Patent ID: 12247335

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As can be seen from the figures, the sewing machine according to the invention—indicated as a whole with the reference number1—is configured to make at least one sewing line on free flaps of a bag-like envelope, in particular to close an opening thereof, which has been used to fill that envelope with at least one padding material.

Preferably, the bag-like envelopes100to be sewn have an opening on at least one side and are closed on the remaining sides.

In particular, when empty, the bag-like envelopes100have a substantially “laminar” conformation, i.e. the extension of the thickness is much smaller than that of the other two dimensions (length and width). Therefore, suitably, at the opening, the free flaps101that delimit said opening must be mutually spaced so as to define a passage section suitable for allowing the entry of the padding material.

Conveniently, the envelopes100can be made of fabric, based on natural or synthetic fibers, leather, natural or synthetic, or other materials.

Preferably, the envelopes100consist of two portions100′,100″ facing each other and joined together along the entire perimeter with the exception of a section in which the free (i.e. not mutually joined) edges101, of the two facing portions define/delimit the opening. Conveniently, said section with the free flaps101can involve in whole or in part—preferably at least the central area—of one side of the envelope100.

Preferably, the envelopes100are pillow covers to be filled with feathers, or other soft materials such as wool, wadding or felt or synthetic fibers, such as expanded polystyrene, however they may comprise other bags to be filled and padded, such as training bags for boxing, or pieces of furniture that need padding, or clothing including padded parts such as goose down, or quilted blankets.

The machine for sewing bag envelopes100, in particular for sewing envelopes100in correspondence with the opening delimited by the aforementioned two free overlapping flaps101, comprises at least a support base2and a sewing head3mechanically mounted on the base support2, configured to make a seam line on the free flaps101of the bag envelope100along a seam direction.

Preferably, the machine1comprises a support frame20, intended to be placed on the ground, which carries the aforementioned support base2, advantageously raised with respect to the ground.

The support frame20is advantageously made of metallic material, for example iron or steel and is preferably configured to be mechanically constrained to the ground, so that its position remains fixed, stable and constant over time.

The sewing head3is mounted on the support base2, which advantageously provides at least one main section11, which extends from the support base2, preferably along a substantially vertical direction.

The sewing head3also preferably provides at least one longitudinal member12, which extends transversely from the main trunk11, along an advantageously horizontal direction.

The sewing machine3defines, between the side member12and the support base2, an opening for receiving the aforementioned free flaps101of the envelope100to carry out the aforementioned sewing line.

For this purpose, at a free end12′ of the side member12of the sewing head3is advantageously mounted at least one sewing unit13advantageously facing the support base2and configured to make the aforementioned sewing line.

More in detail, in a manner known per se to the person skilled in the art, the sewing unit13comprises at least one needle facing the support base intended to engage at least one sewing thread to achieve the aforementioned sewing line, in a manner which itself well known to those skilled in the art and therefore not described in detail below.

The machine1according to the invention also comprises holding means4operatively associated with the sewing head3to retain the free flaps101of the envelope100in the bag.

Advantageously, the holding means4comprise at least one gripper14, preferably arranged below the longitudinal member12of the sewing head3.

In accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the holding means4comprise two grippers14spaced apart along a substantially horizontal direction and configured to hold the free flaps101of the envelope100in correspondence with the sewing unit13of the head of sewing3at least during the realization of the sewing line.

The machine1according to the invention also comprises first movement means5operatively associated with the support base2and/or with the holding means4to achieve a relative movement between the sewing head3and the holding means4along a first direction, movement X substantially parallel to the sewing line to allow the sewing head3to realize the sewing line on the aforementioned free flaps101.

In accordance with the preferential but non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the first movement means5comprise at least one bracket15advantageously bearing mounted at least one said gripper14of the holding means4and at least one carriage16(visible in the attachedFIG.8) slidingly engaged to a rail17which extends parallel to the first direction of movement X.

According to the idea underlying the present invention, the machine1also comprises second movement means6for moving the sewing head3and/or the holding means4at least along a second movement direction Y substantially orthogonal with respect to the first movement direction X.

Advantageously, in accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the first movement means5are configured to move the holding means4along the first movement direction X and the second movement means6are configured to move the feeding head, seam3along the aforementioned Y direction.

Obviously, this provision can be inverted, for example, in which the first movement means5are configured to move the sewing head3along the first movement direction X and the second movement means6are configured to move the holding means4along the aforementioned Y direction, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of this patent.

