A gripping head for insert sheets for inserting in a receptacle, the insert sheets being sheets of cardboard that are creased to preform at least three folding lines, the gripping head comprising:
- at least two first aspiration elements configured to grasp an insert sheet;
- at least two second aspiration elements configured to grasp the insert sheet;
- a first linear element on which a first one of the at least two first aspiration elements and a first one of the at least two second aspiration elements are mounted and able to slide;
- a second linear element on which a second one of from the at least two first aspiration elements and a second one of the at least two second aspiration elements are mounted and able to slide;
- and
- a controllable actuating mechanism configured to displace the at least two first aspiration elements and the at least two second aspiration elements by sliding on the first linear element and the second linear element into a grasping position, the grasping position being the at least two first aspiration elements and the at least two second aspiration elements positioned at a spacing from each other in order to grasp the insert sheet,
- wherein the at least two first aspiration elements are connected by a first support bar, and the at least two second aspiration elements are connected by a second support bar,
- the controllable actuating mechanism comprises a controllable actuator and a system of connecting rods, the system of connecting rods including:
- a transverse axle connected to the controllable actuator, the transverse axle being vertically movable, and
- at least two connecting rods, each of the at least two connecting rods having:
- a first end pivotably connected to the transverse axle, and
- a second end pivotably connected to one of the at least two first aspiration elements or one of the at least two second aspiration elements,
- the controllable actuator is configured to:
- lower the transverse axle to pivot the at least two connecting rods, thereby sliding the at least two first aspiration elements and the at least two second aspiration elements along the first linear element and the second linear element away from each other, and
- raise the transverse axle to pivot the at least two connecting rods, thereby sliding the at least two first aspiration elements and the at least two second aspiration elements along the first linear element and the second linear element closer to each other, thereby enabling folding of a grasped insert sheet.