a total supporting depth (H7) at least equal to the fourth, maximum sub-configuration (LA4).

22. The machine according to claim 14, wherein the control unit (13) controls the actuating means (20, 20a, 20b) in such a way as to enable a forward movement of the first, arc-shaped surface (18), past the predetermined height (H), depending on the configuration, and a guided return movement of the surface (18) itself with the product groups (4) so that, as the product groups (4) advance, the stress created by the pressure on the product groups (4) being positioned on the paddle (7) applied by the product groups (4) positioned on the first feed unit (3) is relieved.