Similarly, the first and second movement means5,6can be configured to move both the sewing head3and the holding means4along the first and second movement directions X, Y so as to achieve the aforementioned relative motion with synergistic movements of the head3and of the holding means4.

Furthermore, according to the idea underlying the present invention, the sewing machine1comprises sensor means7operatively connected to the second movement means6, comprising at least a first sensor8intended to be directed towards the free flaps101of the envelope100bag-shaped and configured to detect an extremal edge of the free flaps101, preferably extending substantially parallel to the first direction of movement X.

Advantageously, the first sensor8of the sensor means7must be understood to be operatively connected to the first movement means6in the in sense of being operatively capable of following the relative movement along the second movement direction Y.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the first sensor8is mechanically mounted on the sewing head3, in particular mounted in correspondence with the sewing unit13.

Advantageously, the first sensor8of the sensor means7is an optical sensor.

According to the idea underlying the present invention, the machine1further comprises at least one electronic control unit electronically connected at least with the sensor means7and with the second movement means6to control the second movement means6to generate the relative motion between the support base2and/or the holding means4for the envelope100along the second direction of movement Y at least for a predetermined portion.

In this way, the machine1object of the present invention makes it possible to create a sewing line on the free flaps101of the envelope100that is always the same for each different envelope100, since the first sensor8of the sensor means7allows to detect the extremal edge and, synergistically with the electronic control unit, commands second sensor means to distance the sewing unit13with respect to this last edge.

Therefore, in fact the machine1object of the invention is able to obviate the drawbacks of the known art, in particular obviating possible fallacious embodiments due to the normal human error of an operator.

Conveniently, the electronic control unit comprises at least one programmable logic controller (PLC), to command, control and synchronize with each other at least the operation of the sensor means7and the second movement means6.

Advantageously, the machine1comprises a user interface (not shown in the attached figures), preferably of the touch screen type, to allow the operator to set, start/stop, and in general command, control and manage the overall operation of the machine, with programming methods known per se to those skilled in the art and therefore not described in detail below.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is programmed to move the support base2carrying the sewing head3along the second direction of movement Y at least starting from the extremal edge of the free flaps101of the bag-like envelope100, detected by the first sensor8of said sensor means7.

Operatively, the first sensor8of the sensor means7intercepts and detects the position of the extremal edge of the free flaps of the envelope100and starting from this position sends a corresponding first electrical signal, which is processed by the electronic control unit to send a corresponding second electrical signal to the second movement means6for moving the support base2along the second movement direction Y at least for the aforementioned predetermined section.

For example, in the case that the envelope100constitutes a cushion, the predetermined section may vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters starting from the extreme edge of the free flaps101.

Conveniently, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the electronic control unit is programmed to command the first movement means5to generate a relative movement between the sewing head3and the holding means4along the first direction, movement X in such a way that the sewing line is made at a substantially constant distance with respect to the extremal edge of the free flaps101and preferably at a distance substantially equal to the aforementioned predetermined portion.

In this way, the machine1object of the present invention makes it possible to create a perfectly straight and equally spaced seam line with respect to the extremal edge of the free flaps100of the envelope100.

Conveniently, in order to achieve the aforementioned sewing line with greater precision, the machine1object of the present invention provides that the sensor means7comprise at least a second sensor9electronically connected to the electronic control unit and intended to be turned towards the edges101of the bag-like envelope100and configured to detect lateral edges102of the bag-like envelope100which laterally delimit the free flaps101.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is programmed to control the first movement means5to generate a relative movement between the sewing head3and the holding means4to form the sewing line between the side edges102of the bag envelope100.

Operationally, the second sensor9is able to detect the lateral edges that laterally delimit the envelope100and to send a corresponding signal to the electronic control unit. The latter receives and processes this signal and emits a corresponding one to activate the sewing unit13to start the sewing line in correspondence with a first lateral edge or to stop the sewing unit13to interrupt the sewing line in correspondence with of the opposite side edge.

More clearly, the electronic control unit is preferably placed in data communication at least with the sensor means7and with the second movement means6and comprises at least one receiving module programmed to receive at least one from the first sensor8of the sensor means7first signal for detecting the extremal edge of said free flaps101.

The electronic control unit also advantageously comprises at least one processing module programmed to process the first detection signal and generate a corresponding first command signal containing the value of the predetermined section starting from the extremal edge.

