Controlled feed for batch packaging

A method for feeding a packaging device for packaging products, comprising:

• moving the products in a transfer direction to a transfer device positionable at a pick-up zone within an upstream module, the transfer device configured to receive an individual transfer of products arriving in a single line traveling in a transfer direction toward the pick-up zone;
• transferring the products in an individually-referenced way at known positions from the pick-up zone where the products arrive in an individually-referenced way one following the other at known positions, to a deposit zone in a deposit area of a conveyor where the products then travel in plural columns for packaging of the products;
• and
• moving the products in a conveying direction for packaging in batches, wherein the conveying direction moves products away from the deposit zone and the conveying direction is different from the transfer direction,
• wherein the transferring occurs through a movement essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction.

A packaging device to package products In batches of at least two of the products, said packaging device comprising:

• a transfer unit positioned at a pick-up area of a pick-up zone and configured to receive an individual transfer of products arriving in a single line traveling in a transfer direction toward the pick-up zone;
• a feed unit located at the pick-up area, the feed unit configured to receive the products traveling in a single line in the pick-up area of the pick-up zone and to then bring the products to a deposit area of a deposit zone for subsequent packaging of the products,
• wherein the feed unit comprises, in the pick-up zone, at least one collector that is movable and position-controlled way, at least one of the products from the transfer unit to the deposit zone;
• and
• a conveyor located at the deposit zone, the conveyor moving products in a conveying direction away from the deposit zone, the conveying direction being different from the transfer direction
• wherein the least one collector deposits the at least one of the products, previously picked up in the pick-up zone, at the deposit zone onto the conveyor so that the products move in batches along the conveyor in the conveying direction with said batches having at least two of the products orientated transversely to said conveying direction, and
• wherein the least one collector has a movement between the pick-up zone and the deposit zone that is perpendicular to the conveying direction.