The electronic control unit advantageously further comprises a control module programmed to send the first control signal to the first movement means for moving the sewing head3and/or the holding means4along the first movement direction X at least for the aforementioned predetermined section.

Furthermore, preferably, the electronic control unit is placed in data communication with the first movement means5and the receiving module is programmed to receive from the second sensor9of the sensor means7at least a second detection signal of at least one of the side edges102of the bag-like envelope100.

Furthermore, the processing module is preferably programmed to process the second detection signal and generate a corresponding second control signal.

Similarly, the control module is programmed to send the second control signal to the second movement means6to move the holding means4along the second movement direction Y to intercept the side edges102with the sewing head.3(and in particular with the sewing unit13) and carry out the sewing line between the lateral edges102of the bag-like envelope100.

Advantageously, the first movement means5and/or the second movement means6comprise at least one electric motor, electronically connected to the electronic control unit and capable of being activated to move the holding means4and/or the sewing head3.

More in detail, the first movement means5comprise a worm screw mechanically associated with the support base2and with the electric motor for converting the rotary motion of the electric motor into a longitudinal motion advantageously parallel to the second movement direction Y.

Advantageously, the first sensor8of the sensor means7comprises at least a first emitter30and at least a first receiver31, which define a space S between them. Conveniently, the space S is configured to be at least partially occupied by the free flaps101of the bag-like envelope100. In other words, the free flaps101are intended to be substantially interposed between the first emitter30and the first receiver31.

In accordance with the particular embodiment illustrated in the attachedFIG.11, preferably, the first sensor8of the sensor means7further comprises a second emitter32and a second receiver33.

Preferably, the second emitter32and the second receiver33are placed side by side with the first emitter30and the second receiver31. Conveniently, the second emitter32and the second receiver33define a second space S′ between them, preferably substantially equal to the defined space S between the first emitter30and the first receiver31.

Preferably, the first space S and the second space S′ have a linear distance, defined respectively between the first emitter and the first receiver30,31and between the second emitter and the second receiver32,33, such as to allow the passage of the free flaps101of the bag envelope100.

Advantageously, the first emitter30and the first receiver31are vertically aligned. Preferably, the second emitter32and the second receiver33are also vertically aligned and horizontally side by side with the first emitter and receiver30,31.

Conveniently, a volume with linear length L remains defined between the first emitter and receiver30,31and the second emitter and receiver32,33.

Advantageously, the first emitter30and the second emitter32are configured to emit a corresponding first electromagnetic signal and a second electromagnetic signal.

Advantageously, moreover, the first receiver31and the second receiver33are configured to send a corresponding first electrical signal and a second electrical signal to the electronic control unit.

The first emitter30is preferably an optical emitter, configured to emit a first optical signal. Likewise, preferably the second emitter32is also an optical emitter, configured to emit a second optical signal.

Advantageously, the first receiver31is an optical receiver, in particular configured to receive the first optical signal emitted by the first emitter31and generate the corresponding first electrical reception signal and send it to the electronic control unit. Similarly, the second receiver33is also an optical receiver, in particular configured to receive the second optical signal emitted by the second emitter32and generate a corresponding second electrical reception signal and send it to the electronic control unit.

More in detail, the receivers31,33send an electrical reception signal when they receive the corresponding electromagnetic signal from the corresponding emitter30,32and a different non-reception electrical signal when they do not receive any signal from the emitters30,32.

The extreme edge of the free flaps101of the bag-like envelope100is preferably configured to remain arranged within the length L of the volume defined between the first emitter and receiver30,31and the second emitter and receiver32,33.

In this way, the first electromagnetic signal, and in particular optical, emitted by the first emitter30intercepts the free edge101of the bag-like envelope100and does not reach the first receiver31, which sends the corresponding electrical signal of no reception to the electronic control unit.

Otherwise, the second electromagnetic signal, and in particular optical, emitted by the second emitter32reaches the second receiver33, which sends the corresponding second electrical reception signal to the electronic control unit.

The electronic control unit is suitably programmed to receive the electrical signal of the receivers31,33of the first sensor8and send a corresponding command signal to the second movement means6to move the sewing head3and/or the holding means4along the second direction of movement Y to keep the free edge101interposed between the first emitter30and the first receiver31.

In this way, the machine according to the invention allows the sewing line to be kept at a constant distance with respect to the extremal edge of the free parts101of the bag-like envelope100even if the extremal edge is not perfectly straight, for example if present curves or jaggedness or the like.

More in detail, the electronic control unit is configured to control the second movement means6so that the free flap101of the bag envelope100is interposed only between the first emitter30and the first receiver31.

In other words, the electronic control unit is configured to control the second movement means6in such a way as to constantly receive the first electrical no-reception signal from the first receiver31and the second electrical reception signal from the second receiver33. Preferably, the machine1according to the invention comprises cleaning means50, mechanically mounted on the sewing head3and configured to clean the extremal edges of the free flaps101.

Preferably, the cleaning means50are arranged upstream with respect to the sensor means7with respect to the direction of movement X of the envelope bag100during its sewing.

In this way, the cleaning means50remove any indentations or unwanted external bodies (such as, for example, portions of padding or the like) before they are erroneously detected by the sensor means7, which could distort the detection of the sensor8.

Advantageously, the cleaning means50comprise at least a blowing apparatus configured to emit, by means of a blowing head51, a flow of pressurized air directed towards the aforementioned extremal edge of the free flaps101, in particular to remove any unwanted objects present in correspondence of the extremal edge itself.

A further machine for sewing bag envelopes is also described below, which is of the same type as the machine described up to now and whose reference numbers will be maintained.

The machine1for sewing bag envelopes100, according to the invention, is equipped with a front side A for the realization of said seam and comprises a support frame20, a first sewing head3mechanically mounted on the support frame20in a first position with respect to the front side A, configured to make a seam line on free flaps101of the bag envelope100along a seam direction.

The machine1also comprises a second sewing head3′ mechanically mounted on the support frame20in a second position with respect to the front side A, configured to make a sewing line on the free flaps101of the bag-like envelope100along the direction of seam.

Obviously, all the above characteristics with particular reference to the sewing head3also refer to the same sewing heads3,3′ of the machine described therein.

According to the idea underlying the present invention, the support frame20includes at least a movable portion21. The first sewing head3and the second sewing head3′ are mechanically mounted on this movable portion21.

Furthermore, according to the idea underlying the present invention, the machine1further comprises actuator means22mechanically associated with the movable portion21of the support frame20to move it in at least a first working configuration in which the first sewing head3is placed at the front side A and a second working configuration in which the second sewing head3′ is located at the front side A itself.

In this way, the machine object of the present invention makes it possible to change a sewing head3which requires maintenance with a second sewing head3′ which is perfectly functional in a quick and simple way, without the need to stop the machine1for a long period of weather.

In fact, as soon as the first head3requires maintenance, the actuator means22are activated to move the mobile portion from the first working configuration to the second working configuration in order to immediately continue the sewing operations with the second sewing head3′.

In fact, the first head3can be subject to maintenance during normal operation of the second head3′, obviating the drawback of lengthening production times due to an unwanted machine downtime.

Advantageously, the movable portion21of the support frame20extends mainly along a main lying plane and defines an upper surface, on which the first sewing head3and the second sewing head3′ are mechanically mounted, and a lower surface, facing away from the upper surface.

Conveniently, moreover, in accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the actuator means22are mechanically connected to the lower surface of the movable portion21.

Obviously, the actuator means can be provided mechanically connected to the upper surface of the movable portion21without thereby departing from the scope of protection of this patent.

Advantageously, the movable portion21of the support frame20is rotatable around a substantially vertical central axis Z, at least between a first angular position in the first working configuration and a second angular position in the second working configuration.

The actuator means22preferably comprise at least one motor23mechanically connected to the lower surface of the movable portion21of the support frame20and operable to rotate the movable portion21between the first angular position and the second angular position.

More in detail, the actuator means also comprise at least one hub24constrained to the lower surface of the movable portion21of the support frame and constrained in form coupling with a transmission shaft of the motor23, which shaft advantageously develops parallel to the central axis Z, i.e. substantially vertically.

Preferably, the first sewing head3and the second sewing head3′ are mounted specular to each other with respect to the central axis Z.

More in detail, the first angular position and the second angular position are diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the central axis Z.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the machine1may comprise three or more sewing heads3, preferably mounted on the movable portion21of the support frame20in order to allow the head3located at the front side A to be changed more than once, in case more than one sewing head needs maintenance at the same time.

Furthermore, all the characteristics of the aforementioned first sewing machine refer to the sewing machine described up to now.

In particular, the support base2and the holding means4can be mechanically mounted on the mobile portion21of the support frame20.

In this way, it is possible to make a machine1equipped with both the aforementioned advantages of precision in the production of the sewing line and the advantages described herein of reliability in the event of failures, being able to quickly change the sewing head in the case of maintenance.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus200for handling bag-shaped envelopes100, in particular of envelopes provided with an opening delimited by two free overlapping flaps101, which according to the idea underlying the invention comprises at least one machine1for sewing bag envelopes100described above, of which the same reference numbers will be kept for simplicity of explanation.

According to the invention, the apparatus200comprises at least one filling station201, equipped with filling means202to fill the envelope100in a bag with at least one padding material.

Preferably, the filling station201is configured for example to insert, by means of an injection mouth207, a stuffing material (feathers, wool, cotton, or other, preferably soft, materials) into the envelopes100to be filled, for example into the linings, in order to obtain pillows.

Operationally, the apparatus according to the invention—indicated as a whole with the reference number200—is configured for the manipulation and management of bag containing envelopes100and, in particular, is configured to take at least one empty envelope100at a time from at least one stack of said envelopes provided at a first station, and transferring the collected envelope to a second station which is equipped with a machine designed to carry out a processing or operation on said envelope, preferably for filling said envelope with a material of padding.

Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one transfer device203configured to transfer at least one envelope100from said at least one filling station201to at least one said sewing machine1.

The transfer device203is advantageously configured to take a single envelope100, from the injection mouth207of the filling station201, and transfers it to the sewing machine1in which the subsequent processing/manufacturing operation of the sewing line on the free flaps101on the single envelope100picked up and handled.

Preferably, the transfer device203acts on the envelope100having the two free flaps101, which delimit the opening, which have been partially separated so as to cause a first expansion, preferably partial, of the opening which thus defines a first section passage for the padding material.

For example, the aforementioned expansion of the flaps101can take place manually, through the action of an operator who takes a envelope100from a stack of empty envelopes100and positions them with the opening engaged by the injection mouth201of the filling station201for their filling.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the transfer device203is configured to position the envelope100at the filling station201so that the injection mouth207of the latter enters the opening of the envelope100, by spreading the free flaps101of the two facing portions of the envelope100.

Advantageously, the transfer device203is provided with a gripping head206.

Preferably, the transfer device203is a robotic manipulator, for example a robotic arm, or of the anthropomorphic type and/or of the type used in the industrial context, equipped with a fixed end mounted on a lower base208and a movable end, opposite to the fixed end, which carries the gripping head206mounted. Conveniently, the robotic manipulator is mounted on the base208which, advantageously, can be provided with means (not shown) for its movement. Preferably, the robotic manipulator has a structure with at least 4 degrees of freedom.

Conveniently, in a different embodiment not shown, the transfer device203comprises a suitable frame with handling units equipped with actuators and configured to rotate the gripping head66around corresponding axes and/or to make it translate along corresponding guides so as to cause the transfer of said head between the first station33and the second station34.

Gripping means209are mounted on the gripping head206for gripping a wrapper100at the filling station201and for retaining it during its transfer to the sewing machine1. In particular, at the filling station201the gripping means209act on the envelope100to release it from the injection port207.

Conveniently, the gripping means209are configured to clamp the envelope100so as to make it integral with the gripping head206, which is mounted, to the movable end of the transfer device203. Preferably, the gripping means209are configured to clamp the envelope100coming into contact with the external surfaces of the two portions that make up the envelope itself.

Advantageously, it comprises centering means204operatively associated with the transfer device203, configured to arrange the free flaps101of the envelope100in a bag in a predetermined position with respect to the sewing head3of the sewing machine1.

More in detail, the centering means204comprise at least one movable member, which is mounted on a gripping head206of the transfer device203, and is movable between a first compact configuration in which said movable member has a smaller overall dimensions than to the opening of the envelope100to thus allow its insertion into the opening, and a second dilated configuration in which the movable member has the same or greater overall dimensions than the opening so as to engage the envelope100in correspondence with its lateral edges102; the envelope100is thus arranged, with respect to the gripping head206, in a predetermined reciprocal position.

Preferably, the electronic control unit is electronically connected to the transfer device203and is programmed to move the gripping head206with the movable member in the expanded configuration near the holding means4of the sewing machine1, in the aforementioned predetermined position.

In this way, the apparatus200allows you to move each envelope100and position it in correspondence with the sewing machine1in a predetermined position centered with the sewing head3to create the sewing line automatically.

Advantageously, centering means204are mounted on the gripping head206and are configured to fit into the opening of the envelope100to keep the edges101of said envelope100spaced apart once the envelope100is released and/or it is detached/disassociated from the injection mouth207of the filling station201to be moved towards the sewing machine1.

Advantageously, the centering means are also configured to cause an expansion of the free flaps101of the two portions of the envelope100so that the opening, delimited by said two free flaps, allows the passage inside the injection mouth207.

Conveniently, the transfer device203is configured to move the gripping head206between the filling station201and the sewing machine1, as well as to cause the gripping head206to move between a first orientation (to be assumed at the station filling201, not shown) and a second orientation (to be assumed in correspondence with the sewing machine, seeFIGS.9and10).

Preferably, in said first orientation, the gripping head206is substantially arranged vertically to keep the envelope raised with respect to the ground and associated with the injection mouth207of the filling means202of the filling station201. Preferably, however, when it is in said second orientation (seeFIGS.9and10), the gripping head206is substantially arranged horizontally and is perpendicular to the removed envelope which, being held by the gripping means209of the head itself, hangs vertically.

As mentioned, the centering means are mounted on the gripping head206, which have (at least) a basic configuration in which the means themselves define (discontinuously or continuously) an insertion section, which is preferably smaller than the opening of the envelope100, to thus allow the insertion of the centering means within the opening itself.

Advantageously, the presence of the centering means also allows to maintain the dilated condition of the two free flaps101by engaging the envelope in the same way for each envelope engaged by the centering means of the centering means.

Conveniently, the movable member of the centering means is made by means of at least one pair of spreading arms which with their ends define the overall dimensions of said insertion section and which, once inserted in said opening of the envelope100, are intended to come into contact with the internal surface of said envelope100, in correspondence with the lateral edges102to engage the envelope100always in the same reciprocal position with respect to the gripping head206. Preferably, the arms of each pair are movable in mutual approach and distance.

Advantageously, the spreader arms can have a curved outer end and, preferably, the apex of the arms is slightly folded inwards.

Advantageously, the presence and action of the spreading arms of the centering means also allows maintaining the spread configuration of the two free flaps101of the envelope100, even during the transfer of the envelope—which has been gripped by the gripping means209—from filling station201to sewing machine1.

Conveniently, the passage section of said opening obtained and maintained following the action of the spreading arms is such as to allow the insertion, inside said opening, of the injection mouth207of the filling means202for filling provided in the filling station201.

Conveniently, the actuations of the gripping means209and of the centering means204mounted on the gripping head206are motorized and, advantageously, are controlled to be automated and synchronized with the movements of the transfer device203.

Advantageously, the actuation of the gripping means206and the centering means204is commanded and controlled by a control and command unit on the basis of the measurements made by a suitable sensor system mounted on the gripping head206and on the transfer device203.

Preferably, the apparatus200comprises a second electronic control unit of the transfer device203. Conveniently, said second electronic control unit is connected to the electronic control unit of the sewing machine1and communicate with each other to synchronize the movement of the transfer device203and to allow a correct centering of each envelope100by engaging with the centering means204. Conveniently, the second unit is configured to command and control the gripping means209and the centering means204of the gripping head206.

Advantageously, the apparatus200can comprise a single electronic control unit configured to control and command both the sewing machine1and the transfer device203and its gripping head206.

From what has been said it is clear that the sewing machine and the apparatus for handling bag envelopes according to the invention are particularly advantageous as:it is operationally completely reliable and in particular it allows realizing a large number of seams obviating the risk of creating different sewing lines;it requires scarce maintenance interventions and therefore allows to obtain a high efficiency in the realization of the casings;it can also be used with existing and operational machines and/or systems;it is simple and easy to use, as well as reducing maintenance interventions;it can be used with casings of substantially any shape, size, material and/or fabric.it has an alternative characterization, both in constructive and functional terms, compared to traditional ones;it can be used and installed in line in plants for the production of pillows or the like;it allows to obtain cushions of high quality standard;it can be created simply, quickly and with low costs.allows fully automated handling of pouch wraps, preferably empty liners to be filled with a padding material to obtain corresponding cushions,allows precise, and even complex, handling of bag wrappers,allows you to handle casings of different sizes and/or different materials and, in particular, also of different fabrics,

The present invention has been illustrated and described in one of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may be applied to it in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of this patent for industrial invention.